Local Pastor Honored for His Gospel Music, Signs Record Deal

Rev. Jerry Yates, part-time local pastor of Mt. Carmel UMC in Newnan, makes music his ministry, both in his local church and as he travels the country. When he's not in the pulpit, Yates is a solo artist, songwriter, and acoustic guitar player. 

"I travel everywhere I can to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song," said Yates.

Yates was approached in February by an independent record label, Tate Music Group, who offered him a formal contract. His first CD on that label will be released soon. (He has self-released six CDs.) The offer comes as no surprise to his fans.

"His rock-a-blues, folk-country-ballad, acoustic guitar complemented his Elvis-Johnny Cash-like voice, as he performed mostly his own original writings and a few covers," wrote a reporter at the Newnan Times-Herald after a recent concert. "Yates took his personal tales, Bible verses, and other stories, and weaved them into free flowing poetry in song that all could understand."

This boost to his ministry comes just on the heels of being named 2008 Roots Music Gospel Artist of the Year. The award ceremony was held last November in San Marcos, Texas. 

For more about Rev. Jerry Yates Ministries (including a quote from his famous cousin, Willard Scott of NBC's Today Show), visit www.jerryyatesministries.com.