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With the spirit-centric CD release - Eternal Vol.1: Fill Us One Again - Minister Eric Spooner emerges as a new and noteworthy figure from New Orleans with a passion and pensive approach towards ministry that centers on worship. As a product of the church, Eric Spooner has honed his holy craft as a musician, vocalist and Worship Leader by commitment and Christ-like emulation.
The result of his faithfulness has been a music ministry of Levitical proportion. His music is changing lives, his lifestyle is leading by example and his ministry is transforming a region of the country under spiritual and ecological attack, all through the power of music. We recently spoke with the Baton Rouge native about his upbringing in church and his perspective on the wonder working power of worship.
Christopher Heron: Minister Spooner, you're evidently a man that's immersed in the Word of God. Are there any particular biblical texts that have defined your mission, your life and your calling to fulfill the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Eric Spooner: Yes, one of the scriptures that represent my calling and anointing is Romans 8:19-21. It talks about how the earth is groaning for the sons of God to be revealed in the earth. The true sons of God represent holiness, truth, worship, and the original plan and purpose of God. I truly believe that my mission and goal is to awaken those around the world who are the true worshippers.
CH: It seems to me that at a very early age, you understood that to serve God in spirit and in truth and experience the power of His Holy Spirit would require an unwavering, uncompromising lifestyle and life that emphasized godly principles. Could you speak to this particular stance you made at a very early age? What inspired you to stand boldly and firmly on the side of the Lord and his commandments?
ES: I was born and raised in the church, a holiness or Pentecostal upbringing, so my foundational teachings were rooted in living a life holy unto God, to sing under the anointing of God, and please God at all times. Although, there are many things out in the world today that would cause a young person to stray or try things considered ungodly, I was a little different.
Like any other child in church, I received Christ as my Savior, but it wasn’t until I was 15 years old, I encountered the true Christ for myself, and He transformed my life, and since that time, I’ve never been the same.
After my encounter with the Lord, things changed drastically for me, and through my close relationship with Him, I gained a greater knowledge and understanding of Him. This caused me to obey His commandments. Yes, I had peer pressure as a teenager and even later in life, but because I was more of a leader than a follower, it didn’t affect me as much. I made a vow to abstain from sex before marriage, and God has helped me continue on this path.
I taught many young people and older as well, that Worship was my safety net, I stayed very close to God, and He protected me. I continue to teach and encourage young people to stay pure. It’s not easy at all, with media, television, peers, and even friends in Christian circles not living this way, but it doesn’t matter. We must draw closer to God daily to gain the strength to live according to His word.
CH: For many Gospel music fans and Christians, your music and ministry will come as a new revelation. Tell us the evolution and journey of your ministry, from a young teen with talent to a recording artist and minister. What were the critical stages that prepared you for this next chapter in ministry?
ES: I grew up singing in church, teaching music, and recording. I began recording at the age of 11, I did background vocals on a Children’s album for Warner Brothers. I worked with local, regional, and national artists, including my cousin, Micah Stampley, on the road and studio. My brothers and I were leaders in music from kids. I traveled across the country to many churches and overseas as well. As I stated before, my path in life was a little different, because of my calling.
After working with several ministries and using my gift among other artists, ministers, and musicians, I found myself being pulled away from the normal Gospel music scene. I didn’t know it at the time, but God was getting ready to give me something deeper than what I was familiar with. Through times of prayer and worship, I was inspired to write songs like, “He’ll Give You Peace”, when I was only 16 years old, and “I Will Dwell” came at an intense time in my life when it was just me and God.
I’m now 28 years old, and God still inspires me the same way. I was always gifted with singing and writing, but as I got closer to God, the only thing I was inspired to write was “Worship”. I never sat down and said “this will be a worship song”, it’s just the format or the style God put in my spirit. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit became the sole focus and passion in my life, I not only sang and wrote songs, but I began to teach and preach on Worship, the holy place, and the power of leading others into the presence of God.
Teaching on Worship, the prophetic, and the mandate of a Worshipper continues to consume my life and ministry. God took me through a 4 year journey to birth out this project. Truly, I know that this project belongs to God and not me. The preparation to birth out songs like “Riverflow” and “I Will Dwell” put me in an intense place at times, very painful as well. God placed a burden on me to tell people what was on His heart and what was on his mind. I believe this is the next chapter of music ministry.
CH: You're a resident of New Orleans, a city that has been characterized by its hedonism and has worked hard in its recovery from Hurricane Katrina. You're a native of Louisiana. What is the current spiritual condition of the believers in the area? And what ways are you seeking to contribute to its recovery and development, both psychologically and spiritually, through your music ministry?
ES: Yes, I’m a Baton Rouge native, but I live in New Orleans. The believers in New Orleans are in a spiritual battle that has caused them to pull together more and pray more. There is so much history in New Orleans, and so many people have come here to visit, tour, or contribute something during the disasters. I believe the churches are continuing the work they feel is most needed to help the people recover and rebuild, but yet there is so much work to be done.
On July 12, 2009, I will host “First Love Worship Night”, it’s the premiere event for people to experience Worship, Ministry, and so much more in New Orleans. I started this event, which is a monthly event, every 2nd Sunday, to bring people of all backgrounds, churches, and walks of life together to do one thing, simply “WORSHIP GOD”. I believe this will bring down religious barriers, unite people to come into agreement to decree that the city will be a place of Worship & Prayer, and restoration will come back to New Orleans for God’s glory. I will present different recording artists and guests each month with a special message of healing. The event is put on by the Pure Stream International Network.
CH: Your new album is entitled, Eternal Vol.1: Fill Us Once Again. It's an intriguing title. There are essentially two phrases, a title and subtitle. What was the inspiration for the song and title of your new album?
ES: I’m glad you asked me this question. One of the main things that God impressed on me during that 4 year season of writing and producing was, “ETERNITY”. Worship is not something you do only on Sunday mornings or when you go to church, but it’s a lifestyle that you will live here on Earth. You will take it on into eternity. This is the reason why it’s so important for the church to understand the importance of true Worship while we’re still here on the earth, because Worship is the highest form of prayer to God.
So, ETERNAL is a series of worship projects I hope will never end in my life, but I will take all that God has placed inside of me into eternity. The subtitle: Fill Us Once Again, is the title track. This is one of the songs that speaks of the nations longing for a fresh touch from God. It’s really my heart’s cry. It’s actually God’s desire that we cry out to Him, so that we will be filled with His spirit again.
CH: The album certainly is arranged and presented in the familiar cadence and spirit of Praise & Worship music. Could you share a little about your music ministry and how it’s found its voice and expression on the recording of your new album, Eternal Vol.1?
ES: Well, this album is for anyone who loves good music. More importantly, this will take you into the presence of God. I don’t take it lightly, because I know that I have an assignment and obligation to bring people beyond their trouble, circumstances, and pain when I’m singing and ministering. Worship to God has the power to change anything. Worship is prayer in musical form. Since most of the songs were birthed during a time of prayer and worship that’s what the listener can expect to hear. You will hear different musical styles, but this album will definitely connect with your spirit and bring a refreshing and healing into your life.
CH: Your lifestyle and ministry is fundamentally grounded in principles that challenge you to live exactly what you sing about. Why is this principle so important for you, as an artist and Christian? And from your perspective, is that terribly different from other Gospel recording artists?
ES: The principle and conviction of living what I sing about means everything to me. I know that everywhere I go my life is being read by someone. I’ve never been ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so the pressure to compromise or become something else just isn’t an option for me. I live everyday of my life very carefully, so that it pleases God. I want people to see me and see Christ, and I really mean that. There are no gray shades with me.
I respect and honor several other gospel artists out there, because they have integrity and exemplify holy living, but there are other gospel artists who don’t live according to God’s word and I’ve seen their lifestyles behind the scenes. It has grieved me that some will compromise or treat the church like a gig, and they forget that as a Gospel artist, you do have a responsibility to be one who is able to bring people into God’s presence with your music as well as your lifestyle. My goal is to bring restoration and reformation to that area in music ministry.
CH: Finally Minister Spooner, what is your prayer and desire for those who will encounter your music and ministry for perhaps the first time, as they listen to Eternal Vol.1: Fill Us Once Again?
ES: My desire
is that people become excited about the presence of God again. I believe God
wants our desires to change to become more hungry and thirsty for Him. I know
that there are songs on the CD that will bless many people just wanting to hear
something fresh from God. I pray this will be an answer to someone’s prayer. I
understand that many will see me as a Worshipper, and that’s ok, because I am.
It’s my hearts passion and my lifeline. I hope that once a person gets to the
end of the CD, they will cry out to God, and say, “Lord, fill me once again”. 
