print: Paula Morris (United Christian Artists Associaion - UCAA) / Interview / BlackGospel.com - Your Music Ministry Source!

Interview with Paula Morris
founder and president,
UCAA (United Christian Artists Association)

August, 2006, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

In a few short weeks, the 2^nd Annual United Christian Artists Association Conference will convene in Baltimore, Maryland. Unlike many conferences on the industry circuit, the UCAA will provide very practical, essential tools for its registrants who work in ministry, the Gospel industry and the arts through a series of thought-provoking seminars hosted by esteem guest speakers. With seasoned spiritual shepherds like Donnie McClurkin, Dr. Barry C. Black, Joel Kibble and others on hand to provide special expertise and priceless advice, the event promises to leave all its registrants with a new skill set they can take back to their respective ministries.

BlackGospel.com spoke with Paula Morris, the founder, president and jet engine behind UCAA. Her passion and quest to see Independent artists and ministries grow has thrust her into the spotlight and driven her to new frontiers and unimaginable plateaus. Our conversation revealed a heart for excellence and a mindset to elevate the people of God through fundamental principles applied by the most faithful of God’s servants.

Christopher Heron: The United Christian Artists Association Annual Conference is a comparatively new conference on the Gospel industry circuit. Tell us a little about this particular conference. And how does it distinguish itself from the many conferences, seminars and events marketed to artists, ministers and individuals tied to the Christian music industry?

Paula Morris: Sure. The UCAA music conference is geared towards enriching both Independent Christian artists and church-based music ministries, and their leaders as well. Whether the ministry is in front of thousands of people, transmitted across the airwaves, in the production studios, or lifted in worship by church congregations, our aim is to be that sharpening stone which refines the ministry into one that is pleasing to God and that reveals Him to all people. We have a special emphasis on the Independent artist, because we know that nothing is impossible with God. This special emphasis, I believe, separates us from most other events.

CH: The UCAA enjoyed a great launch last year in Atlanta, Georgia. Yet, the conference this year will be hosted in Baltimore, Maryland. Why did you opt to change cities for the UCAA 2^nd Annual Conference?

PM: In late 2005, the Breath of Life Ministries did an evangelistic series at a church in Baltimore called Miracle Temple Worship Center. I was moved by the series and was really impressed with the spirit of the church. I read an article about their Pastor, Frederick K. Russell, and was really impressed to reach out to him. I felt he would see the vision for UCAA. I spoke with Pastor Russell, and quickly understood how his leadership and thirst for God has fostered that powerful worship spirit that I experienced during the series. Pastor Russell invited UCAA to come to his church and he offered to partner with us by hosting the conference. I know the hand of God is on this partnership.

CH: You have a marquee list of keynote speakers and psalmists. Who are some of the guests you’re really excited about introducing to registrants this year? And why did you select some of these very special personalities?

PM: Every year we ask God to lead us and direct those whom He will to us. We are blessed to have everyone who will be ministering at the conference. Of course, I am really excited about Pastor Donnie McClurkin coming to share with our attendees. Pastor McClurkin has a tremendous testimony of how God orders our steps when we submit to His will.

I am also excited about Dr. Barry Black, our nation’s first African American Chaplain to the United States Senate. His story, “From the Hood to the Hill,” which is also the title of his recently published book, is a powerful witness to his story and an awesome example of how God will bless those who obey his will. He has a remarkable ministry and has a tremendous influence with those in the US Senate as well as those who are everyday people.

Brandon Perry is an anointed psalmist who delivers the Word of God through a unique rap-style presentation. When he writes rhymes, he says he’s “memorizing scripture, talking to God, and reaffirming his understanding of biblical truths that pertain to his salvation.”

And then, there’s Joel Kibble from Take 6. I’ve known Joey for many years; he is a PK (Pastor’s Kid) like me! I’ve always loved the music of Take 6, so it’s really exciting to have him be apart of the conference this year. He has a special message of covenant commitment that God ordains in his own union of music ministry and marriage to wife Karima Trotter of Virtue.

But as I mentioned, we are bringing in those who are on the frontlines of worship each week – Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr., of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, DC; Dr. Lloyd Mallory from Sligo SDA Church, in Maryland (also former Director of the famed Oakwood Aeolians); the Producers, Roger Ryan; those involved in media, Richard Picart of GospelCity.com; the artists – John Stoddart who has been on both sides independent and with a major label; Vanessa Williams of Vision; the sound team; the worship arts ministries.

CH: It requires an incredibly strong higher calling and an undeniable vision to launch a conference of this magnitude. Tell us how this particular conference was placed on your heart and how you received the vision for this enormous undertaking.

PM: In 2003, I was a volunteer for the Gospel Praise and Worship conference, led by Teresa Hairston and the Gospel Today staff. I recognized, however, that my own church didn’t have anything for the artists or church-based music ministries within our area, and I wanted to do something about that. God inspired me to start first with assisting those Independent artists, and the vision grew as church staff began calling me to provide a forum for both group.

I am a teacher by trade, and I really wanted to provide a forum for practical training in music ministry. I wasn’t interested in simply a roster of well known individuals coming and talking. I wanted to include those music ministers in the trenches who could help instill the call to God-driven excellence in our churches, and to bridge the divide between the church and the artist (there is one you know!). Vanessa Williams will lead a master session: Servants or Stars? Christian Attitudes Concerning the Gospel Music Industry.

CH: Who is this UCAA conference intended for? And what type of skills and knowledge will the average person likely gain once they’ve left the event?

PM: Our conference is for the Independent Artist, technicians, managers and producers – We offer a new artists boot camp, training on managing their finances, getting radio airplay, maintaining balance in ministry and family, recording an Independent project; and marketing their ministry successfully.

For Choir Leaders - We will deal with the transformational power that the worship choir community brings to the modern-worshiping church and cover why an effective choir community can assist in deepening a congregation’s worship journey overall. We also offer vocal training and coaching

For Pastors – We don’t leave out the shepherds of the congregations - God’s biblical design for Praise & Worship, using technology to enhance the worship experience and to evangelize and finally, scriptural arts.

For Worship leaders and teams and Musicians - We offer sessions on leading youth into worship; Levite Praise: God’s Biblical Design for Praise & Worship; worship demonstration for musicians on being sensitive to the Holy Spirit in worship.

And this year, we included worship arts (Drama and Liturgical Dance) and their connection with music in worship.

CH: Finally Paula, do you have any final parting words for our audience?

PM: God is so awesome! It is a privilege to be in ministry for Him. Don’t forget that our conference is scheduled for August 31 – September 2, in Baltimore, MD. You can get more information on our website at www.ucaaonline.org.

I would also like to invite the BlackGospel.com readers to join our association. We believe in supporting the music ministries and the Independent artists. Its $20 to join and you get on the list and get free referrals. We refer the UCAA artist list to those who are searching for music for their churches and events. It’s a great way to get your music ministry some exposure. We hope to see each of your readers at the conference! Thanks Christopher for this chance to share our ministry. God be praised!

To contact Paula Morris Sanders, call 678-284-0158 or email her at paulam@ucaaonline.org. For more information on the United Christian Artists Association Annual Conference, visit the official website at www.ucaaonline.org.