(RNS) — CeCe Winans is known for her gospel-singing family and her award-winning contemporary Christian music.
But after more than four decades in that industry, Winans seeks to be a bridge-builder across generations, encouraging older folks to share their faith and life lessons with younger people who may or may not have darkened church doors.
At 58, the author of the new book “Believe for It: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation” is practicing what she’s preaching.
She and her husband, Alvin Love II, are founding co-pastors of the nondenominational Nashville Life Church but “Pastor Mom and Dad” have turned over the leadership of the multigenerational and multicultural congregation to their son, Alvin Love III.
“Believe for It: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation” by CeCe Winans. Photo by Five Pence Photography
“We have to learn that we can’t wait until people are perfect before they get into position,” Winans said in an interview. “It has been amazing. He has grown the church, but I just love the way he does things totally different than what we did ’em but yet it’s so much better. So, no regrets. Praise God.”
Winans also emphasizes intergenerational wisdom-sharing through the “Generations” YouTube show she co-hosts with her daughter, Ashley Phillips, and by featuring her mother, Delores Winans, in her Generations Live conferences. She also included then-19-year-old MDSN (pronounced “Madison”) on her “Believe for It” album, the focus of her concert tour, which restarts this spring.
RELATED: CeCe Winans first Black female soloist to win Artist of the Year at Dove Awards
Winans talked with Religion News Service about her hopes for opening doors for younger artists, what she’s learned from “church mothers” and why retirement is not on her mind, despite admitting she loves just staying home and spending time with her young grandson.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Congratulations on recently being named Artist of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards. What did it mean for you that this came after you recorded “Believe for It,” the name of your most recent album as well as your new book, and after 40 years in music ministry?
Exactly. (laughs) Receiving that award was just — I don’t think I have the words — I was so honored, humbled, excited and really in shock. I wasn’t expecting it at all. But to have been out here for over 40 years and to still be welcomed — and not just welcomed but celebrated to that level — all I can say is: To God be the glory.
CeCe Winans accepts an award during the recent Dove Awards. Photo courtesy of Wander Creative
What do you think that recognition says about the state of the contemporary Christian music industry, given that you were the first African American female soloist to receive it?
Well, I think it’s a step, a big step in the right direction. And hopefully, it’s encouraging to see more diversity in our industry occupying all the different levels of award. I know there are extremely talented young people who are coming after me that will deserve that spot. And I feel good about that door being open so others can walk through as well.
RELATED: With first solo CD in 9 years, CeCe Winans keeps singing — and pastoring
Your new book focuses on your belief that older Christians can pass on their faith to young people. With a declining worship attendance across the United States, what advice do you have for the elders as they seek to do that?
Well, my advice is to get busy. As you get older, as you accomplish certain things, you kind of feel like you need to step back, you need to slow down. And it’s the total opposite. That’s totally contrary to what I believe God wants us to do as believers. As a believer, you never retire.
So this is an urgent cry. This is an urgent need for all of us as believers, especially those my age and older, to get busy pouring into the next generation. There’s somebody that you can pour into that’s coming up after you.
What do you say to younger people who may not be ready to listen to their religious elders?
It is time to listen. (laughs) We live in a society that does not honor elders enough. And that’s one of the commandments in the Bible, is to honor your mother and father, to respect your elders, and with that comes a blessing. And so this is an alarm for them to listen. Humble yourself. Seek out older people. As a teenager, I loved hanging out with the mothers of the church. I saw them walk out life in a total different way than the younger people did: They weren’t stressed. They weren’t full of anxiety. They weren’t full of fear. But they filled their lives with prayer. And because of that, they gained wisdom. And so, young people, if you’re going to have wisdom, if you really want to succeed in life, you got to listen to those who have already been there.
You described your life as a “mix of sparkly, public successes and unseen, holy moments.” Could you briefly describe a key example of each?
“Believe for It: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation” by CeCe Winans. Courtesy photo
Well, sparkly successes, we talked about the award shows and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, all the things that are on my bio. It’s a pretty impressive list (laughs) that I look at and say, “Really? Wow, how did this happen?”
But it’s the holy moments that really bring the meaning to the public successes. It’s fasting, praying and crying out to God, asking him what he wants us to minister and how he wants us to sing or who he wants us to go see. That’s really what life is all about. It’s those holy moments.
It’s laying down your life for your brothers and your sisters, making disciples. It’s the unseen part that fuels the seen part. The private ministry is the thing that fuels your public worship.
You say in the book that you are often a “verified homebody,” but you nevertheless have sung on Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s “PTL (Praise the Lord) Club” program, toured with your brother BeBe Winans and have had a solo career. What gets you back on stage, especially now with your newest album?
I’m not my own. This last record really struck a nerve. It really touched people where they needed to be touched really bad. I think (with) the pandemic, the isolation, the loss, the discouragement, people were ready to celebrate, they were ready to worship again, they were ready to praise God. I believe this record really encouraged people to believe again, to take out their faith, to wipe off their dreams.
So when management started talking about (how) they want us to go out and do this fall tour, and later on the spring tour, I was excited but not excited. I love being at home. I love working at the church. I’m a grandmom now. You know, that’s my favorite position and title. But I knew it was something I had to do.
You did mention not being ready to rest on your laurels after 40 years of ministry. So is retirement — I know you said generally people shouldn’t — but for you personally, is it a thought for you?
It’s not even a thought. (laughs) No, retiring is not anywhere to be found. I’m busy with the church, busy at home. And now I’m busy again in the music. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because all of it is for the glory of God, that we’re seeing lives change and people’s destiny changing, eternal destinies are changing. And so I’m excited about staying in the game, staying in the race.
