Todd Horne
Growing up there were two passions in the Horne household; singing and preaching. So it’s not surprising that I’ve found a place in full-time ministry today. For as long as I can remember, music has been one of the highest priorities in my life. The chances of becoming a minster of some sort were pretty high. My parents were passionate about singing and traveled nearly every weekend to any church that would allow them to come and share the gospel through music. Yet, they placed such a priority on the local church that there was an understanding that any singing or musical event that prevented them from being in Sunday School on Sunday morning would mean the end of traveling.
Early on, playing the drums was a special interest for me. There was such a love for drumming that many afternoons were spent playing along to cassette tapes for hours to some of my favorite groups, specifically the original Hinsons. After receiving Christ as my Savior at the age of eight during a revival meeting, music became more than just a hobby. I recognized that music was a means of sharing the gospel through one of the greatest passions of my life.
Eventually, I played drums and sang for a group comprised of my brother, Tim Horne, and a few of our friends. We were the band members for our parent’s group and eventually gained a reputation as a group of young guys with polished band arrangements and solid, though not exceptional, vocal ability. Through the years we were fortunate to open up for some of the most prominent artists in gospel music.
Wanting to venture out and explore more progressive styles of music, I decided to leave the group to pursue a solo ministry. Writing, arranging and producing became a primary focus. It was during this time that I began staging parodies of secular songs with gospel lyrics in order establish a unique music ministry. The parodies became popular and still remains as such today.
God soon opened up a door for full-time music ministry at a local church as a Worship Leader. This again led to a completely different realm of music ministry. Leading at a United Methodist church provided exposure to wider variety of music ranging from traditional hymns to the latest in modern contemporary Christian music. Since 1999, I’ve been in a full-time worship leading role in churches across the southeast. Currently, I am the Worship Pastor at Golden Acres Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL and I have been serving in this position sing January of 2014. I stil continue to sing at functions outside the church, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my obligations at my home church.
One of Todd’s greatest blessing in music ministry has been ability to sing different genres of music in order to connect with varied age groups. The worship style at GABC is predominantly modern contemporary in style, yet I still minister in many Southern Gospel music venues. If I had to say which genre I prefer, it would most likely be a diplomatic response. I’d probably to say whatever I’m singing at the moment. Thankfully this versatility has certainly allowed access to a wide range of venues through the years. Although musical styles vary, there is, however, only one objective; to lead others to Christ by sharing music that will reach the people wherever they are.
Although music is a driving force in my life, the primary focus is on my relationship with Christ, my family and then the Church.