Jason Nelson Exclusive; Singer Talks New Album: 'This Record Is About Making the Name of Jesus Famous Again'
Jason Nelson has made a name for himself in the gospel music industry for 10 years, but the preacher, singer and songwriter believes his latest album is a divine assignment during a time when Christianity is becoming increasingly unpopular.
Nelson, 40, is the pastor at The Tabernacle at Greater Bethlehem Temple in a thriving ministry in Randallstown, Maryland. Still, the preacher has found time to step out of the pulpit and release albums like "I Shall Live" in 2005, "Place Of Worship" in 2008 and "Shifting the Atmosphere" in 2012.
On Jan 20., Nelson released "Jesus Revealed," an album that he believes stands out from his previous bodies of work. When speaking to The Christian Post, Nelson explained the difference between his latest project and the others.
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"'The Shift Of The Atmosphere' was about worship, it was about showing people the path to get into the presence of God. 'Place of Worship' and 'I Shall Live' was really the introduction into my ministry, a lot of flavors of who I am," Nelson explained to CP. "'Jesus Revealed' is really the reintroduction of Jesus into the kingdom and into the marketplace which is the world. I think this is what makes this body of work stand out, because it's becoming unpopular to be Christian all of a sudden."
Nelson said he received a specific assignment from God to create "Jesus Revealed" during a time when being a Christian is not easy.
"In Texas, there were actually some preachers put in jail because they refused to conform what they were preaching to the ideology of the mayor of that particular city," Nelson told CP. "So it's becoming increasingly not as big to love God and to proclaim the name of Jesus. This record is really about making the name of Jesus famous again, and I think that's what separates this record from anything than we've ever done."
Nelson's first single from his fourth album is called "I Am," which recently earned the songwriter his first number one hit on Mediabse's gospel chart earlier this month. Although Nelson has been recognized for his work with a Stellar Award for Praise and Worship CD of the Year in 2013, his recent number one hit brings a sense of validation to all of his hard work throughout the years.
"When I got the word I really just didn't know what to say. It is a validation of the work and the energy that we've extended to get our music out and make our music heard and be allowed to stand in a place that's rare," Nelson told CP. "It's very, very humbling and it gives you a little more of a push to grind and keep producing music that impacts more than just me. It's music that impacts the world, has the ability to change hearts, to create some type of spiritual encounter."
It seems others have taken notice of Nelson's years of hard work while preaching, singing and composing records for the Lord. "Jesus Revealed" is a live recording that was attended by the likes of contemporary singers like Tasha Cobbs, Livre, Maurette Brown Clark, and his brother, Jonathan Nelson.
Nelson also tapped the voice of season six "Sunday Best" winner Tasha Page-Lockhart to contribute vocals on his album. While it doesn't hurt to have big names support his album that already has a number one single attached to it, Nelson is praying that its release fulfills a greater purpose.
"My hope is that [people] will be a little more acquainted with Jesus when all is said and done. That's really what my prayer is," Nelson revealed to CP. "From when they press play and they hear the intro to the time when they hear the last song, I hope they say, 'you know what? Maybe I need to find out why the name [Jesus] works like it does."
Nelson believes gospel music is in a renaissance period.
"I think gospel music is making a comeback to real authentic and relational music. I think as a whole the music is becoming more vertical than it has been in a while," Nelson told CP. "That's not to say that we were wrong in the gospel music industry, or making everything about us, but I think there is a real profound desire now for the music to point back to God. I really do believe that the industry as a whole is on its way to make the music about God again."
The preacher, songwriter, father and husband, is willing to do anything he can to help bring people to Christ. While he realizes it may take more than listening to his album to do that, Nelson is willing to be a part of the process that helps bring people to salvation through Jesus Christ.
"I recognize that any change doesn't happen overnight and some deliverance is a process and I'm ok with that," Nelson said. "Whatever role I play in somebody's deliverance process than that's the role I want to play."
"Jesus Revealed" is available wherever albums are sold. For more information about Jason Nelson, please visit www.jnelsononline.com.
