Hot 10 magazine

As you are flipping channels, you hear a familiar jingle. You turn back to the Word Network, and the tune brings a smile to your face. But who is that group? It's none other than the 2007 winners of Gospel Explosion, Ministree! This group, with its unique style, has shared the stage with some of the greatest names in the gospel industry and continues to earn high accolades, including being named 2008 first and second round Stellar Award nominees. Ministree group members Cheryl, Joyce, Tyonna, Freda, and Zanetta are coming straight out of Pittsburgh, PA to give us the Hot 10 exclusive on how they got their start, the secret of their success, and their hot new projects.

It all started in the living room of their parents in Pittsburgh, PA. Inspired by their musical family, sisters Cheryl, Joyce, Zanetta, lifelong family friend, Freda, and Cheryl's daughter Tyonna, emerged as Ministree. They have been operating in that group name for fifteen years since realizing, "that the gifts that we have been blessed with really have nothing to do with us, it's all about HIS MINISTREE."

During a trip to the Stellar Awards, someone took notice of Ministree and gave them an opportunity to record jingles for radio stations. Their music has continued to evolve, which they say is a result them taking every opportunity to minister to people, proclaim the gospel, and worship God.

Of course, the group admits it hasn't always been easy. "One of our biggest challenges is that we live in a city that is not known for Gospel music. Pittsburgh is full of secret weapons that are waiting for someone to take notice." Now that we have, Ministree is definitely making its mark. The group has shared the stage with many gospel greats, and revealed to us some of their most exciting moments: "We have been given several extraordinary opportunities in the industry. Singing for Legendary Gospel Singer Andre Crouches appreciation was definitely a highlight that has stuck with us. He is a living legend and has been an inspiration to us for years! We were also recently offered the opportunity sing background for Lisa Page-Brooks when she came to Pittsburgh for her recent release concert. We had a great time with her. We also are eternally grateful for the doors that have been opened for us through Ambassador Bobby Jones. He has been a great supporter of Ministree and we are so thankful." 

The ladies of Ministree are not only singers, they're pastors, preachers and teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ who write and record some of their own music. They are often dubbed "unique", but what makes them so different? The ladies explained, "We don't really fit into any specific genre, we are just concerned about the message."

Their message resonates on their current project, "Predestined," which is in stores now. Their favorite track on the album: "Destination Anywhere" because "it talks about the fact that we are willing to go wherever God leads us. It is the story of our walk with Him. It has a great message as well as a great beat to crank up in your car."

What does the future hold for Ministree? They will be spending a lot of time promoting "Predestined," as well as launching their own recording label, M5 Gospel.

The ladies want you to know, "We are determined to follow God's direction. We are looking forward to the opportunity to enter into full-time ministry. We want reader's to know that we are women who love the Lord with all of our heart. He truly is the center of our lives. We are determined to be God led in and outside of the Industry. We want to be examples of those that live the Message not just singers of the Message."

By Daphne Jones