"When we write songs and sing in a way that uplifts Jesus' name, that's where the power is. He is the One who changes lives. All Christians have been transformed by God's power and presence - and that's what happens in praise. . . we enter God's presence." - Carol Cymbala, choir director

It takes more than talent to be one of the 240 vocalists in The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. It takes commitment.

A commitment to musical excellence.

A commitment to rehearse for up to five hours every Friday night of the year.

A commitment to sing during three church services every Sunday.

A commitment to pay your own travel expenses whenever the choir performs on the road.

And most of all, a commitment to ministry.

"This is about the holy Christ, the gospel," says choir director, Carol Cymbala. "Lives aren't changed because we've performed well. It's because of God and hearing about Him in our worship."

Of course, that doesn't mean they take their performances lightly. A look at the group's history is testimony to that. They've recorded 17 albums, won two Grammy awards, been nominated for numerous Dove awards, filmed two worship videos (one of which has been certified Gold), and performed at sold-out, high-profile venues like New York's Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and Paramount Theatre as well as at The Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.

Still, it's the day-to-day, week-in, week-out ministry at their urban church in greater New York City that makes it all worthwhile for members of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. After all, it's that ministry that first brought many of them into the family of God and into this church.

Perhaps that's why the members of this multi-cultural choir come from all races and economic backgrounds. African-American, Caucasian, Latino, Asian; the homeless, the banker, the fashion model, the former drug addict, the single parent; the well-educated, the uneducated, the rich, the poor and a host of others all stand proudly side by side as they sing praise to God in this choir.

And perhaps that's why The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's latest album, Favorite Song of All, features songs they've been using at the church for some time. In fact, the album was recorded live during three of their Sunday worship services. Warner Alliance President (and producer of the album), Neal Joseph says, "My job as the producer is to capture the essence of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The best way to capture that is to take things they're already doing, that are working well, and get them down on a record." The result is an album of favorites filled with the fiery passion of 240 expert ministers of worship.

The title song, "Favorite Song Of All", was originally recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean and stands as a stirring anthem proclaiming God's pleasure in the praises of His people. The energetic performance of this song is matched only by the energy with which the choir lives out the lyrics.

"He'll Welcome Me" and "Heaven Medley" reveal the infectious, gospel choir sound that have listeners clapping and (dare we say it?) dancing in the aisles. A special treat are the well-known oldies put together in lively and joyful new ways for the "Heaven Medley."

"Calvary Came Through" and "Order My Steps" are beautiful ballads featuring duet leads that are a signature of Brooklyn Tabernacle worship. Packing even more punch into this album are the songs Joseph describes as "classic Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Songs that build and really drive home a message in very powerful ways." Songs like the lyrical prayer, "Use Me," the thoughtful "Still I Will Trust You," and the congregationally-focused "God is Moving By His Spirit."

"Hevenu Shalom Alechem" is a delightful gift from a pastor in Eastern Europe. When the choir traveled through the Baltic nations recently, they visited a friend living there who is also a Messianic Jew. He asked choir members if they knew this Jewish song. When they replied no, he quickly taught it to them! They performed it for the rest of that tour, and brought it back with them to the United States. Now they've included that song on this album, sharing the gift they received with people all over the world.

Rounding out the rest of the album are the number-one hit by label mate, Wayne Watson, "Field of Souls," and the spotlight song from the 16-member ensemble, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers, "How Long Has it Been." Since the choir often ends a church service with simple praise songs, they chose to end the album the same way, with the uplifting worship chorus, "Jesus We Crown You With Praise."

Back in the early 1970s, Pastor Jim Cymbala started a fledgling, 15-member, inner-city church that was committed to ministering to those in their community. His wife, Carol Cymbala, took a handful of people and started a choir with that same purpose.

Today, that award-winning choir has grown to 240 people and ministers to the community of the world. But each member of that choir knows it takes more than talent to make a difference. It takes commitment - Brooklyn Tabernacle style.

FROM THE MPACT