Charlie Sexton, Minister of Music

"Southern Gospel Music's Best Friend"

"You could cut Charlie Sexton with a knife, and he'd bleed Southern Gospel Music!" That's what Mr. Jacky Fortner, tenor for Southern Gospel group, "Liberty" often jokingly says, when referring to his long-time friend. That's something that Sexton proudly agrees may just be true. He has loved this particular genre since he was a small child. "Well, it may be better stated, 'when I was young', 'cause, I've never really been small!", he quips with a robust laughter. To say he knows his craft is an understatement. Some have even called him a walking encyclopedia of this popular style of religious music. Yes, he does seem to know his stuff.

"My earliest memories of life are of attending Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Clarkdale, GA where Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters were members. Hearing their music in church as well as at home on the "HiFi" literally changed my life." Charlie says. "I learned from them the importance of God first, family second, and ministry and church life third. I've tried to live my life by the example they showed me at such an early age."

As a teenager, Charlie began playing the piano at Zion View Baptist Church in Lithia Springs, GA where he also accepted Christ in the early 80's. In 1984, he was instrumental (no pun intended) in the formation of New Fellowship Church, also in Douglas, County. It was there, that he started playing for a family group, The Saxon Family from Lula, GA. Traveling mostly on Fridays and Saturdays, and being back home for church on Sundays was important to the group, so Charlie was able to split his time easily between the two. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to join "Liberty", a very successful all male group. But with that change, he had to give up his position as church pianist.

For over 8 years, besides playing keyboards for the group, he wore many other hats in the Liberty organization. He sharpened his skills in concert and group promotions and even acted as scheduling coordinator for that group. He went on to play professionally for Brenda Robinson & New Desire for two years, before leaving that ministry to help start a new part time group, Mercy Road. Charlie has made many friends in the professional realm of the music industry. He just has a knack for loving his way into everyone's heart that he meets. "Scripture teaches us that to have friends, you have to show yourself friendly. I've never had a problem with that. In some ways, I'm kind of a shy person, but when it comes to sharing my faith, I have a boldness that even amazes me sometimes." Charlie relates. "I'm humbled by the host of friends I've garnered over the years. I just try to treat everyone the same, whether they be socially underprivileged or a famous millionaire. I'm always just ole Big Charlie."  Sexton has an informative website that details his many varied interests.  You may visit it at:  www.sweetcreekpromotions.com

Recent years have found him being personal caretaker for several elderly and ailing family members. Helping take care of two grandparents, a little Down's Syndrome cousin who had Alzheimer's Disease, and her father who has Lou Gherig's Disease (ALS) during their final days on earth has had a profound effect on Charlie. "During about a one year period of time, we buried 4 of my closest family members. My little family unit went from eight to four so quick. And then my Dad's health started to decline. He died in June of '06. Now it's just the three of us: me, my Mom and my Aunt Frances. But God's been faithful to sustain us through this time, and he's sent me a wonderful, Christian friend, in 'Foster'.

Charlie's girlfriend, Linda Foster is an awesome singer in her own right, and Charlie recently produced her first solo CD in the Spring of '06. It's interesting to note that he often calls her by her last name. "I don't know why we call her that! All of her close friends do. She's just 'Foster' to us!" Charlie chuckles. Linda lives in Marietta with her Mom, Janice and older sister, Debbie, who has Multiple Sclerosis. "I admire Foster for committing herself to seeing after the needs of her little family. That's just one of many things that we have in common: taking care of those who took care of us when we were kids. It's just what we do. It's who we are." Although they're not ruling out marriage, it's not really something they've discussed at length. "We're OK with our relationship as it is now. Sure. Who wouldn't like to have a classic storybook marriage? I'd be lying if I said we didn't. But for where we are right now with our respective situations, we're honestly at peace with it. And, I think God honors that."

Most recently, you can find Charlie attending classes at the Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta, Georgia where he is pursuing a degree in Entertainment Technology. That's the study of the fascinating world of audio and video production. "I'm loving every minute of it." Charlie states. "At 42, I'm considered the old man on campus, but I just get in there and act like a kid with the rest of them, and have a good time! I've made some great contacts, and a few fellow believers. That's made it even more exciting for me." This is yet another avenue of ministry for Sexton. "I've had the opportunity to share my faith with several of the students. I'm longing for the day that I can lead one of them to Christ. That would be 'off the chain', as these kids say."

In October of 2006, Charlie accepted the position of Minister of Music at Sharon Baptist Church in Smyrna, Georgia where Rev. Ryan Bunch is the Pastor. With a quite smile, Charlie concludes, "Church and Southern Gospel Music. Plain and simple. It's my life. It's all I know. And I wouldn't have it any other way." Charlie Sexton is a big man, with a big heart, and he is undoubtedly Southern Gospel Music's Best Friend.

--Tim Blankenship