For more than 30 years, Point of Grace has encouraged audiences with Christ-centered music rooted in God’s Word. Ahead of An Evening at The Cove on July 12, founding member Shelley Breen reflects on the role Scripture plays in the group’s music, the lessons they’ve learned through decades of ministry, and the faithfulness of God every step of the way. In this Q&A, she also shares what she hopes guests will take away from their time at The Cove.
Q: For more than three decades, your music has encouraged believers around the world. What has sustained your passion for ministry through music over the years?
A: The two things that have directly sustained our passion for music ministry over the last 30-plus years are God’s people and God’s Word. Loving people and really trying to “see” them comes very naturally to all three of us. I guess you could say we are “people people.” It fuels our tank and brings us joy to serve and love those we meet on the road. I like to think of it as leaving a bit of joy and laughter everywhere we sing.
Secondly, we are more convinced with each passing year of the help and life guidance that comes from the Bible. Bringing this perspective to those we sing to never gets old; reminding others that we need look nowhere else is an important ministry focus.
Q: How has your understanding of worship and ministry through music grown since the early days of Point of Grace?
A: It has been through many evolutions in 30 years—I don’t know that we knew much at all about ministry and worship when we first started. We knew we loved God and we loved people, but that was about it.
Personally speaking, I have become more open-minded to what worship means to different believers in different seasons of life. That said, I would like to think we are more moldable in our concerts and teaching moments, and we understand now more than ever that when we go to sing and perform somewhere, we have to be sensitive to our audience and the community and really consider what people might be going through when we plan our sets. “How can we serve needs through our music ministry?” should be the first question.
Q: What role does Scripture play in shaping the lyrics and messages in your music?
A: It played the starring role in our latest album, Lady Wisdom. Almost every song is based on a specific Scripture, many from Proverbs. I like to say that most songs “wrote themselves” simply by opening our Bibles.
Q: Looking back over your ministry, are there particular moments or songs that feel especially meaningful to you today?
A: I have said in many interviews that one of my career highlights and greatest honors was singing at Billy Graham Crusades—Oklahoma City and Nashville, to be exact.
In fact, we have a picture with Billy Graham backstage in Oklahoma. We stopped him on a golf cart as he was making his way to the stage and piled in around him for a quick snap. He was always kind and gracious to us, and honestly, those moments on stage at his Crusades and meeting him behind the scenes mean more and more as the years pass. He was truly one of the most honorable men of our lifetime.
Q: If someone attending An Evening at The Cove leaves with one message or encouragement in their heart, what would you hope that would be?
A: I hope people leave with the confidence and peace that they can get through anything if they are walking with the Lord. Yes, we will be tested on this side of heaven, but when we have Him, we have everything we need.
Be encouraged by an evening of worship and music with Point of Grace at An Evening at The Cove on July 12. Reserve your spot or browse other upcoming events at The Cove.