For decades, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound have been sharing songs of hope around the world, including at The Cove. Photo credit: Susan Bailey
Just last month, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound filled our auditorium with Christmas songs and Gospel music at An Evening at The Cove, a concert event dedicated to worship and praise through the ministry of music—a world in which Ernie Haase has decades of experience.
In this Q&A, Ernie reflects on how his walk with Christ continues to shape his calling as a musician, and how God has shown His faithfulness in Ernie’s life through music.
Q: You’ve been singing Gospel music for decades. How has your personal relationship with Christ shaped your calling as a musician through all those years on the road?
A: A loving relationship with Christ truly does grow sweeter with each passing day. The longer I walk with Him, the more I realize that my music is simply a reflection of that journey—my own personal walk with the Lord.
I’m always mindful to find a balance, because I know everyone listening is at a different pace in their faith-walk. But even then, the Spirit of the living God gives me direction. Everything I sing, every moment on stage, flows out of that personal relationship. And the beautiful part is… I can take that on the road. As we like to say: the Spirit travels!
Q: What does it mean to you to use music as a form of evangelism? Not just entertain, but to reach hearts for the Gospel?
A: I’m actually glad you used the word entertain, because somewhere along the way that word got misunderstood and misused. To me, anything that captures a person’s imagination and nudges them to ask a spiritual question about their own heart and life is a good thing.
That’s why I see our music as an evangelism tool. It gently pulls people out of this crazed, fast-paced, internet-driven world and gives them a moment to breathe… to focus on something good, wholesome, and eternal. If our music can do that—even for one person—then I believe we’ve been faithful to the calling.
Q: Traveling and performing can be demanding. How do you keep your spiritual life vibrant and your focus on Christ amid a busy touring schedule?
A: If I could sing every night and just be magically transported from place to place, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Being on stage is pure joy for me—it’s the most fun I have. But the traveling… the miles… the wear and tear on the body—that’s the real challenge for anyone who’s been in ministry for a long time.
To protect both my spiritual walk and my physical health, I’ve had to carve out specific weeks in our calendar for sabbaticals—times when I turn everything off and step away. It’s the only way I’ve found to keep any real balance. And in those quiet moments, God meets me. He renews my strength, refocuses my vision, and reminds me why I do what I do.
Q: You’ve been sharing your music and ministering here at The Cove. What encouragement would you offer to people who come here seeking renewal in their walk with the Lord?
A: Building on that last question, I’d say The Cove is one of the most intentional places I’ve ever visited. Everything about it feels purposeful—the beauty of nature, the truth of Scripture, the spoken Word, and the created world all coming together in a way that ministers to your soul.
If you’re going to carve out time for a retreat, The Cove is the place. Every time I’m there, something in me settles… and honestly, I get a little sad when it’s time to leave. It’s just that special.
Q: Looking back, what moment in your ministry stands out as a clear reminder that God was at work—something that reaffirmed your trust in His plan?
A: I wish I could point to one big, dramatic moment—something that would make everyone reading this blog stand up, applaud, and say, “Wow… God!”
But for me, it hasn’t been one headline moment. It’s been a million tiny fractions of His light shining into my heart over the years.
Music may be broken in this world—misused, misunderstood, or taken for granted—but for the past 45 years I’ve watched God breathe on it, redeem it, and use it to bring glory to Himself and to draw people together.
That’s the beauty of this ministry. Music and worship are something we get to do together—not just here, but forever. Oh, what a Savior He is!
Good news! Additional spots have become available for Christmas at The Cove on December 5 with gifted worship leader and acclaimed recording artist, Travis Cottrell. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a special evening of joyful music, a Christmas dinner, and meaningful fellowship as we celebrate the birth of Christ together. Reserve your spot today: TheCove.org/events.