# Gary Stripling > Musician | Author | Mentor | Speaker ## Posts - [The Spark of Life and the Shape of the Soul](https://garystripling.com/when-does-the-soul-begin/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Introduction” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1748903461017{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””] When sperm meets egg, something extraordinary begins. Scientists see flashes of zinc. Cells start to divide. But those who hold to a biblical worldview ask a deeper question—is this also the moment a soul is created? This question has sparked debate among theologians, philosophers, and physicians across the centuries. It’s not just about when life begins in a biological sense, but when personhood begins—when the mind, will, and emotions come into existence. In this article, we examine how Hebrew and Greek understandings of the soul, modern science, and the writings… - [Balancing Artistry and Worship](https://garystripling.com/balancing-art-ministry/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_custom_heading text=”Balancing Artistry and Worship: Can a Christian Artist Separate Concert Performance from Worship Leading?” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:36px|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]For many Christian artists, the line between being a performer and a worship leader can be blurry. They find themselves at a crossroads, torn between their artistic expression and their devotion to leading others in worship. In this blog post, we’ll delve into this fascinating dilemma and explore whether it’s possible for a Christian artist to separate the concert performer from the worship leader. The Creative Calling Artistry is a divine gift, and many Christians believe that their creative talents are a reflection of… - [Social Constructs & Racial Harmony](https://garystripling.com/social-constructs-racial-harmony/): As I consider all that is happening in our country with regard to racial injustice, inequality and abuse I’m concerned that the social constructs we have allowed to become prevalent in our society have not served us well. We keep revisiting these same issues (usually around elections, but that’s another subject entirely) but rarely do we address the root causes of the problem. Most people would be hard-pressed to be able to even identify the problem to begin with. Let me first say the argument that we have “systemic abuse of black men by law enforcement” is not borne out… - [Skin Cancer - It's Real!](https://garystripling.com/skin-cancer-its-real/): I debated on whether or not to share this photo array and a personal admonition. But now that summer is here and we’re spending so much time in the sun I decided to go ahead and put this out there, preferring to encourage early detection over offending someone with the pic. What started out as a very small spot on my left nostril near the tip of my nose turned out to be a deep, nodular basal cell carcinoma. Over the years it would scab, maybe bleed a little, but it was so small (the size of the tip of… - [In The Name of Jesus](https://garystripling.com/in-the-name-of-jesus/): “In the name of Jesus” isn’t a phrase to end a prayer. It means you affirm your place in the Kingdom of Heaven and have Jesus’ perspective, authority, and dominion. When we are “in the name of Jesus” we are seated in heavenly places & see things from that heavenly perspective of authority that others cannot.  Maybe you need to upgrade your perspective! – Pastor Keith Pittman  Are you sitting beneath the table of the Lord waiting for crumbs to fall into your lap, or are you taking your rightful place at the table as a joint heir with the… - [Overcoming In The Journey - I Survived](https://garystripling.com/overcoming-in-the-journey-i-survived/): The journey isn’t over but it sure has gotten easier. Hopefully this will encourage those of you just starting a journey of physical, spiritual or emotional endurance, or those in the middle of it. It started with a heart murmur that sounded raspy 11 years ago. That’s when I saw a cardiologist for the first time who told me I had Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction with Systolic Anterior Motion. The nursing students crowded the echocardiogram room because I’m supposedly a textbook rarity. But I survived. Three years later (2014), in my front yard trimming bushes, I collapsed with complete… - [Congregational Worship: Why We Don't Participate](https://garystripling.com/congregational-worship-why-we-dont-participate/): Someone asked the question, “What are some of the reasons why the congregation does not engage or participate in corporate worship?” That prompted me to offer some suggestions as to why corporate worship is still either just a “song service” leading up to the main event—the sermon – or an afterthought – a means to an end. Here are my thoughts:  Worship by Example – When the leadership team on the platform (or wherever they are positioned) does not engage in worship that sets a bad example for the rest of the congregation. We’ve all seen the pastors remain seated… - [What I Wish (Indie) Musicians Understood](https://garystripling.com/what-i-wish-indie-musicians-understood/): I’ve been working with recording “artists” and musicians most of my adult life. For the past 13 years exclusively I’ve been either managing or developing (or both) artists and bands in the USA and around the world. Since the music industry is going through a major paradigm shift (mainly thanks to digital downloads) it’s always interesting to see how musicians adapt and how their expectations change. Artists and bands contact me via my website contact form and most of them write something like “we need a manager to get us bookings.” By that comment I know right away they don’t… - [Pop Culture Musings: Selfie-Nudies Gone Awry](https://garystripling.com/pop-culture-musings-selfie-nudies-gone-awry/): The hacker who apparently leaked dozens of photos of nude celebrities — including Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton and Kim Kardashian — may have used a flaw in iCloud’s popular Find My iPhone function to score the steamy images. Apple has not yet confirmed or denied any role in the breach. Jennifer Lawrence has contacted authorities to investigate who stole and posted nude images of the Oscar winner online, a publicist for the actress said. Lawrence’s publicist Liz Mahoney wrote in a statement: “This is a flagrant violation of privacy. The authorities have been contacted and will prosecute anyone who posts… - [A Response to "Whatever Happened to Church Music?"](https://garystripling.com/a-response-to-whatever-happened-to-church-music/): I recently read a terrific article by Branon Dempsey that asks the question “whatever happened to church music?” Here’s an excerpt: …My pastor recently asked the question, “why are songs of today not as fast and not as joyful as the ones from way-back? Today, they seem more monotone in worship. What happened?” he inquired. At first, I saw it from his perspective and understood where he was coming from. Songs that were 10-20-30 years old were different. Our times were different, and our faith reflected those times. Also, logistics in doing music and instrumentation in the church was different,… - [And God Saw That It Was Good](https://garystripling.com/and-god-saw-that-it-was-good/):   God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was… - [Whatever Happened to Tolerance & Free Speech?](https://garystripling.com/whatever-happened-to-tolerance-free-speech/): Our country is facing a culture war like we’ve never seen before. It boiled over a little bit this week when the LGBT and Hollywood communities attacked Chick-fil-A’s CEO for expressing an opinion about redefining marriage to accommodate the homosexual lifestyle. This post is my response. My point, like that of many who agree with me, is that the LGBT community demands tolerance of their lifestyle to the point of being belligerent and hostile, even going so far as making threats of economic extortion against business owners. As a Christian and one who believes the Bible is the inerrant Word… - [Is It Just Another "Gig" or Are You Building Something That Lasts?](https://garystripling.com/is-it-just-another-gig-or-are-you-building-something-that-lasts/): Very often, I’m asked, “What can I do to get local churches to allow me to hold a concert in their facility?” I answer that question with another question: What are you giving back? In other words, what benefit will it be to that local expression of the Body of Christ if you come in and sing your little heart out and sell your CDs and T-shirts? As a former church business administrator and minister of music, I was the guy on the “other side of the desk” reviewing press kits, listening to pitches by artists and traveling music groups wanting… - [Halloween - Good or Bad?](https://garystripling.com/halloween-good-or-bad/): I’ve been asked what the difference between Christians celebrating Christmas and Easter, and NOT celebrating Halloween? Christmas and Easter, while certainly pagan in its roots, directly celebrate our Savior’s birth and resurrection, respectively. Halloween, on the other hand, has nothing to do with Jesus, His life, etc. The Christmas holiday we celebrate today is indicative of Christianity’s willingness to absorb the world’s customs and traditions, and forget its simple roots in the historical reality of Jesus Christ. However, even atheists and pagans admit it’s a celebration of Christ’s birth. Christmas should be nothing more than a simple, yet wonderful reminder… - [The Holiness of God](https://garystripling.com/the-holiness-of-god/): How many times have you been in a church service where the pastor or staff person said from the stage, “Let’s give it up for God,” or some similar exhortation? It’s as though every time someone takes the stage, they feel compelled to ask for a “clap offering” from the congregation before they can speak—”Put your hands together for God.” Is that necessary? I’m concerned that today’s “modern” church has lost an awareness of God the Father’s holiness to the point where He is reduced to nothing greater than a star athlete or guest celebrity. We trivialize His presence and… - [Modern-Day Worship - Some Thoughts](https://garystripling.com/modern-day-worship-some-thoughts/): When did CCM (contemporary Christian music) songs from Billboard’s Top 30 charts become substitutes for intimate worship songs in our services? It seems the more relevant local churches try to become to their neighborhoods and members, the more compromise we find in the one area most people identify with: the music. Anymore there’s no continuity in the journey of worship in the local church service. I was taught, by some of the best pioneers of worship in North America, that worship is indeed a journey into God’s presence and that we need to allow time for communion with the Father… - [Ireland Consultation Trip - Day 1](https://garystripling.com/ireland-consultation-trip-day-1/): I am sitting in the Atlanta Airport waiting for my connection to Dublin, Ireland where I will be holding two Music Industry Consultations. I am excited about my first trip to Ireland and meeting new friends, musicians, and ministry colleagues while I’m there. The week leading up to today has been quite eventful … and not all in a good way. Last weekend, however, was awesome. Emily, our 23 year old daughter who lives in New York City, flew in for our son Elliott’s 18th birthday party. We had a great time getting ready for the big party Saturday night,… - [My Life-Changing Wake-Up Call](https://garystripling.com/my-life-changing-wake-up-call/): It’s a beautiful fall day here in Northeast Florida. A slight chill is in the air (okay, it’s 57℉), the sun is bright and my bird feeder is full. Hopefully the redbirds will return and enjoy autumn in my backyard. The past 4 weeks have probably been the most challenging of my life personally-speaking. It all started with a little gout flare-up, for which I went to a local walk-in clinic on a beautiful Tuesday morning much like today. Since I don’t have a “regular” doctor and have rarely been sick, a friend recommended this place since it’s a national… - [How to Get a Manager and Not Get Ripped Off](https://garystripling.com/how-to-get-a-manager-and-not-get-ripped-off/): I’ve heard many hard-luck stories from artists who had bad experiences with managers. Yet many times the bad experiences were precipitated by a misunderstanding of “who does what” and why. That’s why the writer of the following submitted this to the blog of an industry website popular among “indie” artists and bands: You first need to have a Band Business that is financially solvent and making money to attract a real manager who knows what they are doing. Treat your band like a business with a real business plan and a road map as to where and how you plan… - [Wow, what a strange turn of events!](https://garystripling.com/wow-what-a-strange-turn-of-events/): Here it is almost Thanksgiving and I’m sitting in my little hotel room in San Antonio wondering how the next few months will pan out. I never dreamed that I’d be working most of the time out of town, not seeing my family for 6 weeks to 2 months at a time. But alas, here I am. The music industry is a fickle thing. And asking God to bring “course corrections” to one’s life can bring about daunting changes. Both of these factors – God’s correction and a fickle industry – brought me to the place where I needed to… - [Manager or Booking Agent?](https://garystripling.com/manager-or-booking-agent/): I get asked this question a lot. The indie artist or band can get easily overwhelmed with all the details, logistics, planning, and questions that come with navigating through the waters of the music industry. So, we recommend a good management team in place to raise the level of professionalism of the artist and take the administrative burden from them so they can focus on what they do best! Why do you need management? You need a management company to administrate your bookings and handle all the details. If you can handle all of the logistics yourself, then perhaps you’re… ## Pages - [Wishlist](https://garystripling.com/wishlist/): [ti_wishlistsview] - [Donor Dashboard](https://garystripling.com/donor-dashboard/) - [Donation Failed](https://garystripling.com/donation-failed/): We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support. - [Donation Confirmation](https://garystripling.com/donation-confirmation/): [give_receipt] - [Products](https://garystripling.com/products/): [asp_show_all_products] - [Checkout-Result](https://garystripling.com/stripe-checkout-result/): [accept_stripe_payment_checkout] - [Shop](https://garystripling.com/shop/): Welcome to our shop, where every purchase has meaning! We’ve curated a collection of Amazon finds, unique custom goods, and personally authored books to inspire, entertain, and enrich your life. Your support helps us continue our creative journey in this exciting new season of life. - [My account](https://garystripling.com/my-account/) - [Checkout](https://garystripling.com/checkout/) - [Cart](https://garystripling.com/cart/) - [Calendar](https://garystripling.com/calendar/) - [Blog Home](https://garystripling.com/blog-home/): [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1741812232193{margin-top: 80px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row] - [Home](https://garystripling.com/): [vc_row gap=”10″ content_placement=”top” type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1686946322344{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1741715015815{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #D8E5E58C !important;}”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/kpLutcx8vm8?si=g1-xV-ry-xrh1XBm” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1741715067872{padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #D8E5E58C !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]I’m pleased to introduce my Relax and Play series—an exciting collection of coloring books designed for both children and adults! Whether you’re looking for a creative activity for the kids or a relaxing escape for yourself, these books offer something special for everyone. Available now on Amazon, the Relax and Play series includes: Children’s Coloring Books: Packed with fun, easy-to-color illustrations that spark… - [Default shop](https://garystripling.com/shop-2/default-shop/) - [My Account](https://garystripling.com/shop-2/my-account/) - [Terms and conditions](https://garystripling.com/terms-and-conditions/): Terms & Conditions Last updated: [DATE] Welcome to Gary Stripling Shop (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or purchasing from www.garystripling.com (the “Website”), you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use our Website. 1. General Information We sell both physical and digital products, including items curated from Amazon.com and original creations. These Terms apply to all visitors, customers, and users of our Website. 2. Products & Availability Our products are available worldwide unless stated otherwise. Some products may be fulfilled by third-party sellers (e.g., Amazon). In such cases, their… - [Checkout](https://garystripling.com/shop-2/checkout/) - [Cart](https://garystripling.com/cart-2/) - [Contact form](https://garystripling.com/contact-form-shortcode/): [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1507551414137{padding-top: 70px !important;padding-bottom: 70px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”bg_color” bg_override=”ex-full” css=”.vc_custom_1507551497642{padding-top: 70px !important;padding-bottom: 70px !important;}” bg_color_value=”#f7f7f7″][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-vz-jquery” bg_image_new=”id^55079|url^https://garystripling.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/7-bg-132.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^7-bg-132|description^null” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_override=”full” enable_overlay=”enable_overlay_value” overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” css=”.vc_custom_1573471354754{padding-top: 70px !important;padding-bottom: 70px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row] - [The Heart Of The King](https://garystripling.com/wppg_photogallery/): In October of 2010 the Lord impressed upon me the need to record an EP of intimate worship songs. Working with my good friend and producer, Nick Coetzee, we started working on song selection and arrangement. I really had no idea what direction the project would take. However, something inside my deepest core was telling me it had to be “heart-related.” God was preparing me for a journey. In late summer 2010 my GP noticed my heart murmur was loud and raspy. He sent me to a cardiologist who diagnosed me with Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction with SAM (Systolic Anterior Motion). Over the… - [Conferences & Seminars](https://garystripling.com/conferences-seminars/): As a conference speaker, I have over twenty years’ experience in conducting training seminars, speaking in conferences and other public events on topics including the following: Group Conflict Management Team Concepts and Group Dynamics The Theological Basis for Worship In The Local Church World Awareness and How Music Touches the Nations The Calling of A Worship Leader What Is Worship? What Makes a Good Leader? What Makes a Good Follower? I have also led teams to, planned and conducted conferences in, and spoken at events in these nations: Jamaica The Bahamas (Nassau, Harbour Island, Eleuthera) Nigeria Ghana West Africa The… - [Design Portfolio](https://garystripling.com/design-portfolio/): [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1741556554060{margin-top: 80px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Time for an update? If you haven’t given your website a fresh look in a while, then chances are your site is redundant! Don’t fall into complacency – give your site a new look and impress your customers and clients. If your site isn’t getting the traffic you want, chances are it hasn’t been optimized for the major search engines. We also specialize in branding and graphic arts logo design. Here are some samples of my website design work: http://www.themanagementagency.com (my company’s website) https://tmacreativegroup.com https://dawnholtlauber.com https://larrydmadden.com https://www.lexidixonmusic.com For more information about my design services, including branding… - [Pages](https://garystripling.com/pages/): [vc_row bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-vz-jquery” bg_image_new=”id^53787|url^https://garystripling.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/bg-dev-studio.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^bg-dev-studio|description^null” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_override=”full” enable_overlay=”enable_overlay_value” overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” overlay_pattern=”transperant” type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1573406507154{padding-top: 15% !important;padding-bottom: 15% !important;background-color: #000000 !important;}”][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-3 vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-offset-3 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″ css=”.vc_custom_1573406396494{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row] - [Portfolio](https://garystripling.com/portfolio/): [vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row] - [Contact Me](https://garystripling.com/contact-me/): [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1741653074232{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1741645423564{margin-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column_text]To contact me or my company, please email me at any of the addresses below: gary@garystripling.com gary@themanagementagency.com Our office is located in Jacksonville, FL. You can reach me via cell – 904.571.9202[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] - [About Me](https://garystripling.com/about-me/): [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1741555715849{margin-top: 80px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”A Lifetime of Service” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]I have been leading others for over 30 years as a worship leader, conference speaker, associate pastor, business administrator, road manager, consultant, office manager, and corporate development administrator. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/English Literature in 1981 and went on to graduate school, attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. I graduated in 1985 with a Master of Divinity in Christian Education/Church Business Administration. I have served numerous churches and ministries across the country. In 1991-92 I was the Administrator and Office Manager for… ## Products - [INSTANT DOWNLOAD - Luxurious Wedding Decorations - 5x7 - Table Numbers - Wedding Accessories for Reception - Print-Ready - Numbers 1-10](https://garystripling.com/product/instant-download-luxurious-wedding-decorations-5x7-table-numbers-wedding-accessories-for-reception-print-ready-numbers-1-10/): Enhance your occasion with our stylish Printable Table Numbers! Crafted at the ideal size of 5″x7″, these digital gems are primed for printing, simplifying your event preparations. Delivered in PDF format, they promise a hassle-free touch of sophistication. Their adaptable designs seamlessly complement any theme! The printable file includes 1 – 10 Printable Table Numbers in .pdf format. Print them via an online retailer, a nearby print shop, or effortlessly from your home computer. We recommend printing on white card stock, 2 per page (8½” x 11″). INSTANT DOWNLOAD: Please note that instant download items are non-customizable. The colors and… - [Mother's Day Scented Candle, 9oz](https://garystripling.com/product/mothers-day-scented-candle-9oz-2/): A perfect Mother’s Day gift! Made to soothe long and stressful days, this custom candle jar can accommodate all your ideas, artwork, or inspirational quotes on its custom candle label. The candle itself is made 100% with a natural soy wax blend and cotton wick. Choose between fragrances such as Vanilla Bean, Comfort Spice, Sea Breeze, Unscented, Fresh Balsam, Spiced Pumpkin Ginger, Pink Grapefruit and Eucalyptus Lavender Herb. NOTE! Keep the burning candle within sight and away from children and pets. Never burn the candle near flammable items. For best results, burn the candle for 3 – 4 hours each… - [Spring "Thank-You" Postcard Bundles (envelopes included)](https://garystripling.com/product/spring-thank-you-postcard-bundles-envelopes-included/): These elegant standard-size postcards are beautifully designed to express gratitude with a touch of nature. Each card features crisp, white high-quality paper accented with delicately illustrated green ginkgo leaves positioned gracefully in two corners. The front of the card is adorned with the thoughtful message, “Thank-you for sharing our day,” written in an attractive, readable font. This set of postcards is available in multiple quantities, making it easy to send a heartfelt thank you to each guest who shared in your special occasion. Each set comes complete with matching white envelopes, perfect for mailing or hand-delivering your messages of appreciation.… - [Mug 15oz](https://garystripling.com/product/mug-15oz/): There’s never too much coffee – especially on St. Patrick’s Day! A big size (15oz) white, durable ceramic mug. High quality sublimation printing makes it an appreciated gift to every true coffee or tea lover, who always asks for a refill. Material: 100% white ceramic 15oz (0.44 l) Rounded corners C-handle [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)