Course makes dream a reality… after 37 years!
August 2009
"God didn’t give up on me and I have such a passion to see people come to know the Lord"
 By September 2007, experienced professional musician Alan Lavington, 56, had already mastered the drums, saxophone and lead guitar. However it was signing up for an NCFE course in Gospel Music performance that gave him the ability to realize a dream that had been an incredible 37 years in the making.
As confident as Alan appeared on the outward, all was not what it appeared to be with the member of the Christ Faith Tabernacle, which is based in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham: “I was nineteen years old when the Lord called me to be a witness to others through music. He gave me the name ‘Zion.’ The problem was I just didn’t have the confidence, and so I didn’t do anything about it. I was at another church then and as the years passed, there was no progress on starting this ministry.”
 When Alan moved to Christ Faith Tabernacle, so did his calling but this time he took action having heard about Christian music courses being run by Birmingham’s emerging in Handsworth. Alan enrolled on a year-long course in Gospel Performance and Music Technology and was schooled on key elements of vocal performance, including breathing techniques, how to hold a microphone and how food and drink can help or hinder vocal ability.
As the course progressed, Alan’s vocal ability grew as did his confidence. Soon after graduating from the course in July 2008, the Lord once again reminded him of his musical calling but this time the father of two adult sons didn’t hesitate.
“I knew that God had called me to minister to people in music but now I had the confidence and ability to put an eleven-piece band together. Now we are doing Gospel concerts as ‘Zion’ bringing people to a knowledge of God. It’s been 37 years but God didn’t give up on me and I have such a passion to see people come to know the Lord. I now realize how serious it is to be called by the Lord and I am so passionate about winning souls for His kingdom.”
 Gospel Express Academy is now enrolling students for courses in counselling skills, Christian studies, Gospel performance & music technology. Academy founder and former Church of God pastor, Rev Deborah Harrison (pictured with Alan following an interview on Monday afternoon Gospel Mix Programme, comments: “I am honoured to be a part of the enabling process for someone to realise their vision. Alan is driven to serve God and to share his love through Gospel music and he also did well on our Counselling Skills course. Zion is making good progress and supports Gospel Express when we have events. Alan's enthusiasm is an inspiration, his type of ministry reaches and includes people from all backgrounds, race and social classes.”
“I would encourage anyone looking to improve their ministry to go on a Gospel Express course,” commented Alan. “Going on one is about is about more than learning about music but getting closer to the Lord.”
Further enquiries:
Gospel Express Academy runs a series of accredited courses in conjunction with local and national agencies to provide training, education and employment. The Academy has diversified its services to also offer additional courses, OFSTED-registered after school activities and a church/ worship centre (Ecclesia Ministries). For more information about Gospel Express Academy, call 0121 523 5297,visit their or email
The Christ Faith Tabernacle is a Pentecostal church that meets in the hall of St Andrews Centre, 2 College Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B20 2HX. For more information, call Pastor Billy on 07737 885 319.
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