API Blog

Office Closed

Office Closed

July 3 - July 9, 2013

Date Change for 2013

Date Change for 2013

Gatlinburg Gathering Changes Dates for 2013

 

God's Hand

God's Hand

No one is more secure than the one who is held in God's hand.

Mindless Prayer

Mindless Prayer

May our prayers not be mindless, but instead mindful of God's will.

Featured Artist



Ivan Parker

Ivan was saved at age 9 when an evangelist preached a fiery sermon on the rapture of the church. "I remember that night well," he said. "I was sitting on the back row with all my friends. When the invitation was given, I couldn’t get to the altar fast enough. My mom and dad had always told me that whenever it came to salvation, I couldn’t get to heaven on their experience - I had to have my own." I knew Jesus loved me and had His hand on me. I didn’t know what God had planned for my life; I just knew I wanted to sing."

Ivan began his full time career in 1982 and has enjoyed singing with quartets such as "The Singing Americans" and  "Gold City." Stepping out on faith in 1994 with a solo ministry that has taken him around the world sharing the gospel in song. One of the greatest ministry opportunities to come Ivan’s way was being a part of the Gaither Homecoming Videos. In all, his calendar shows an average of 175 performances a year.

Ivan's Signature Song, "Midnight Cry," has been sung by him literally all over the world. Ivan recalls singing in Africa and looking over the crowd. "It was amazing seeing all of these people on the other side of the world singing this song word for word and worshiping God. When I was notified in 2007 that this song had gone to the number one position on the radio charts in Europe I was astounded but was reminded that all things are possible through God.

Ivan and his wife, Teresa, reside in Nashville, Tennessee. They own Parker Music Group, which not only represents Ivan Parker, but Teresa is a booking agent representing several other artists from the Gaither Homecoming Tour. They have two sons, Ryan and Josh. Ryan is a Commercial Lender and is married to Sandy Hagee, who is an Attorney. They are the proud parents of two beautiful girls, Olivia and Ellie. They make their home in San Antonio, Texas. Josh is a graduate of Cumberland University with a degree in Music. He is active in the church where Ivan and Teresa attend. "The greatest blessings of all is my family and they are the joy of my heart," states Ivan. "They are supportive, loving and caring and I Praise God for them everyday."

Like most Christians, Ivan has known some "ups and downs," but he has lived with his favorite passage of scripture, Psalm 23. "I believe God does His greatest works in us when we are in the valley. It is there that we are more open to what He has in store for us." When Ivan was asked if he had any unfulfilled dreams, he said, "You never stop dreaming about where your ministry is going. I just pray that God will take what I am presently doing and increase it. I am living my dream...but the dream is not completed yet." The song will go on!