Inspiration 1390 honored all the 2012 Chicago Stellar nominees and winners during the Chicago Stellar Awards Salute held at Christ Universal Temple (CUT) on the city's far South side. The Chicago Mass Choir was honored along with Vashwan Mitchell, Shekinah Glory Ministries, Todd Dulaney and a host of others. The event was hosted by Inspiration 1390's own Pastor John Hannah, Effie Rolfe and Sonya Blakey.
Head of Christ Universal Temple, Rev. Derrick B. Wells (pictured to the left), believes that music can reach people just as the principals of the bible can.
“We are happy to host the Stellar Awards event. Music plays the stronghold in ministry. Melody can go where the spoken word can’t [and] it has the ability to turn minds and hearts to God and to the spirit,” Rev. Wells explained.
Don Jackson, creator and founder of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, is a longstanding member of Christ University Temple and according to Rev. Wells, much of Jackson’s inspiration came from ministries at the church.
“The birth of the Stellars began with Dream series at CUT so it is natural for us to be a part of the Stellar celebrations here in Chicago,” he says.
Rev. Wells recognizes the power and influence music can have over young people and as a pastor leading a non-traditional and innovative ministry, he knows it’s the leading and not just the preaching.
“When young people see other younger people it helps to lead them to the church. It helps to see somebody doing something you aspire to do. People like Jay-Z and Puffy [Sean Combs] are inspirational not because of what they do but what they represent,” Rev. Wells explains.
