Visit a mega bookstore and you will find an abundance of “how-to” guides written with the guarantee that, by following their advice, even the common person with a decent voice can become the next major recording artist. Attempt to apply that advice to the budding career of an aspiring gospel artist and the chances for success become even more remote. The problem is that, for many reasons, no one has had the foresight, experience, or vision necessary to write a book that would effectively offer a relevant and accurate depiction of the gospel industry and all that it takes to be successful in it.

Perhaps it is the filling of this void, then, that makes About My Father’s Business such an anticipated, useful and vital tool. Gospel music has never had such a concise and accurate industry standard from which to glean understanding. By the very nature of this genre, the majority of artists are self-proclaimed “church folks” who are literally thrust out of their environment by God’s call. Historically, artists and the teams that support them have been forced to simply learn by rote. Finally, there is a book that invites readers into an easy-to-understand dialogue, educating the masses and incorporating the importance of ministry with this business of gospel music.

The book begins with Pastor John Ramsey, Sr., Senior Pastor of New Life Worship Center in Indianapolis, offering a sobering and relevant reminder of the duty of all Christians. He explores the importance of living according to our respective gifts and callings, whatever they may be, for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Pastor Ramsey lovingly challenges readers to be people of integrity and character, compassionate to the needs of the people, and completely committed to the Word of God. These mandates apply to every Christian and are paramount as a foundation for any minister of the Gospel, particularly music ministers.

The guide seamlessly transitions into Max Siegel’s comprehensive overview of the recording industry. As an accomplished attorney, Senior Vice President of Zomba Label Group and President of Zomba Gospel (Verity Records), he concisely brings all of the readers to the same page. He discusses the functions and importance of each component of an artist’s team, ranging from the spiritual leader to the personal manager. He then delves into analyzing the role of each department of the record label, from Marketing and Publicity to Business and Legal Affairs. Further, Siegel’s honesty about the demands of an artist rinses off the miry falsities so commonly associated with the glamorous lifestyle, leaving exposed the truth- a slew of obligations, commitments, and responsibilities for which any music minister will need to be prepared.

In the latter half of the book, Siegel and Ramsey begin a tag-team effort, each trading off to offer valuable nuggets of knowledge and wisdom with regard to music ministry. Readers will be compelled to whip out a notebook in an attempt to organize the many thoughts running through their minds. Even still, no concept is lost in the shuffle and each area is given its due attention. No stone is left unturned as the two tackle topics including administration in ministries, artist support personnel, and various roles of support in the industry.

One noteworthy aspect of this book is that it offers the notion that an understanding of the business of the gospel music industry is as relevant as the ministry aspect of the industry. Implicit in this book’s instruction is the fact that, as churchgoers, we have been taught not to mix business with anything pertaining to the Word of God, especially as it extends to gospel music. Fortunately, the authors of this book have forcefully broken down such barriers, challenging us to realize that success in the gospel music industry hinges on both business acumen and commitment to ministry, and the relationship between the two can actually be quite healthy.

Reminiscent of Donald Passman’s All You Need To Know About the Music Business, this is a practical and insightful journey into the inner workings of the music industry. But where Passman’s book falls short, Siegel and Ramsey’s work excels. No longer forced to draw correlations from secular examples and concepts, we have before us a work that is written by and for Christians. The perspective is tailored and will prove more relevant for its audience than any other supplemental materials gathered by the eager and willing music minister.

This is a must-read for anyone feeling even the slightest tug toward music ministry. It puts into perspective the many components of the music business while impressing upon its readers the industry’s congruent connection with ministry. On the whole, Siegel and Ramsey render an honest treatment of each component of the “gospel music industry.” This book represents a complete entity that requires a dedication to the Gospel, mastery of the music, and an understanding and appreciation of the industry or business of it all. This book introduces a world of possibilities for further discussion and we can only pray it will serve as the steppingstone for future works that educate and motivate the Body of Christ to take seriously the call of God on our lives.