The Group
Encounter is a Modern Gospel music ministry spreading the awesome news of Jesus Christ. Their prayer is that people will encounter Christ and grow in a deeper relationship with Him through their music. Encounter was formed in 2001 and group members Dean Newkirk, Bethany True, and Barbara Long are all active members of CrossWay Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. The group's name comes from CrossWay's slogan "A Place to Encounter Christ." It is for this reason and this reason alone that Encounter exists.
The Members
Barbara Long
Barbara is the high alto vocalist in most of Encounter's music. She enjoys tennis, softball, golf, and playing the guitar. She especially enjoys being the young grandmother of four preschoolers. For the past 22 years, Barbara has taught Grades K-2 at McFadden School of Excellence in Murfreesboro. She is a pastor's wife, teaches a young adult Sunday School class, and sings in CrossWay's choir and Praise Team.
Bethany True
When Bethany True was nine years old, she fell in love with singing on stage. After several years singing country music including appearances at theme parks and Nashville's annual "Fan Fair" celebration, she decided to leave the stage and raise a family. She has been married to Robert since 1992 and has two school-aged children, Lauren and Nicholas. She spends most of her time with her husband and children but also works part-time as a personal assistant for a real-estate broker.
After being baptized at the age of 23, Bethany felt a calling into music ministry that country music never fulfilled and has rejoiced in the process of using her "soulful" alto voice to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Dean Newkirk
A native of North Carolina, Dean has been playing the piano and singing for over twenty one years. His smooth tenor voice gives Encounter a sound not unlike that of popular groups like The Martins and The Talley Trio. Dean has a deep admiration for Southern Gospel music and says that some of his greatest influences have come from the music of the Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, and Ivan Parker.
A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Dean is Production Manager for Praise Hymn Soundtracks, a division of Provident Label Group in Franklin, TN. He also serves as Music Associate / Pianist at CrossWay Baptist Church. In his free time, Dean loves cooking, spending time with family and friends, arranging, producing, and recording music.
Visit Encounter online at:
www.encounterthewebsite.com. Listen for their debut radio single,
Make Me An Instrument, on Solid Gospel stations across the country!
To book Encounter at your church or event, please contact Jackson Management Agency for more info!
You can purchase their debut CD, Instrument of Praise, which contains all of the songs above and more, by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below! (Cost of CD is $12 + $2 s/h.)
