Sunday, February 7, 2016

The Inner Views of Bob Sellers

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9
(KJV)

If you have been reading Homespun Devotions for very long, you will know that my family and I are huge fans of the Southern Gospel group, The Kingsmen.
They have been such a dear blessing to us throughout the struggles and trials of the past few years.
You can read previous posts I have written about them by clicking the following links:

My family's correspondence with The Kingsmen has been mainly through emails
to and from the gentleman who is being featured in today's Inner Views.
When God first began dealing with me about beginning to conduct interviews to post here,
he is one of the first people He brought to my mind.
We were so thankful that when we asked, he was willing to grant us an interview!
What a blessing!

I know you are going to love reading this, and you will be abundantly blessed!

We gratefully present to you....
 sinner saved by grace
and lead singer of the Grammy-nominated and Dove award-winning Kingsmen Quartet,
Bob Sellers.


The 
of
Bob Sellers.

Cheryl:  Could you please give us an introduction as to who you are, personally, and what you do, professionally?

Bob:  I'm a native and lifelong resident of Pickens County, AL. My hometown of Gordo is about 30 minutes from downtown Tuscaloosa. I graduated from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) in 1998 with a degree in Finance with a concentration in banking and financial services. I spent 17 years in banking, working the last ten years of my banking career as a commercial loan officer. I left that career in 2011 to join The Kingsmen full-time filling the position of lead vocals. Prior to joining The Kingsmen, I also had my own group (Capstone Quartet) that traveled part-time mostly on the weekends. I have been married to my high school sweetheart and the absolute love of my life, Kansas, since 1998, and we've been blessed with three children. Our oldest girl, Corley, is fifteen, Ellie is 12, and our son, Will, is 10. My wife is a sixth grade teacher here in our hometown. We live a simple life out in the country with one inside spoiled rotten fur baby ("Bella", a Malti-szu), three outside dogs and a cat. When not on the road with The Kingsmen (which I am 200+ days each year) I do some handyman-type work on the side such as painting and light remodeling, wood and tile floors, etc. I find it's a good way to stay somewhat in shape physically and mentally while not on the road and spend my time making a little extra money when Kansas and the kids are at school versus laying around being lazy. If and when there is any time left, my hobbies include anything going on outdoors such as camping, hunting, hiking, etc. and of course, obsessing over Alabama Crimson Tide sports, especially football. Roll Tide!


Left to Right:
Kansas, Bob, Corley,
Will, and Ellie Sellers

The Kingsmen
Left to Right:
Randy Crawford, Brandon Reese, Ray Dean Reese, Bob Sellers, and Chris Jenkins

Cheryl:  How long have you been a member of the Kingsmen, and how did you become a part of this ministry?

Bob:  I had gotten to know a couple of guys in the group pretty well over the years and in early 2011 I had a chance to fill in for one of them one night down in south Alabama. I guess owners Ray and Brandon Reese thought it was a pretty good fit, because a few months later they would have an opening at the lead position and offered me the job. I've been here ever since and haven't once regretted the career change. My wife is so supportive of what I do. I could never do it without her support and can't imagine trying to! She believes just as I do that this is God's purpose for my life right now, so we are totally committed to fulfilling that calling together. 

Bob and Kansas Sellers

Cheryl:  How did you come to be a Christian, and when did you feel God calling you to full-time ministry?

Bob:  I accepted Christ as my Lord and personal savior on June 6, 1984 during a week long summer revival at the church my grandfather Paul Sellers founded back in 1978. Granddaddy has gone to be with the Lord, but I am still a member of that church and I actually live about 200 yards from the back door. Although I rarely get the privilege to attend, it is a very special place to me, and all my family are active members there. I felt for several months at my last banking stint that God had other plans for my life. I was miserable at the time and having tried for a long time to make the best of a bad situation, I had begun to pray for a way out, and I really felt deeply within my heart that God had a career change in my future. I had no idea that it would be in full-time ministry, but as soon as Ray called it was as if a light bulb came on and God said, "Here's your answer!". 

Cheryl:  Your song, “Battle Cry”, has so deeply stirred our hearts and the hearts of many others, as it is so spiritually fitting to our times. Can you tell us how the song came to you and what your initial reaction was when you, as the Kingsmen, first heard it? Did you immediately discern the power of the song or have any idea how much of an impact it would make?
If you could sum up the current “battle cry” that is going forth from the heart of God, how would you describe it, and what do you think we, as the Body of Christ, should be doing in response to that battle cry?


Bob:  "Battle Cry" was one of dozens of songs (probably well over a hundred, actually) that we were blessed to have pitched to us by songwriters from all over the world. We listened for more than two years trying to find our favorite ten songs for this project and actually ended up with eleven, because we just couldn't bring ourselves to culling that last favorite. I was actually the first to hear the demo for "Battle Cry". I immediately liked the song. For me, I know by the time I hear a couple of measures of music and some of the lyrics of a song whether or not I like it, and it was just one that grabbed me immediately and got stuck in my head. I think the song resonates as it does because of the things happening in the world around us. God certainly wants us to pray, but I also think He desires to see His church put action behind our prayers. The days of Christian people sitting on the sidelines only hoping and praying for change have passed us by. We’ve got to take up arms against Satan. The mindset of staying quiet on the sidelines has allowed things such as gay marriage and abortion to be accepted in our country and what got God escorted out our schools. It's time Christians get busy spreading the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth, just like the Word of God compels us to such as in Luke 14:23 and Acts 1:8, reaching as many as we can while there is still time. Also, we need to stand for what is right and stand against what is wrong and practice what we preach. My favorite line in the song says, "Let us not grow weary as we carry the gospel to the lost, let us lay our lives down in the service of our captain and His cross; for evil rages, so hearts courageous, we must soldier on!". That truly is the Christian battle cry!

Cheryl:  As you travel from place to place and sing to different audiences in various venues, how do you compare the current level of spiritual fervency, dedication, and support with levels of the past?

Bob:  I think the biggest difference over the past generation or so in this industry is that more of us out here on the road have as much of an evangelical drive as we do an entertainment drive. I certainly believe that you can present the gospel in song in an entertaining way. After all, it's a dark, hard world sometimes, so if people can leave all that behind, come and sit through 90 minutes or a couple hours of a concert with us and have a smile put on their face, we're not going to apologize for that. Part of The Kingsmen's legacy is taking the audience on a roller coaster of emotions, whether it's laughing hysterically one minute to crying the next. We want a concert with us to be more than an emotional experience, however, and for people to leave having enjoyed a true worship experience. The best pay we ever receive is seeing someone in a service we've led come to the saving knowledge of Christ. The best compliment we get is when someone tells us they received a blessing.

Cheryl:  How many times do you perform throughout the year, and how do you find balance in maintaining family life along with being on the road?

Bob:  We perform anywhere between 180 and 200 dates a year. For me, it's a 450-mile drive to Asheville, NC, where the group is headquartered and where the bus leaves out of. I don't always have to drive that far, but I end up being away from home upward of 220-230 days each year. That is incomprehensible to some people, however, what I’ve learned to do is make the absolute best out of the time I do get at home. My wife's and my relationship has never been stronger. There really is a lot of truth to the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder". When I'm on the road, sometimes my heart absolutely aches for home, so when I am home, each and every moment, whether it's time with my wife and kids, some time spent on a hobby, spending time with my parents and other family I don't get to see as often as I'd like or just whatever I'm doing feels like a real privilege. Of course, the chores and other obligations of home still have to be met as well. Missing ballgames, recitals, “firsts”, etc. of my kids is the worst, or when someone at home is ill or injured. I prayed when I started with the group that I'd never have any regrets and that my children would never wish I'd have been there more. Obviously, we'd always like to be together more, but we've all learned to adapt to the point that it's just normal life for us, at least. 

Bob, Ellie, Corley, Kansas, and Will Sellers

Bob, with his parents, Helen and Robert Sellers

Cheryl:  What are some of the most humorous things that have happened during your concerts?

Bob:  Oh my goodness! You can’t imagine some of the hilarious things that happen on the road. They usually involve our bass singer and owner, Ray Dean Reese. He may be 76 years old, but he can be a big kid at heart. He does things to crack us up all the time. He’s been with The Kingsmen for 50 years and one of the funny things he's known for is if he ever forgets the lyrics to a song he will just sing “watermelon, watermelon, watermelon”. He says no one ever knows the difference as long as it blends in with what the rest of us are singing. As you can imagine, it never really blends in that well. Some of the funniest things also happen at the product table. For example, I had a man in Indianapolis actually argue with me over whether or not we were the same “Kingsmen” who sang the song “Louie, Louie”. I tried to explain that they were a rock and roll group from the northwest who came along a few years after us and that we’d never done “Louie, Louie”, but he said, “No, it was you. I saw you do it right here in 1968!”. At that point I just gave up and agreed with everything he said. We love them all, but people can say some of the wildest things at the table! It’s always entertaining.

Cheryl:  We are living in the perilous end times prophesied about in God’s Word, and it is easy to become discouraged in these dark days. In closing, what words of encouragement would you like to share with our readers?

Bob:  Yes, we are indeed. I'd just say just what the Bible says, “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.  My life verses are Proverbs 3:5-6, which say, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

A BIG thanks to Bob for his time and for sharing his amazing story and testimony with us!
We are just so honored and humbled to have been able to interview such an inspiring man of God.

A few months ago, God blessed us to get to meet Bob in person and see The Kingsmen in concert!
That special evening was a night we will never forget and a tremendous blessing to our souls.
You may read more about it by clicking here.

Chris Jenkins, Zach, and Bob Sellers

And, guess what?????
Battle Cry, written by Joel Lindsey, Sue C. Smith, and Lee Black, 
and recorded by the Kingsmen, was the #2 Radio Song for 2015, 

The words to this song stir a deep longing within me to arise out of spiritual lethargy,
to shake off complacency,
and to do my personal part to defend God's truth in this evil age.
I never listen to this song without being profoundly moved,
and seldom do I hear it without shedding tears.


If video doesn't load, click here.

Another recent release from The Kingsmen's Battle Cry CD is "Cross of Grace".

I hope you will take the time to listen to it here.


If video doesn't load, click here.

God bless Bob Sellers, and God bless The Kingsmen, as they travel and do their utmost
to bring glory and honor to our dear Lord in these perilous, last days of time.

If you would like to support the ministry of The Kingsmen and/or order any of their products,
please click HERE!

To read previous
 click the links below.

The Inner Views of Joshua Becker
 The Inner Views of Lisa Newton
The Inner Views of Dr. Alveda King
The Inner Views of Jen Avellaneda
The Inner Views of Tonya Shellnutt
The Inner Views of Karen Del Tatto
The Inner Views of Evelyn Rennich

28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Denise! God bless you for stopping by!

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  2. Great interview! I'm a new fan. Bob is great inspiration and so is the entire group. So amazing how God is using these men to touch the lives of so many. His humility is what points the world to our Father. Thanks to the both of you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and visit, Floyd. I am so thankful to introduce you to this wonderful group. I know their music and ministry will bless you time and time again! God bless you abundantly, brother!

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  3. Wow. I've never interviewed a celebrity who is this inspiring. Good job. And thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much for your visit, Lux! I so appreciate your encouragement and kind words!

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  4. What a good idea to interview people in your "Inner Views" series. Well done and congratulations.

    I have responded to your comments on my Blog, Cheryl. Thank you so much for visiting me.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you so much, Victor! I so appreciate your encouragement. And thank you for your response...oh, my, that is such a sad story and song! I had never heard it...the tune is just beautiful, and the story behind it is heart-wrenching. God bless you!

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  5. Cheryl, what a great "inner" view series ... Many blessings to you ❤️

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your visit and encouragement, Beth! May God richly bless you!

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  6. Neat interview. I had never heard of Bob Sellers or the Kings Men before. Bob sounds like a great guy, who loves Jesus and I'm excited to have another music group to check out. Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Thank you, Jed! So thankful you are hearing about Bob and The Kingsmen! Their music will abundantly bless you, I have no doubt! I so appreciate you stopping by and trust God will send many blessings to Jen and you!

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  7. HI Cheryl! What a huge blessing to have this talented man on your blog, speaking so humbly about his life, his faith and his career. I was so inspired by his commitment! He obviously has a ton of time on the road, but he certainly married the right person didn't he? And he's doing such wonderful work, inspiring everywhere he goes!
    Wonderful interview Cheryl!
    Ceil

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    1. God bless you for your support and encouragement, Ceil! Yes, God certainly paired Bob with the wife of HIS choice...one who supports him and his ministry and who, undoubtedly, lifts him often in prayer, too. God surely is using The Kingsmen to uplift, inspire, and pour into the lives of His people. So thankful you came by and read the interview. :) Your visits are such a blessing to me!

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  8. I know how much your family loves this group - and so I can only imagine what great fun it was to interview Bob! What a tremendous testimony, and what a grand work God has called him to! And really, God has called Bob's entire family to this work. What grace they have exhibited in letting their husband and father pursue God's calling. Blessings on all of them!

    Thanks once again, Cheryl, for inspiring all of us with this series. And yes, indeed, we must all heed the Battle Cry!!

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. You are so right, dear friend. This whole family is making sacrifices in order for Bob to fulfill the call God has placed upon his life. Such an inspiration to see the love they have for the Lord! Thank you ever so much for stopping by and leaving such sweet encouragement behind. So thankful for you! God bless you, too. :)

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  9. I really enjoyed this, Cheryl. As a young singer/songwriter in the early '90s, The Kingsmen were the first Southern Gospel group to record one of my songs: "A New Life." It was an honor and a thrill, and since then, other groups have recorded my music. I never considered myself a writer of quartet tunes, but I guess I was. :-) Blessings to you.

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    1. How wonderful, Gayle! I remember reading on your blog that you write Southern Gospel songs. It must have been quite an honor and thrill to have The Kingsmen record one of your compositions! When God inspires us to do something, He sees the big picture and already knows the purpose for it. He sees the end from the beginning. Thank you for your visit, and may God bless you and keep you ever encouraged in Him!

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  10. Hi, Cheryl! Your innerview with Bob is interesting. I appreciate you posting his songs too! I can see the beauty of Christ in his wife and children and hear it in the songs as well. I will have to remember that "watermelon" trick! What a fun gospel group they are! May God bless his ministry and may many more come to Christ in the coming days!

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    1. Thanks so much for your sweet visit and kind words, Mary! It is always such a dear blessing when you stop by. I know you will enjoy the music of The Kingsmen and am so thankful you were blessed by reading Bob's interview!

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  11. Thank you for the great interview! I've never heard of this group before :).

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    1. So thankful to have been able to make the introduction! God bless you for stopping by! :)

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  12. Wow! So many people are affecting lives for God in different ways.
    Thanks for sharing this interview Cheryl, I enjoyed reading it and learning a few things too.
    I also love the 'watermelon' stint, I think I am going to adopt it.
    So great to be here again.
    Have a super blessed day!
    Love

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet visit, Ugochi! It was so nice to see that you had stopped by! I am so thankful you enjoyed the interview. :) God bless you! Sending you much love across the many miles!

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  13. Thank you once again for visiting my Blog and for your kind words therein.

    God bless you and your family.

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    1. Thank you, Victor! God bless you and your family, too!

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  14. Thank you for sharing Bob's wonderful testimony and faith as he travels with the King's Men and sings for Jesus. Being away from home for so much has got to be heart rendering at times, but God has given him a sweet wife and children who understand his ministry. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a True Story.

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    1. Yes, Bob and his family are a shining example of a Christian family willing to serve. So thankful they are here for such a time as this! Thank you for stopping by, dear Hazel. God bless you!

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