Worship Leader Cinque Cullar Reflects on How Worship Changes Our Lives

Anointed to change lives through worship, Minister Cinque Cullar uses his gifts and abilities to bring people to a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ through the undeniable power of music.  The international singer, psalmist and worship leader came to the realization at an early age that he possessed a unique capacity to connect with people from various walks of life. Years of development and training in Chicago's famed Soul Children set the stage as God ordered the young man's steps, and the favor of the Lord opened doors for overseas travel throughout Europe with Gospel legend Reverend Jessy Dixon as well as tour dates in Switzerland and Israel.

Hallels:  Thanks Cinque for doing this interview with us.  Let's start with yourself, tell us about your journey, how did the Lord lead you to sing for him?

I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended a small store front church with a great choir.  I knew early on that singing was my passion and believed that God would use me for His glory.  Both my parents loved music, so in my home music was the backdrop to our daily lives.  My musical influences were vast and wide because of my exposure to the entire music spectrum.   After spending time as a member of Walt Whitman's Soul Children of Chicago and traveling the world, I was clear that my path was to sing for the Lord.

Hallels:  You have also sang with many artists before and you were featured in many albums.  Which artists did you enjoy working with?  And why?

I am a living recipient of the blessing in the scriptures that a man's gift will make room for him and bring him before great men.  The list of artists I have worked with is long, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say Donald Lawrence has been one of my favorite Gospel Artist to work with. He has taken me under his wings and has shared a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.  Particularly for my latest solo projects.  In fact, he attended rehearsals leading up to my live recording and made simple yet profound changes to the presentation that proved effective.

Hallels:  Congratulations on the release of your new record "Life and Worship: Live in Sweden."  Why and how did you get to record this album in Sweden?

Over the past several years I have been afforded the opportunity to travel the world sharing Gospel Music.  Several European countries have embraced me in a very big way.  I have frequented the Scandinavian countries and have found a loyal fan base.  After being in concert with Donald Lawrence in Norway, he suggested that I record my next project overseas.  God was in the plan, it turned out that the idea was embraced by some friends of mine in Gothenburg, Sweden and after about 4 months of planning, about 20 people flew with me to Sweden and the rest is history.

Hallels:  Why did you entitle your album "Life and Worship"?  How should worship influence and affect our lives?

In this season of my life, I sincerely believe that God is looking for obedience; that is the most effective form of worship. We pray in the Lord's prayer Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, there is a point of daily submission there.  Yielding to God, saying yes, obeying Him with our yes and  having a ready willingness to obey, that in essence is the premise of Life and Worship. The disc shares some intimate times of worship and also gives a musical buffet of sorts.  Some of the songs express gratitude to the Father, while others are just there to encourage the believer to trust the Sovereign God.  Even as we go through the valley, He's there.

Hallels:  Talk to us about your single "Believer's Declaration."  What's the inspiration behind this song?

My best friend of over 20 years came to me with a song called King of Glory.  When I heard it, I fell in love with the message.  Too often Gospel music has avoided the name Jesus and has watered down the Gospel.  I thought it a privilege to be able to declare the glory and presence of the Lord in that way.  A great friend and the undisputed first lady of Praise and Worship Judith McAllister suggested that it be called Believer's Declaration.  She believed it demanded a strong name. Once you hear it, the song speaks (or sings) for itself.

Hallels:  I believe you also sang at the 60th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.  What are your thoughts about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement?

Yes, what an incredible experience.  Having gone to Alabama State University and lived in Montgomery, Alabama for 10 years I was very familiar with the movement and the players.  The celebration afforded me the opportunity to share with Dr. King's youngest daughter, Reverend Bernice King and Reverend Frederick Haynes of Dallas, Texas.  I have the utmost respect for the the labor and efforts of  Dr. King and Mrs. Rosa Parks.  But I have also learned to appreciate those who played key roles whose names aren't so familiar. In an effort to carry their legacy, I stay on the front lines of the war on guns and the senseless violence plaguing the youth in the streets of Chicago, shadowing my Pastor, Father Michael Pfleger, marching, sitting in and lobbying for better gun control laws.  Because education is the key, I also believe in giving back and empowering at risk youth with character development,  conflict resolution, violence prevention and job training initiatives. We have a job to do and there is work to be done.

Hallels:  For our readers who would like to find out more about you and your music, where can they go?

For more information about myself and my music you can start with the website at www.cinquecullar.com, you can find me on Fb, Twitter and Instagram under Cinque Cullar.

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