The Old Paths Reflect Upon their Journey for the "Long Run"

In the 10 years of the Old Path's existence they have become known as vessels for Christ and tools for His purpose through their music ministry. The result has been not only a decade of spreading the message of the Gospel but also recording and performing some of the most significant music in the genre today. Now they offer Long Run (releases on July 14). a six song collection written by today's most beloved writers. 

Q:  Congratulations on celebrating your 10th year as a team.  Looking back, what were some of the joys over the last 10 years? 

We actually started as a group in Oct of 2003, so we are now over 10 years. We've enjoyed so much during that time. Some of the greatest joys in that time have been the people we have met on the road who have become friends. We have loved getting to travel and sing in some great venues like the National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City and Dollywood. We were honored to be named Favorite New Traditional Quartet in 2013 and have a few songs go to #1. However, there's not a greater joy than knowing what you've sung has drawn someone closer to the Lord whether they are coming to know him for the first time or coming back to Him. 

Q:  What were some of the challenges for the group over the last decade?

It's tough being on the road and away from home and our families so much. In 2014, Tim's daughter Brianna needed a kidney transplant. Doug's son struggled with a drug addiction. We've definitely dealt with our share of trials, but God has been faithful through it all. 

Q:  Congratulations on the release of "The Long Run."  Why are there only 6 songs and not the regular 10 cuts?

We decided an EP would be the best way to get our music back out there. An EP normally has 4-6 songs. With an EP, we're able to record it more quickly of course, which means we'll have new music out faster. Since we'd been out of the studio and off the road for over a year, we felt like this was a great way to make our debut. These six songs are all very strong and radio worthy.

Q:  "Tangled in the Middle" is your new single, it's also been described as a "wake up call" song.  Tell us more about this song and why are you excited about it.

We loved "Tangled in the Middle" from the first time we heard it. The song was written by Regina Walden. We felt like it was the perfect choice for our new single. It's a great upbeat song has a strong message that we really felt like so many people could relate to. It teaches the lessons and gives the advice we all need to get through life to simply pray, lean on the Lord when we don't understand life's circumstances and hold on to the hope we have in Christ. 

Q:  "Broken People Like Me" is my favorite cut off the album now.  Tell us more about why you chose this song.

Kenna West and Lee Black wrote this song. Steve does an incredible job on this one. He's such a great talent, and we are so thankful to have him as part of The Old Paths now. We have all been those broken people at one time. We want songs that will encourage and speak to people where they are. When we heard it, we knew the song would do just that. 

Q:  What's the secret for the longevity of the Old Path?  What made you last for the long run?

When we stepped off the stage in December 2014, we honestly didn't know what the future held for The Old Paths. We all kept in touch and definitely wanted to sing together again, but we didn't know what that would look like. During our time off, we were sensitive to God's leading and opportunities that He opened for us. We are thankful for the opportunity to come back and the way we have been received back into the gospel music community.

We couldn't do what we do without the support of our families. When we came back on the road, we wanted to make sure it was with their full support. They are such an encouragement and motivation in our ministry. 

Q:  Have you goals and vision change for the team over the last decade? 

Our goals never really changed. We want to see people come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and want to encourage believers. That goal has remained the same. As for the vision for the future, we continue to pay attention to God's leading and calling on our lives for whatever He has next. 

Q:  What encouragements do you have for people who are struggling with their faith and afraid of going the long run with the Lord?

Sometimes life throws us situations that we don't understand and it's easy to get discouraged and wonder where God is through all of it. We've felt that definitely as a group and individually. When we become consumed with those struggles, we can easily lose sight of all He's done for us before. The biggest encouragement can be to look at how He's been faithful in the past and be reassured that He will be faithful again. We'd much rather go the long run with God than without Him.

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