Neil Pope has been ministering through gospel music since he was 15 years old. Growing up under the wings of artist like Wendy Bagwell, Jan Buckenr, Amy Lambert, and Mike Speck, Neil has been on the gospel music scene since a very young age. Everything he knows about music and performing he attributes to his mentor, the legendary Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters. Neil says laughing, "Wendell and Little Jan were the biggest influences in my life growing up, when other kids wanted to be fire fighters, or Superman, I wanted to be Wendell Bagwell, with Jan and Jerri singing at my side. Seeing the smiles, joy and laughter that Wendy and the girls brought to the people through encouraging words and songs made me recognize the calling God had placed
on my heart to sing." Neil grew up traveling with the Sunliters, and continued traveling with Little
Jan Buckner after Wendy Bagwell's death. Neil has embarked on a solo ministry. Other musical
influences that Neil has performed with and have led him to create his own style in gospel music
include The Gaithers, The Hoppers, The Pfiefers, Third Day, Phillips Craig and Dean, and John
Starnes. Neil's whole heart and biggest desire is to see lives changed, people reached and souls
inspired through the testimones and the songs that heshares in concert. Neil says "The biggest
blessing and reward is when people come to me and tell me how GOD has worked in a song that I
have written or sang, and because of that they allowed HIM to make a difference in their life. My life's testimony is that no matter what life sends your way, you can always rest in the promise of Mark
11:23-24, GOD IS IN CONTROL! Neil has written over 26 Gospeland Praise and Worship songs.
Neil says "My favorite song that I have written sofar is "You're All I Need". I wrote that song
suring a very lonely and hurting point in my life. I was on the road, on my way homeabout 2 AM
and God started dealing with me. He have me the song "You're all I need, when I feel all alone,
You're all I need when my faith is almost gone, You're all I need when the storms of life blow
strong, when I feel IÕve lost itall, You're all I need." God revealed himself to me, and reminded
me that He was all I needed. He had my hpes, my dreams, my desires, and everything I
neededin His hands. All I need to do is trust Him, and let Him guide me andbe obedient to
His will, and in His timing He will work all things for my good. This is the principle that I
have focused my ministry around, sharing that there is hope and contentment in trusting
God with everything. Letting God guide in every area of our lives, down to the smalles
decision is the way to find true happiness and permanent joy.
