The Jackson Studio of Music

Seeing that my family is so heavily involved in music, we opened a music school. September 3, 1987 we started the Jackson Studio Of Music. The purpose of the music school is to instruct students in the area of classical and gospel piano(traditional & Contemporary music). We have trained over 500 students and have been blessed to recommend many of them for churches, groups and other organizations.

The Jackson Studio of Music is an extension of the Faith Temple Church Music Ministry. The office is housed on the church property and is opened for business Monday through Friday. I view this part of my life, not just as a job, but as ministry. I have been blessed to lead some of my students to Christ when they've come for their music sessions. I remember talking to a young lady once who was on the verge of suicide. She gave God her heart and started on the path to living again. What an awesome God we serve!

We start teaching students at the age of 5 and we will take them up to the age 104. My oldest student right now is 75 years old and he is really doing well. He just recovered from surgery for glaucoma and he was back in for his session this past week. This part of my life has been quite rewarding and I praise God for the happy privilege that he has given me to serve His people in this capacity.

My Siblings

My brothers and sisters as well as myself are all involved in the music ministry. My oldest sister, Patricia Campbell is working in ministry with her husband Aaron. He pastors the Rising Sun Outreach Ministries Church here in Memphis. My oldest brother, Andrew Jr, is pastoring in Dallas, Texas. He pastors the West irving Church along with his wife, Sandra. They both have beautiful families of their own.

The rest of the children are working in Music Ministry at the home church in Memphis. Derrick, 50, is the chief musician. His musical skills are like none you've ever heard. He reminds me of David, the shepherd, in the bible. He has played the organ in many of the services until, the glory of God filled the room. It's kind of like when King Saul was gripped with an evil spirit and David played the harp with such an anointing until the evil spirit was lifted from Saul. There is a freedom of worship that is released in the room when my brother plays the instruments.

He studied classical piano at the University of Memphis. But God has given him something that you cannot acquire in the classroom. It is called the anointing. You can only receive that by walking with God and being intimate with Him. I am so proud of my brother, Derrick.

My sister, Sharon, is a great singer. She is 44 and is highly anointed in the things of God. He uses her in the praise and worship services and the congregation really gets involved in the singing. Sharon has a way of engaging the congregation and making them feel like they are a part of that whole process. She recorded a praise and worhsip CD a few years ago that did really well. It is her desire to record another one in the near future.

My brother, Ivory is 52. He is a great singer as well. But he is also a gospel preacher. He is skilled on various instruments such as the organ, piano, drums, bass and saxophone. He is like a "jack of all." He also serves as the assistant pastor to my dad at the church.

As you can see, my family is heavily involved in ministry. Our families are close knitted and we truly look out for one another. I am proud to say that my dad recently celebrated 41 years of pastoring and we have been with him ALL 41 years. Although, each of us have our own individual lives and families, it is all connected with Andrew Jackson and the Faith Temple Church. He instilled so much within us as children that we are able to carry that with us to our own separate families and for that I am grateful.

The Music Begans

As the church began to grow, we saw the need to move to a larger facility. We moved to 76 East Davant which was not too far from the first location. The church continued to experience numerical growth and my father's vision for ministry was expanded. It was then that we moved to our present location, 5191 Elvis Presley Blvd in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, Tennessee.

Today the church is operating at full speed. The Music Ministry has to be one of the most exciting ministries within our church. We are blessed to have a Sanctuary Choir, Children's Choir and Male Chorus. We are also blessed to have great musicians that understand the purpose of real music ministry in the body of Christ. From time to time we expand the worship services by using flags and banners. It really takes the service to a new level of worship.

Now understand that it takes much preparation in order for the singers and musicians to be on point within any given service. That's why we stress weekly rehearsals with the entire music staff. We have found that meeting regularly is so important to the success of our department. It is also necessary that each singer and musician prepare themselves spiritually as well. Time spent with God during the week is the best way to prepare for REAL ministry.

My Parents

My parents are Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Lottie Jackson. They just celebrated 56 years of marriage! The Lord favored them with 6 children and 18 grandchildren so far. My parents lived in Chicago for 11 years. While in Chicago my dad worked for Northwest University in the Research Department. Of course, my mom was busy taking care of the children which was a full time job within itself.

Dad had received an offer to transfer to Memphis to head the Research Department at the University of Tennessee. He was thrilled and humbled to have been considered for this prestigious position. He willingly accepted the position and we began the moving process. My mom was a little saddened about leaving because most of her family were in Chicago. However, God had revealed to my mother that the move was God ordained and that my dad would not just be moving to Memphis to head a Research Department, but he would actually go into full time ministry.

Subsequently, after moving to Memphis in 1964, God called my dad to pastoral ministry. In 1969, my dad started Faith Temple Church. Our first location was 66 West Mallory. It was a small building, but it was filled with a lot of love. The church started with several small children. However, my dad invested in those children by giving them responsibilities within the church. I am happy to say that many of those children grew to become teachers, elders, pastors, musicians, choir directors and so much more.

Introduction of the Editor

My name is Barbara Jackson-Sago. I am 47 years old and have been married for 18 months. I am married to Pastor Samuel Sago of Saint Rest Church in Itta Bena, MS. I presently reside in Memphis, Tennessee and I have chosen to complete my degree at Union University. In this blog I will highlight members of my immediate family as well as my church. Our church has several ministries. However, I will highlight the Music Ministry.

I am presently serving as Minister of Music of my church, Faith Temple Ministries Church. I also serve as one of four Vice-Presidents of the International Music Department of the Church Of God In Christ. In addition, I serve as Manager of the Jackson Studio of Music where students are trained in piano and voice.