Musical ensemble shares gospel, gifts through song

Turning the tide of Christianity is what Turning Point strives to do, according to its mission statement.

“[We] proclaim the Gospel through music,” said sophomore member Tiffani Mc Laurin.

Senior Bryan Broughton agreed.

“We’re middlemen from the congregation to God,” he said.

Begun in 1973 on Eastern’s campus, Turning Point consists of fourteen students who sing and perform, sharing musical talents with churches in the area, according to Mc Laurin.

“We’re a personalized singing group made up of the best of the best from around campus,” Mc Laurin said.

The group is formed through musical auditions every spring, according to sophomore Allison King.

According to Mc Laurin, the group practices with music director Ron Matthews every Thursday and spends even more time practicing on their own.

Every Wednesday, the group has hour-long sectional practices, according to Broughton.

Turning Point’s repertoire contains a variety of contemporary and traditional sacred songs. The group ministers at different churches every week, also leading worship with the pastor’s permission, according to Mc Laurin.

However, they do more than just sing; they also share about their personal lives with their audiences.

“We share about Eastern and share about God and how He’s touched our lives,” said sophomore member Jen Ehling.

Mc Laurin described Turning Point as a big family. Though they sometimes get on each other’s nerves, they still learn a great deal from each other and apply those lessons to their lives.

King agrees that Turning Point is a close-knit group.

“Everyone really cares about each other,” she said.

Although Turning Point was founded as a non-profit ministry, the group is in need of funds to continue its traveling ministry, due to Eastern’s shortage of vans needed for transportation. To raise money for transportation, they will be holding a benefit concert on February 13 at 7 p.m. in the McInnis auditorium.

Along with performing a selection of the songs they use when touring churches, they will also be featuring a rap by the Turning Point men and a flute solo. Tickets will be $3 for students and $5 for adults.