NEWPORT — Music and proclaiming God’s Word go hand in hand for Memphis church planter and pastor Courtney Franklin.

And, it is evident that music is not just a hobby. Franklin recently wrote and recorded a song entitled “Send Us Peace” that spent two weeks in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Digital Sales Chart for gospel music.

In addition, Franklin, who has been singing professionally since he was 17, has sung on the steps of The Vatican in Rome with the likes of Pavarotti, Billy Preston and Lauryn Hill and has had his music played all over the world.

But the Memphis native is adamant that music is secondary to his role as a shepherd. “I’m a pastor who sings, not a singer who pastors.”