By David Briggs*
May 8, 2009

Tears fell from the faces of Good Friday worshippers at First United Methodist Church of Kennedale as Enrique Sanchez-Jeffery sang “The Day He Wore My Crown.”

That they were still falling in the parking lot after the service was a testimony to how Sanchez-Jeffery made the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice resonate in the hearts of members of the Fort Worth, Texas, area congregation.

Yet the music director did not even have to look up to know the Holy Spirit was in the house that day. It was a feeling inside him.

“It’s just like I can feel God’s presence in every song, every note,” he said. “Every time I sing, I feel God singing. I feel his spirit washing over me.”

Jeffery could have chosen many paths. He is a classically trained musician who once thought of becoming an opera singer. While studying music at Texas Christian University, he spent summers touring as a backup singer with gospel superstar Kirk Franklin.

But he chose God because, Sanchez-Jeffery believes, God chose him.

“It’s a gift, God’s gift,” he said. “This is what I was meant to do. This is what God has called me to do, minister through song.”

Hopelessly devoted to God

Sanchez-Jeffery started singing in Fort Worth churches at age 7, developing a gift that turned into a passion in high school when he met an influential gospel music teacher. He studied music and science at Texas Christian University.

Today, music is a gift the 28-year-old shares with others in and out of church. He is a vocal coach and a teacher in Fort Worth schools in addition to his work at First Kennedale. He is also part of a gospel group called OMC, which stands for Of Many Colors.

When he saw and heard Scottish singer Susan Boyle defy expectations at 47 to become an overnight star, Sanchez-Jeffery said, “I just thought it was fantastic. There’s a lot of Susan Boyles, a lot of untapped talent out there.”

There are days he has his own Susan Boyle-type dreams. He admits to still missing “a little” the time he worked with Franklin. And someday he hopes to pursue a solo singing career.

Just not yet.

‘It’s about the message’

Unlike the mega-celebrity Franklin, Sanchez-Jeffery has the opportunity to work closely with youth, mentoring them and nurturing their talent on a one-on-one basis in school and in the praise band and choir at church. First Kennedale, Jeffery noted, has become known in the area as the “arts church,” attracting young people interested in music and theater.

For him, nothing compares to singing sacred music in church.

“It’s everything to me,” Sanchez-Jeffery said. “When I sing, I sing under the anointing. God sings through me. … This was where God wants me.”

Susan Boyle, Franklin and others may experience the adulation of millions. Sanchez-Jeffery, and thousands of other singers throughout the church, know what it is like to touch one soul.

“It’s about the message,” Sanchez-Jeffery said, “not the singer.”

*Briggs is news editor of the United Methodist News Service.

News media contact: David Briggs, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5472 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Five Fun Questions

Q: What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you about your singing?
A: After a Christmas concert, this lady came up and said, “I was having a really horrible day.” Her mother died. When I sang “The Angel Song,” she felt I was singing the song directly to her. It gave her peace. It made her realize God was still on the throne and he didn’t make any mistakes.

Q: What is your favorite church song?
A: “He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.”

Q: Do you sing in the shower?
A: You know what, no, I don’t, actually.

Q: Who would you compare yourself to as a singer?
A: If I were to compare myself to anyone, it would be a (gospel) singer named Darryl Coley.

Q: What song would you choose at a karaoke party?
A: “You and I” by Stevie Wonder. It just flows. The words are very beautiful.

Audio

Enrique Sanchez-Jeffery sings “Amazing Grace”

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