How
well I recall the day I first heard the name Incubator when I opened an
unexpected letter from them with the invitation to set up a phone
interview. That was over fifteen years ago. I saw the invitation as
a “God thing” because as an independent artist I was singing and sharing the
music I wrote in Churches across the state, leading music at Pastoral Retreats,
Church Conferences, and doing programs for church banquets. I felt God’s call
to ministry in the early 1990’s and I was doing everything I knew to fulfill
His calling with the help of my local pastor. Until I received their
letter, I'd never heard of Incubator, but I picked up the phone and made that
call. Through their six month phone interviewing process, I had a strong sense
that everyone who made up the Incubator Company loved the Lord and took their
call to ministry very seriously. I identified and agreed with their
Biblical and foundational principle that ministry comes from the heart and serving
always involves relationships.
I
was amazed at how many questions I was asked at the time of my initial
interview. Now I see more clearly how Incubator was peeking inside my
head and heart. They wanted to see if I was willing to look inside my own
mirror of self reflection (even deeper than ever before,) identify the areas of
brokenness in my life, that could be used under their guidance to speak to the
hearts of others, and explore my beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions of what
makes up authentic ministry. I was several months into the interviewing process
when I just couldn't see how my life events of owning a retail business could
fit into the time commitment and structure that Incubator required for their
artists. I politely declined to continue the interviewing process and
went on running my retail store and booking churches and other singing events
on my own. Then I was asked by my local church leaders to play the piano for
worship services and work musically with children, which I agreed to. I was obviously
still actively involved with music, but I was aware of a deep, and growing
hunger within that wasn’t being fulfilled. When life events changed in a
way that I decided to sell out and leave retail, I knew music ministry was my
call and passion, so I thoughtfully and prayerfully sought God’s direction. I
called Incubator and was blown away they remembered me. This time as I
went through the application process, I knew Incubator was more than an artist
development company with a chicken for their label. Initially when I
interviewed with them, I have to admit I laughed at the chicken logo and
thought their motto, “Hatching Good Stuff” was even a “little dramatic!” You
see I grew up on a farm and ranch – I thought I knew everything there was to know
about chickens and a whole host of other animals and one of my areas in retail
was marketing and advertising, so go figure. Well, obviously I passed the
interviewing process, but I have to say working with Incubator has been a life
transforming experience. I truly can say that even if I contacted Incubator to
resign (which I have no intentions of doing), my experience with them would
remain valuable, unforgettable, and simply amazing. As they have held the
mirror up to me over and over through project assignments and worked with me in
person, I have grown spiritually, emotionally, musically, vocally, and expanded
my song writing skills. I truly appreciate the transformation process in
my life and am amazed at how bit by bit God through their “hands on” professional
leadership has nurtured and grown me. And the good news is, “I’m still
growing!” Even friends and family have commented on how I’ve
changed. I'm proud to be part of “Hatching Good Stuff!” and I don't even
mind the chicken logo. When I use the word, “I'm proud,” I'm not speaking of
arrogance or pride, it's a very humble confidence that I am teamed up with a
company interested in relationship, not product, and who is providing
direction, focus, integrity, accountability, and vision as I continue to grow
while the Lord directs and coordinates our steps. Incubator is serious about
each of their artists being all that God has called them to be. All the time I
have worked with Incubator I have no doubt I am right where God wants me to be.
Incubator is a relentless and professional partner committed to my goal of
being faithful with the vision God has placed in me for music ministry.
There are a company and a family too. I have experienced their genuine
love and prayer power through several personally trying life events. I
deeply appreciate and treasure knowing that God loves me and Incubator is the
real deal of being the hands and feet of Christ not only to the development of
my call, but also to my heart. I hope its ok with you that I share a “little” confession.
While working on one of my project assignments I started grumbling and
complaining a bit (well I’m just being honest - I had worked most of the day on
it.) As I was grumbling I heard in my thoughts, “I gave my all for you –
I’m just asking you to give your very best.” I recognized Jesus was setting me
straight as tears filled my eyes. I dropped to my knees, and felt very humbled
as I started speaking words of praise aloud. I realized I had been in the
“fire” during that assignment, getting some more refinement, molding, and
reshaping. I guess the fire was getting a little hot as I was taking
another look inside my heart. I’m glad Jesus loves me so much He reminds
me of who He is and all He gave – and what a privilege to give Him my very best
and seek to do it with excellence for His glory. I’ve heard Incubator use the
term “iron on iron”. We all know molding iron takes a “little
heat.” So for me, we are a well suited mix. With Jesus keeping my
thoughts aligned and an awesome company committed to developing each artist’s
unique ministry, I feel very honored to be one of their roster artists……….. and
I don’t even mind living every day with a transparent
heart!
