"Worship and Praise"
Her passion for Jesus Christ, for
sharing the Gospel, and for Worship and Praise is evident in everything Betty
Z. Taylor sings and does in life. Ms. Taylor, was born and raised in Macomb,
IL, and is a vocal artist and motivational
speaker. She recalls a time when she first felt God’s call to the music
ministry. Betty Z, as she is
affectionately known, remembers: “I can
recall when I was 13 years old, and I had to sing a solo—“Sweet Little Jesus Boy”
at the high school Christmas concert, and I was in junior high. My music teachers wanted to feature me on the
solo, and I remember singing in that auditorium, the lights were turned off,
and the spotlight was on me.
It seemed
like something else was happening to me at that time—something not of this earth. I heard a voice telling me how to sing the
song. I believe at that moment, that the
Holy Spirit was ministering through me.
This was a turning point in my life.”
The
Holy Spirit is the guiding light in Betty Z’s life. She has been blessed with music mentors all
through her life. Her most recent mentor
or catalyst is Babbie Mason, Christian singer, songwriter and recording artist. Betty Z's most loving mentor is her daughter,
Estelle, whom she credits with listening to her sing the same song many times
over without pause or complaint! Other memorable mentors are Bishop Mark Du Bois,
Jesse Gist, Rev. Henry Soles, Rev. Effie Soles and her mother. Betty Z’s mother mentored her and her sister,
and expected perfection from them when they sang. These influences are all heard in the
beautiful style in which she sings.
The
woman of God has a voice of an angel—soothing, clear, inspiring, perfect, and a
delight to listen to. She is confident she is called with a purpose. That purpose is to inspire all people to love
the Lord through music, to help them understand the true essence of worship,
and to understand the principles of maintaining posture through praise and
worship. Betty Z ushers people into a realm
of worship, not just for a season, but forever and a day. For her, there is healing in the effective
facilitation worship and PERFECTED praise, which causes us to connect with the
Father at a very intimate level.
"Betty Z's Testimony"
There
is not a doubt that when Betty Z sings, she connects and has entered in behind
the veil. She ever remains thankful to
God for all she has, and for all she has come through in this life. Ms. Taylor says: “If someone were to ask me, why do I sing, I
sing because God has been so gracious and merciful to me. He saved me — He pulled me from a lifestyle
that was going nowhere. He worked on me,
gave me confidence, He empowered me; and He put the ability in me to achieve. He sent people into my life to minister to me. Now, to minister in song, I am singing to the
King.”
Betty Z also ministers in song as a member of the Worship Team at Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport, IA. Betty is also a vocal coach and mentor. In
addition to her ministry of music, Betty Z. Taylor, is a volunteer with GROW Ministries, Inc. visiting women in local jails and prisons as well as volunteering with Moody Radio. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science
Western Illinois
University; a Masters of Art from Bradley
University; and holds Ph.D.
coursework in Educational Counseling from Southern Illinois University.
Ms.
Taylor cites Zephaniah 3:17 as an important Scripture verse in her life: The
Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will
quiet you with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. When Betty Z sings, there is no doubt that God
listens, and rejoices with us in her singing.
"Testimonials About Betty Z's Worship Performances"
- From: Bishop Chris Epting, Interim Dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Davenport, Iowa
"We are still on a spiritual high from
yesterday's gentle, Spirit-filled afternoon of praise and testimony from
the remarkable Betty Z! Her singing seems effortless, her talent
awe-inspiring, and her faith radiant. This is not just the usual Black
gospel concert (though it is that); there is something special here. You
will not be disappointed if you host or attend one of her concerts. You
will be blessed!"
- From: Dr. Mary Hogg, Associate Professor of Communication
Western
Illinois University, Quad
Cities IL/IA
"Betty Z sings with all of her heart and soul, and she fills
a room with her Grace-filled voice. She
is a joy to listen to, and her concerts are true worship experiences with
praise and proclamation. You can’t help
but be touched by Betty Z’s amazing music ministry!"
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