Gospel Today Magazine recently celebrated it's 15th Anniversary! For the past 15 years, the publication has helped to bring information about the Gospel music scene and the Gospel industry to the masses.

The magazine was launched in 1989 by Teresa Hairston, a divorced mother with three small children. Although Hairston began the publication as a four-page “Gospel music” newsletter with only a $300 investment, the publication is now a glossy, color “lifestyle” magazine that graces newsstands across the country. To commemorate the 15-year benchmark, Gospel Today did something it’s never done—feature its founder and publisher, Teresa Hairston on the front cover.

In the special issue, Hairston’s story is told by writer Phil Petrie with comments from industry veterans. Gospel television host, Dr. Bobby Jones commented, “Gospel Today is the only national representation that we have out there. It’s must reading for Christians,” adding, “Teresa is an icon in this industry. She has done a great and outstanding job in shaping our music.”

Platinum selling artist, Kirk Franklin recounts, “I first read Score [Gospel Today’s predecessor] in the early 1990s when I saw it in a Gospel music store. Score gave me information on who was doing what in the Gospel music industry; but with Gospel Today there is much more information about life, marriage and finance. Gospel Today reaches out to the whole person, not just the person interested in Gospel music. Teresa Hairston is a sojourner in the industry. She's in the churches when she could be doing something easier. She chose the hard path and I commend her. I believe that Teresa is acting out the will of God.”

Although Gospel Today will be a part of other celebrations in the coming year, a special salute will be held during February 19-21, 2004, as the world’s largest Praise & Worship Conference convenes in Atlanta, GA. On Saturday, Feb. 21, a day-long celebration will salute the accomplishments of Gospel Today magazine; the longest running publication of its type. A luncheon (12:30 pm at the Atlanta Airport Hilton), hosted by Vickie Winans will be sponsored by Verity Records; followed by a spectacular evening celebration at New Birth Baptist Church (6:30 pm) featuring keynote speaker, Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Gospel Today Updates are heard weekly on the Light radio network and the ABC Radio network and Gospel Today TV airs its 30-minute newsmagazine show weekly on The Word network (via DirecTV).

For more information on the activities you may call 770.719.4825 or log on to gospel today.com or e-mail gospeltodaymag@aol.com