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Interview by Andrew Brunet
Jim Sheldon is well-known to viewers of The Music City Show, where he brings his Country-style ministry regularly into the homes and hearts of audiences across the nation. Known as “The Positive Cowboy,” Sheldon’s big break in full-time music actually began in Southern Gospel with The Keetons. He established a solo ministry and has seen his singles appear on Christian Country and Southern Gospel national charts.
Sheldon was recently interviewed by Andrew Brunet for SGN Scoops.
Andrew Brunet: What is your testimony on how you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Jim Sheldon: I was a Senior in High School. My parents had divorced. I was attending First Baptist Church of New Orleans. Our Youth Choir performed a musical called “Celebrate Life.” I sang a solo as an angel announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds! When I returned my place in the choir, I thought, “I’m unworthy to play an angel! How much worse I must be to Jesus!” I knew I needed to be saved. During the invitation part, I walked from middle of fourth row over and down to the altar and gave my life to Jesus!
Andrew Brunet: How did you get your name “The Positive Cowboy”?
Jim Sheldon: Scott Godsey (Producer of “The Music City Show”) has produced all my music since 2011. He wanted me to perform old Country-style hymns and songs in the barn segment. After watching audiences at all my concerts, Scott said, “They’re all perking up, smiling, singing along and leaving in a positive spirit!” He said,“We’ll call you ‘The Positive Cowboy’!”
Andrew Brunet: What is it like performing on “The Music City Show” every week and being able to work alongside Tim Lovelace and Bev McCann?
Jim Sheldon: Tim is a Living Legend. I’ve learned that Tim is always the way you see him. There’s no acting, trying to be funny or showy. He is a God-gifted musician, funny guy who loves Jesus and people! Bev has been working with me and Scott Godsey for four years now. She is an amazing servant of Jesus. I thank God every day Bev is managing, advising and booking my service to Jesus.
Andrew Brunet: In today’s world, we are seeing more and more signs of the times. What advice could you give to our readers to draw them nearer to Christ?
Jim Sheldon: Surrender your life totally over to Jesus Christ! Put God first in everything you do. Believe. Stay in God’s Word/The Bible. Surround yourself with God-loving people.
Andrew Brunet: What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Jim Sheldon: Proverbs 3:6 (Living Bible Paraphrase) “In everything you do, put God first. He will direct and crown your efforts with success.” When I surrendered my life completely to God, I strived to live this verse. All my blessings, prosperity and ministry growth/success have come from God as a result!
Andrew Brunet: What is your favorite song to perform?
Jim Sheldon: My current radio release, “Even After” (#2 CVM April Country & Southern). In memory of my sister Barbara, a God-saved soul after many years battling alcohol. Then He used her as a mighty witness for Christ though the AA association. At her funeral, one after another, over 300, testified how her walk with Jesus helped them all escape their addictions and get saved. Then God spoke to me, assuring me He would use me the same way!
Andrew Brunet: If you had the chance to live the life of one Bible prophet, who would you choose and why?
Jim Sheldon: Paul! The dramatic change of who he was to who he became. Jesus made the change from who I was to who I’m becoming!
Andrew Brunet: Prayer is the key to enter into the Throne Room of God. If you had one prayer that could be answered, what would you choose and why?
Jim Sheldon: Am I pleasing God and doing exactly what He called me to do?
Andrew Brunet: In many ways, God uses us to be disciples for Him. What do you think it means to be a true disciple?
Jim Sheldon: Be totally surrendered to God with only a servant’s heart for God!
Andrew Brunet: Can you tell us a little about Putting God First Ministry? What is the mission statement? Have you ever heard any great testimonies?
Jim Sheldon: 22 years ago I repented and surrendered to His service. God used Proverbs 3:6 (Living Bible Paraphrase) to bring me to this. That’s where Putting God First Ministry came from. It’s God’s call upon my life. Everything I do, I am, all good, and all success comes from God, through God!
I performed and testified on “Southern Gospel Praise,” a TV program hosted by Mary Fay Jackson and shown in Dallas area on Thursday nights. While seating in my motorhome that night, two hours after it went off, I got a call from a man in Houston. His wife had walked out on him and they got divorced. He was convinced he had lost his salvation and was of no use to God any more! We talked and shared for over two hours. I shared my experiences and God’s Word and prayed with him. When we finished, he had repented and turned it all over to Jesus. He was praising and thanking Jesus. We have still never met face to face. That’s why I do what I do! Praise God!
You can learn more about Jim Sheldon at http://www.jimsheldonmusic.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Sheldon .
You can reach Jim by E-mail at puttinggod1st@yahoo.com .
To book Jim Sheldon contact bev@godseyandassociates.com .
By Andrew Brunet
For current features of Southern Gospel and Christian Country artists, see the latest edition of SGN Scoops digital magazine at http://www.sgnscoops.com/