Sometimes. Kirk Franklin and I – we have such a close bond. When we talk, we'd sit up till about 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. We really talk to each other about addiction, the bad part of the industry that makes you compete with yourself. We keep each other accountable and it keeps us from that self-competition. That's why I don't do anything but every 4 to 5 years. I got to wait for that inspiration rather than competing with what I just put out.
In this day and age, it's rare for a Gospel artist to just break out and go platinum, even though most Americans regard themselves as Christians. Why do you think there is a disconnect between the public and the buying process?
Number one is, "I can't afford to buy it." The second part is, "Why should I buy it if I hear it on the radio?" Or "I can go to a website and somebody downloaded the whole CD on the website." This modern technology is counter-productive to the sales and the record companies will tell you that. All in all, it doesn't really matter to me as long as the Gospel is heard.
What do you think is your greatest contribution to the Gospel genre?
I don't know. The only thing we can ever say is our best accomplishment is that His Will be done. That encompasses the whole gamut of what we do. It's obedience to God. I never know what God has in store. I never know His plans until He shows it. It comes about as you go, like Abraham. "I'm going to take you to a land of promise but I'm not going to tell you where it is; just walk and I'll show you as you go". That's what God does. "I'm going to make your name great, Donnie. But I'm not going to tell you how I'm going to do it. Just walk and I'll show you as you obey Me."
Earlier, you spoke about the difference between preaching and singing. How is your ministerial experience at church? And how is your life off the stage compared to on the stage?
It's much more complex off the singing stage. I'm currently pastoring a wonderful church in Long Island, New York and another branch church down in Chester, South Carolina. I don't want people to think that I don't do fellowship, so I go and preach to other people's churches and a couple of other people's ministries whose pastors have died and we put somebody else in. I visit hospitals, train up children in the youth department, love my son, love my daughter, raise them up, wait on the good wife to raise me up – the whole nine yards. It's complex but it's a wonderful journey.
Article comments
1 - Evelyn Elaine McBride
HI PASTOR DONALD (DONNIE) McCLURKIN,I LOVE THE INTERVEIW BE BLESS IN THE LORD.
2 - Bigheart
I have enjoyed reading this interview. Pastor Donnie is the new definition of humility. I look up to you Sir.
3 - Olusola
You re a wonderful vessel God is using. I hope he will continue using you for the rest of your life and, you ll always hera him, not falter or fall and keep your faith strong him because, he is more than able to do all that you desire and beyond.