Jonathan Nelson is taking his music ministry from the Baltimore area to Fort Lauderdale, where he will join the Faith Center International.

In a recent interview, Nelson said the move was needed because he wanted to leave his comfort zone, the place where he grew his talent and faith, to another place "of greater blessing, of growth in the ministry and growth in my marriage.''

It's a risky move considering that this year Nelson and his group, Purpose, won numerous Stellar Awards. They were also Dove Award nominees.

"It's bittersweet," said Nelson, who will also be leaving Empowerment Temple, one of Baltimore's largest churches, where he is minister of music. "I've been there seven years.

"My father told us to always build bridges and relationships. He (Pastor Jamal Harrison-Bryant of Empowerment) gave me his blessing,'' he said.

Nelson said the warm weather state will be a welcome change. He will be joining Faith Center International, where Bishop Henry Fernandez is pastor.

Nelson could not comment as to how he will fit into that church ministry.
"We've definitely discusssed me being involved in his ministry in some way," Nelson said.

While the specifics are worked out, Nelson plans to continue working with his group Purpose, made up of artists from the Baltimore area.

"I will be home from time to time. I plan to continue recording in Baltimore for now,'' said Nelson, who is the twin brother of Jason Nelson, pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple of Randallstown, where their father was once the pastor. Jason Nelson is also a national recording gospel artist.

Moving to Florida for Nelson, who is married and has two children, is also a strategic move.

Nelson and Purpose's latest CD Right Now Praise, which was released last year, continues to be a huge success, particularly with audiences in the South. Over the last year, he's been back and forth to places in North Carolina and Tennessee. At the time of this interview, he had an appearance lined up in Houston.

"I'm down South once or twice or month,'' he said. "They listen. They know every word of every song. They take ownership of it (the songs). It's a humbling experience.''

Nelson is also hoping that with the move to Florida, he'll have more time with his family.

"This is the right time for me and my family,'' he said. "I believe God has ordained this.''

A farewell concert will be held Sunday at 6 p.m. in honor of Nelson and his family at Empowerment Temple. Scheduled performers are Karen Clark-Sheard, Tye Tribbett, Chrystal Rucker, VaShawn Mitchell, Stephen Hurd, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise and more.