Some blog posts are just painful to write and post. This is one of those. The Old Paths have decided that it's time to transition their ministry and come off the road. The full release is below.
On a personal level, it's been a pleasure to get to know these guys and their hearts. I know this was not a decision they made lightly. While I hate to see this come to an end, I know that they have sought God and His will in this. These guys are absolutely what you see is what you get, some of the most genuine men in Southern Gospel. You have to admire them when they realize that it's time for their ministry to change from a group to personal ministries in their individual lives putting their families more at the forefront. They will definitely be missed!!
Here's the full press release -
Douglasville, GA - For more than twelve years, The Old Paths have traveled not only across the
United States, but also the world. It has been their privilege to share the good news of Jesus through Southern Gospel music.
While the blessings that the quartet has received have been numerous, this group has faced many challenges in the last year—primarily family obligations and health issues. Many are aware of the sudden, life-threatening condition that was discovered with Tim Rackley's daughter which required an immediate kidney transplant.
Group owners Tim Rackley and Douglas Roark have decided that it is in the best interest of their families for their focus to be on home. With this decision, The Old Paths' final service will be December 6, 2015. They will be honoring all dates currently on their calendar as well as any additional dates added before December 6. Both Tim and Douglas feel it is important to honor obligations to those who have invested in The Old Paths. They also want the other members of the group to have more-than-ample time to make future plans.
Tim stated, "Those that truly know us know our hearts. When we started The Old Paths, we never dreamed that our desire to simply sing in small churches would evolve in to what our ministry has become. We sincerely hope that we have blessed others as much as we have been blessed. We will miss traveling and singing but we feel like it is time for our families to take priority."
"Decisions like these are probably the hardest for a group owner(s), and it is not a decision to taken lightly," says Douglas, "but once we stepped back and looked at the big picture, the decision was obvious."
"It’s been an honor and certainly a privilege to have worked with The Old Paths over the past few years. They are not only men of incredible talent, but incredible integrity as well. In discussing this with them in depth, I could hear and feel the difficulty of this decision from the depths of their hearts. Though difficult, I believe they are doing what they truly believe is right for their families. I have truly enjoyed working with Doug and Tim throughout our journey. My prayers will be with them as they go to the next chapter in their lives!" — Chris White, Crossroads Music
“All of us at the Harper Agency realize the difficultly for Doug and Tim in making a decision such as this. However, we respect the fact that their families are a priority at this time. We have been honored to play a role in the growth of their music ministry the last two years and are fully committed to fulfilling our commitment to their scheduling thru December 6, 2015." — Ed Harper, The Harper Agency
The Old Paths will always cherish the friendships and memories made throughout their travels and hope that in some way they played a part in furthering the kingdom of Christ. The Old Paths, through all they have experienced, both good or bad, could always refer to this scripture: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [1 Thessalonians 5:18]
