Jan 31, 2010 5:21 pm US/Central
Grammy Nominee Chooses Faith in Lieu of Limelight
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Nominated for two Grammys this year, Romeoville's Smokie Norful could be rubbing elbows with Beyonce' and The Black Eyed Peas, but as CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports he's chosen to stay home and serve his congregation as pastor.
Like every Sunday the choir is heard on high and the congregation of the Victory Cathedral Ministry sways in praise and worship. At the pulpit the pastor has the voice of a modern day angel.
Pastor Smokie Norful doesn't just sound like he could hit the high notes in the music industry, he already has.
Norful was nominated for two Grammy's, "Best Gospel Performer," and "Best Contemporary Gospel R&B Album," for "Smokie Norful Live." It's an award he already won for his 2004 release "Nothing Without You."
Norful sayid believe it or not the Grammy is sitting on his mantel covered up. It's his kids' T-ball, soccer, and karate trophies that surround it.
Norful is a young father of three and a husband. Last last time around he and wife Carla took in the Grammy glitz firsthand in Los Angeles, but this year he's chosen to stay in Chicago, shuttling between services at his congregations in Romeoville and on the South Side.
"Every Sunday is a day I have an opportunity to transform lives -- not just uplift and empower, but literally to see transformation -- so it keeps me encouraged and keeps me here on Sundays and not on the red carpet," Norful said with a grin.
The international success of the pastor isn't lost on his congregation either.
"I went to London and the first thing I saw was a poster that had his picture and I said, 'oh no I can't get away from the pastor no matter where I go,'" said churchgoer Cordelia Scott from Hinsdale.
But what keeps churchgoers drawn to Norful's work as a pastor is a dedication to their spiritual needs.
"His heart is first to serve God and his heart is here, " said Juanita Marshall from Romeoville.
"Time Magazine" has called Norful brilliantly talented. Writers were speaking of his musical gifts, but Norful believes his work as a pastor is his true calling.
"First of all, I sing gospel music and gospel is the music of encouragement. What better message to communicate and articulate? As an artist I may not see the residual effects, but as a pastor I see it every day," Norful said.
Norful was not among the winners announced in Los Angeles Sunday night. But to his congregation, and the pastor, that's not really how he seems to measure success.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
10 Of The Best Free Places In Chicago
Click to enlarge
Gang Members: Meeting With Weis Was Harassment 7 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Comments