MUTUAL AGREEMENT

MUTUAL AGREEMENT

In the fall of 1993, six young men formed and a capella sextet called Mutual Agreement, which means "A Covenant with God." Their intention is to spread the Word of God through song, bringing hope, strength and encouragement to all who will listen.

Each member brings his own individual gifts, talents and creativity to the group. The group uses the human voice as the chief instrument of their performance. Each member mutually agrees that their music ministry will not be kept confined within the traditional walls of the church, their mission field consists of ministering to the sick and shut-in, incarcerated youth and adults, hospitals, evangelistic meetings and wherever there is a need to provide encouragement through song.

Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and was awarded for their participation in the celebration of Black History at the U.S. Department of State by former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Mutual Agreement was nominated one of the eight best a cappella vocal bands in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Harmony Association. They have been featured on various television and radio programs.

While remembering their Gospel roots and utilizing traditional and contemporary chord arrangements, Mutual Agreement seeks to preserve a musical art form that has played an important part in their musical heritage. Always acknowledging Christ for their blessings, they sing in memory of those songsters who Christ allowed to pave the way. Mutual Agreement has available one recording entitled "Back to Basix," which is comprised of original and re-arranged a cappella gospel songs. May God bless you through the music ministry of Mutual Agreement!

Mark L. AllenLead Vocalist, 1st and 2nd Tenor

Favorite Bible Text: Romans 6:23“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I sang in the Concert Choir in high school, in the Oakwood College Aeolians, the Voices of Harmony and Whispering Hope quartets and in various other gospel groups. I joined Mutual Agreement in February 2000—one of the best decisions of my life.

There is nothing I enjoy more than singing for the Lord and watching the people’s responses as the Spirit moves upon their hearts. Yes, I have had the opportunity to sing secular music and get paid, but how can any amount of wages compare to the Gift of God, Eternal Life?

Gerald BestBass

Favorite Bible Text: Ephesians 3:20“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”

Before joining Mutual Agreement, I sang bass with The Brothers of Washington, D.C. In these times of economic and emotional stress, fear and global unrest, people need hope. To be able to provide that through this ministry is very rewarding. Someone who is almost ready to give up hears a song we sing, and they are inspired to press on. . . . That’s motivation enough for doing this!

N’Namdi Olufemi BryantLead Vocalist, 1st and 2nd Tenor, Vocal Arranger

Favorite Bible Text: Romans 8:38, 39“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I love to listen to and sing a wide variety of music; however, my first love is and always will be for a cappella praise and worship. I’ve worked with several recorded artists, including Donnie McKlurkin, BeBe Winans, Debbie and Angie Winans, John P. Kee, Yolanda Adams, Steve Cropper, Felix Cavelerie, and Virtue . . . to name a few. Follow me on:

James (Slim) DavisLead Vocalist, 1st and 2nd Tenor, Baritone and Bass

Favorite Bible Text: Nahum 1:7“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”

I sang primarily solo until joining Mutual Agreement in August in 1994. It is truly a blessing and privilege to be a part of God’s ministry. Hopefully, someone through our music will have an opportunity to meet Christ and find a relationship with. I enjoy singing and maybe, in this small but power way, I can help hasten the coming of our Lord. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Donald L. JacksonBaritone

Favorite Bible Text: Revelations 14:12“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

An original member and founder of Mutual Agreement, my musical experience includes singing in the Concert Choir at Pine Forge Academy, the Oakwood College Aeolians and in the Brothers of Washington, D.C. It is a joy and privilege to be involved in this ministry. The word of God says, “Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord.” This is my desire, along with drawing others close to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

David H. SimonsLead Vocalist, 1st and 2nd Tenor

Favorite Bible Text: Romans 8:37–39“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I joined Mutual Agreement in 2009 but have been singing my whole life. I played the flute through grade school, began studying voice in 11th grade, sang in quartets since high school and majored in voice performance in college.

There is NOTHING in life that you face that doesn’t first pass through the master’s hand. You can handle anything.

(All texts are credited to NKJV are from the Holy Bible, New King James Versions. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.)