GOSPEL SINGERS TRAVEL DIFFERENT ROAD

While up-and-coming country stars compete for record contracts and No. 1 hits, gospel singers leave things to a higher power.

At least, that's what Chosen Heart does.

The seven-man group from Southern Illinois travels in a van bearing the license plate "GSUS 8." There were eight members until one of the singers learned to play bass guitar.

All the musicians work day jobs. They meet at least once a week to practice and usually perform on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

"It can be competitive, but we don't go to any contests," lead singer Gary Roach said. "I don't believe that's necessary. We'd love to go full time, and if the Lord would ever open the door, we'd go through it."

That door may open soon. Southern gospel is one of the fastest-growing segments of the gospel industry, and Chosen Heart's sound is popular. The group often travels with some big-name artists, and crowds are starting to grow at concerts, Roach said.

Some famous country stars began their careers in gospel. Marty Raven, Ricky Skaggs and the Oak Ridge Boys are among them.

But don't expect to see Chosen Heart take the same road.

"We're strictly a southern gospel quartet," tenor Roger Crews said. "We just want to see as many people saved as can be."

The group is working on its first album, which will include three of their original songs.