Adoration Quartet

By Bethany Cook

When it comes to Southern Gospel music, you just can’t beat a good quartet. From the high tenor to the low bass (and the two blending in the middle), there’s just something about that four-part harmony that makes you feel like that is what Southern Gospel music is supposed to sound like.   Throughout the years we’ve seen many wonderful quartets grace the stage, and I’d like to introduce an old group brought back to life. The guys of Adoration Quartet, while young (or young at heart), bring so much to the stage. From their individual talents and love for God, to the amazing four-part harmony, Adoration Quartet is taking the stage by storm sharing the good news of Christ.

Coming from the great state of North Carolina, Adoration calls Goldsboro home. The quartet was originally founded in 2001, and they traveled until 2010 around the Eastern United States. During these nine years, Adoration quickly became a household name and one of North Carolina’s favorite hometown groups.

In 2010 group owner, Chris Serlick, felt the need to come off the road after his oldest son lost his battle to cancer. Chris states, “I just felt like I needed to take some time to grieve, draw closer to God, and seek His face after the loss of James.” Moving forward to 2014, a chance meeting brought Joshua Horrell, Corey Wilson, Dustin Leming and Chris Serlick together. These four men knew from the start that God was going to use them in some way, and after much prayer and seeking direction from God they felt the need to bring Adoration Quartet back to life.

According to Chris, it was just one of those things that you know was God! “You just know when He is speaking to your heart and it was crystal clear to all of us the direction He was leading us.”

In the time that they have been together, things have really taken shape within the group. Dove-award-winning Wesley Pritchard at the Mil-West Studios in Fayetteville, NC produced their debut project What A Change. Their first national single release, “Stepping into the Light” from the What A Change album was well received by Southern Gospel listeners, rising to number 79 in the April 2015 Singing News charts. A second national single release, “Peace through the Blood” is currently receiving airplay. They have also recently signed a booking agreement with Mountain Top Talent, and they are anticipating many new ministry opportunities to be opened.

Now, to introduce you to each of the members: Joshua Horrell is from Wallace, North Carolina and he is the tenor for Adoration Quartet. He comes from a distinguished line of Southern Gospel’s most notable artists; Michael English (formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band) is his uncle. At just 23 years old, Josh has amassed a lifetime of experience singing with several groups before coming aboard Adoration Quartet. Josh enjoys golfing, fishing, and his “baby,” Pongo, who is a one-year-old Dalmatian.

Dustin Leming sings baritone, and he is originally from Johnston City, Illinois. He grew up in a church pew, traveling and singing solo for his evangelist grandfather, who is still active in the ministry after many years. An accomplished pianist, Dustin plays for Adoration Quartet as well. Dustin now resides in Rose Hill, North Carolina and is currently working on several solo piano recordings.

Chris Serlick is the bass vocalist and an original founding member of Adoration Quartet. He served in the US Air Force, on active duty for 20 years before retiring in 2001. His musical influences include some of Southern Gospel’s greatest bass singers, such as Tim Riley, George Younce, and Jeff Chapman, who tutored Chris for some time. Chris and his wife Janay live in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where they enjoy water and snow skiing with their children Chase and Fayth, and grandchildren Veda, Loralye, and August.

Every Southern Gospel group has to have a preacher, and for Adoration, that happens to be lead vocalist and emcee, Corey Wilson. Corey is a graduate of Liberty University and he pastored for eight years prior to joining Adoration Quartet. Corey has traveled with some of America’s premiere Gospel groups, and fans may remember him from his days traveling with the likes of the Greenes and Karen Peck and New River. When he’s not on the road, Corey enjoys spending time with his wife Kristi, and their sons Drake and Jayden, at their home in Rockingham, North Carolina.

While these guys love being home and spending time with family and friends, they love singing and being on the road (and they especially love eating on the road)! Head to the closest Cracker Barrel after one of their concerts, and most likely that’s where they can be found! It’s no surprise that any length of time traveling together can bring a group the ability to write an entire book about their experiences on the road. From funny stories to hearty meals and enjoying life, these guys could be entertainment at its finest!

As comical as each one can be, each of them hold true to the heart and mission that they have set forth for Adoration Quartet. It’s very clear after spending even just a few short minutes at one of their concerts, that ministry remains their guiding principle, and their number-one mission. They love meeting people and are always amazed at how people from all different parts of the world and walks of life can share a common belief in Christ. During my conversations with each of these guys, it’s obvious that their desire is to walk in the ways of the Lord. They want to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing their testimonies, delivering Biblically sound songs that would uplift the saint, and bringing the lost to the Saviour.

God has blessed each member of this group with amazing talent and hearts that want to glorify and uplift Him. The next time Adoration Quartet is in your area, be sure to pay a visit. I can guarantee it’ll be a night of inspiration that you will never forget. You can visit their website at www.adorationquartet.com for more information as well as their touring schedule.

Written by Bethany Cook

First published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in April 2015. For current SGN Scoops issues click HERE.