FOCUS Ministries

F.O.C.U.S Biography
Followers Of Christ Upholding Standards

In August of 1997, God gave a young musician named Wayne Ravenell a vision to establish a community singing group of energetic young adults who loved God and who were gifted singers. He organized a group of Charleston’s best singers that were also vibrant, exceptional and anointed by God. On Christmas Day, December 25, 1997, the birth of F.O.C.U.S. (Followers of Christ Upholding Standards) took place in Charleston, SC. On that day, the music industry would never be the same and the Kingdom of God would be forever impacted by the uniqueness of their powerful worship and passion for God!

The group was originally comprised of approximately 20 members from different churches and ministries of various denominations across the Tri-county area of Charleston. Although their style was different and new for the Charleston area, which at that time was known as a predominately traditional gospel music city, FOCUS broke down those barriers with their contagious praise and worship experience that was undeniably God given! The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive! God gave them favor with Pastors, leaders, and local promoters. This allowed them to open for the major artists that came through their city.

In August of 2005, the group went through a major transition. Being led by God, the group’s founder passed the mantel to his successor, Elder Michael Brown who served as the Music Director for the group and the assistant to Wayne. With this transition and a lot of prayer and tenacity, the group shifted from local fame to a national platform. Under Elder Brown’s direction, FOCUS recorded their first Live CD entitled “The Heart of a Worshiper” (2005), A DVD “The Heart of a Worshiper Unplugged”(2005) and their sophomore project “The Sound of Victory”(2007). Their sound is original, innovative and versatile without compromising the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It reflects the Heart of God and produces a ‘Sound of Victory’ that will compel those that hear it into a place of high praise and intimate worship.

Their commitment to God, to His people, and to serving others within their local ministries and communities are some reasons why God has opened so many doors for this anointed group of young people. FOCUS has traveled the U.S. opening for and sharing the stage with such noted artists as God’s Property, Trinitee 5:7, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Tye Tribbett and G.A., Karen Clark-Sheard, Natalie Wilson, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, James Fortune, Byron Cage, New Direction, Jonathan Nelson, and many others. Their experience also includes a tour with Dewayne Woods. FOCUS’s approach to music and singing transcends musical genres. They were sought out by secular artist Anthony Hamilton and toured with him for several weeks. In 2009, FOCUS expanded their outreach beyond the U.S. borders and became a part of a Gospel Music Tour in Italy. They left an indelible mark on the lives of those who heard their sound and have been invited to return to the 10 city tour in 2010.

F.O.C.U.S. has expanded their ministry to include Focus Outreach. It is comprised of several evangelical and outreach entities that provide services, ministry and implement grass-roots efforts to serve people and assist in meeting their needs. Their intention in everything they do is to reconcile souls to God through a radical praise and worship of God and innovative ideas for service. They are examples of holiness and righteousness and are Followers of Christ Upholding Standards.