It is not uncommon for gifted musicians to discover their talents at a young age and for those gifts to make a place for them early in life. However, it is uncommon for two young talents to hone their skills and their hearts for God and to find a life partner with the same heart and destiny. Some would call it a marriage made in heaven.
Such was the case of Steve Thompson and Velveta McGregor.
Since he was eleven years old, Steve hammered out tunes on his father’s church’s piano. Blues, jazz, rock, and gospel – he loved it all. And at 13, he began to play in church.
Vel can’t remember a time when she didn’t sing. Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, and Gladys Knight – you name it and she sang it. Few were surprised when at 13, she too began a public ministry in church.
Both being children of pastors in the West Midlands, Steve and Vel met one day when Vel visited a choir rehearsal where both her brother and Steve were playing. The rest, as they say, is history.
In fact, Steve and Vel have served in the music ministry for over 28 years. After going away to study at Bible College (Steve in Germany and Velveta in Scotland). They both went on to work with Graham Kendrick, in production, songwriting, conferences and overseas ministry. They continue to teach and share their experience of so many years with humor and depth.
Because of their similar callings and musical backgrounds, Steve and Vel have a heart for musicians and often pastor (encourage and guide) professional musicians both in the secular field and those based in local church settings.
After branching out from their father’s churches, whilst continuing work alongside their mentor, Graham Kendrick, they served at several local churches in North England and then went on to serve at a large church in South Africa having produced three of their own CDs and videos, ‘Strong and Mighty’ and a youth album entitled ‘I Will Run’ being two of the best sellers in SA. Through their production company, Steve has also produced a series of albums for both British-based artists and international artists.
Steve & Velveta are also known for their worship leading, seminar teaching, songwriting, music directing and accompanying various international worship leaders and secular artists including Graham Kendrick, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, Chris Bowater, Gloria Gaynor, Don Moen, Alvin Slaughter, Michael Bolton, Roy Castle, Beverly Knight and Paul Baloche, to name but a few.
To facilitate their own growing ministry, Steve and Vel founded ‘Beracah Music International’, which is becoming internationally acclaimed for its integrity in building the body of Christ through teaching in the area of worship. They have now traveled to over 80 countries.
Whilst serving in South Africa at Rhema, Steve & Vel met Pastor Steve Derbyshire and members of City Gates Church. On returning to the UK, they continued building a solid relationship with the church. Whilst consulting with the leadership and training the Worship team, they, along with their two daughters, Velisha and Esther, have made Essex their home – where they continue to serve the nations. They are now a part of the City Gates Christian Centre staff serving as Musical Directors & Worship Pastors.
