The Story of God’s Chosen
The journey of God’s Chosen began in October 2024 with a desire placed upon the heart of Steve Pate—to start a Southern Gospel quartet that would share the love of Jesus Christ through song.
This was not a decision Steve and Donna wanted to make on their own. They spent time fasting, praying, and seeking God’s direction, asking Him to lead every step and send the people He wanted to be a part of the ministry. They trusted that if this desire was truly from God, He would provide the right voices, the right hearts, and the right opportunities.
In His perfect timing, God did just that.
As Steve and Donna began reaching out and looking for members, the Lord brought the right people across their path. Each person came with different gifts, experiences, and testimonies, but they shared one common purpose—a love for the Lord and a desire to use their talents for His glory. What began as a dream slowly became a reality, and God’s Chosen was formed.
From the beginning, the goal has never been about recognition, applause, or being in the spotlight. Our prayer is simply to be willing vessels, allowing God to use us wherever He sees fit. Through every song we sing, we hope to encourage the hurting, strengthen the weary, uplift the believer, and most importantly, share the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Over the past two years, God has allowed us to meet so many wonderful people along the way. We are thankful for every church that has opened its doors, every pastor who has welcomed us, every group we have shared the stage with, and every person who has prayed for us, encouraged us, or simply taken the time to listen.
Every opportunity has reminded us that this ministry belongs to God. We are simply grateful that He has allowed us to be a small part of what He is doing.
As we continue this journey, our prayer remains the same: “Lord, keep us humble, keep us faithful, and keep us willing.” Wherever He leads, we want to follow, and whatever doors He opens, we want to walk through them with thankful hearts.
We give God all the praise for where He has brought God’s Chosen, for every life that has crossed our path, and for whatever He has planned for the future.
God is good—all the time.
Donna Luper
Vocals
Hey everyone! Just a country girl here from a small town called Pikeville, NC. I have two beautiful daughters, Kimberly and Stephanie. I am also the proud grandmother of six grandchildren.
I was raised in church by my parents, Rev. Wayne and Faye Goff. As a child, I traveled up and down the East Coast with my family as part of their Southern Gospel group, The Goff Singers. I am so thankful for my Christian heritage and for being raised to know and love God. I thank Him for the many blessings He has given me and for the opportunity to continue that legacy.
Steve Pate
Manager/ Piano/ Vocals
Steve Pate, known as “Stevie” to family and longtime friends, began singing Southern Gospel music at age five with his brothers in The Chosen Three. The group sang together for 21 years and recorded three projects.
Steve began playing piano at age eight and was greatly influenced by legendary Kingsmen pianist Anthony Burger. Over the years, he has sung and played with several groups, including the Mintz Family and Southern Harmony.
After several years away from traveling, Steve felt led in 2024 to form God’s Chosen. He is thankful for the opportunity to use his God-given talents to share the Gospel and looks forward to wherever God leads the ministry.
Jamie Parrish
Bass/ Vocals
Hi, my name is Jamie. I thank God for what he has done for me and my life. I'm a walking miracle. God has kept me alive three times. This let's me know that he isn't through with me yet and he has a plan for my life. I thank God for the talent he has given me. I play several musical instruments and sing for the Lord. I have enjoyed singing and playing at rest homes. My desire has always been to sing and play in a gospel group, well God has worked that out for me through God's Chosen.
I thank God for blessing me with a wonderful mother that raised me up the right way. My mom is Gayle Hall one of The Hall Sisters. This is where I get my talent from. I am happy to be a part of this group and ready for God to use us in a mighty way.
Phillip Stallings
Vocals
A father of 3 and a grandfather of 3. My love for music began as long as I can remember. My dad was an evangelist and he and my mother would sing and play. So, you can say by the time I could talk, I was in church beating a tambourine and singing as much as anyone would let me. I haven't stopped. God has blessed me over the years to share the gospel message with a lot of groups and I am proud to be a part of God's Chosen and to call them my friends. I sing baritone and lead. You may just catch me on the drums or the bass.
I have had many struggles in 2024 but the thing that keeps me going is GOD and MUSIC. My favorite song is Through the Fire by Jason Crabb. God will take us through the fires of our lives if we trust him with everything we have.
Proverbs 3:5; "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"
Allen Baker
Percussion
Allen has had a lifelong love for gospel music and worship. Raised in the faith at New Macedonia Baptist Church in Kentucky, he developed a deep appreciation for serving the Lord through music and ministry. Throughout the years, Allen has used his talents to glorify God, especially through playing the drums in church services and special events, helping lead others into worship and praise.
Today, Allen faithfully serves as a deacon at Neuse River Baptist Church in New Bern, North Carolina. His commitment to Christ, his church, and his community reflects a heart devoted to ministry and service. Through life’s blessings and challenges, Allen’s faith and testimony have remained steadfast. He and his family considers every opportunity to serve, worship, and share the love of Christ a blessing, and he strives to give God all the glory in everything he does.