With 18 Grammy Awards and decades of ministry behind her, CeCe Winans remains a living example of a life surrendered to God through the gifts He gives us.

Winans grew up as one of ten children in Detroit, straight into a household saturated with gospel music. Her parents raised their family in the Pentecostal tradition, and church was the foundation of everything, including the music that would define her life.

Winans first found fame singing alongside her brother BeBe as the duo BeBe & CeCe Winans before launching a solo career that would make her best-selling and one of the most-awarded female gospel artists in history.

Her 1998 album Everlasting Love showcased her talents and songs like Alabaster Box and Goodness of God have become worship staples in churches worldwide.

In the course of her career she has sold 27 million records worldwide, is an inaugural inductee in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.

The now 61-year-old says she considers her music to be her ministry though she has spoken openly about stepping back from it at points to focus on things such as co-founding a church alongside her husband, Alvin.

Today, CeCe and Alvin co-pastor Nashville Life Church, where their son serves as lead pastor.

In this episode of The Profile she talks to deputy editor of Premier Christianity magazine Emma Fowle about musical life as ministry, her hopes for the next generation and prioritising her marriage over her work.

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Released on 30 Jul 2026