Sue Dodge

Four-time Dove Award-winner, Sue Dodge has been part of the gospel music landscape for more than three decades. A consistent, vibrant singer, whose energy on-stage is matched only by her character off-stage, Sue is the real deal. She has shared the stage with gospel music's most legendary pioneers and in time, became one.

Sue first began singing at age 13, and her professional music career began at age 19, when the young former Miss Arkansas runner-up (then known by her maiden name, Sue Chenault) joined a fledgling ensemble now known as The Downings. The dynamic soprano was part of the original incarnation of The Downings, and the group immediately began to impact gospel music with hits such as "I'm Free," "I Believe What The Bible Says," and "Jesus Is Coming Soon."

After 18 months with The Downings, Sue was invited to join The Speer Family. This was a dream-come-true for this long-time fan of the Speers; and for the next four-and-a-half years, Sue was mentored by Brock and Faye Speer and toured the country with one of the best-loved gospel groups of all time.

During those years with The Speer Family, Sue met a certain handsome youth pastor named Amos Dodge, who was in the audience one night. Long story short. . .Amos swept her off her feet and 36 years later, they are still very much in love. Their rock-solid marriage is among their most treasured accomplishments and greatest joys.

Sue's marriage to Amos meant a transition from her dream job to another dream-come-true. . .a wonderful family and the chance to stand by her husband in pastoral ministry. She embraced these roles with enthusiasm, while still enjoying singing opportunities as her schedule allowed. When the Homecoming series began in the early 1990s, and the Homecoming concert tours required much of Sue's time, she made it a priority to serve her church family on Sunday mornings, even if she had arrived home from a concert during the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Her heart for service, her incredible love for people, and a genuine relationship with her Savior has carved out Sue's unique legacy both in the field of gospel music as well as in her ministry at home. Her daughter, Tara, and her son-in-law Travis (Goodman) now help Sue and Amos lead the church. . .and they also helped them become grandparents to two beautiful little girls, Sydney and Madeline, who have added even more love to the rich tapestry of their life.

Sue has now experienced yet another dream-come-true. . .her very first DVD release, June 22, 2010! After countless recordings, both with groups and as a solo artist, her debut DVD, "The Best of Sue Dodge" brings together Sue's best-loved performances from the Homecoming series and tells the wonderful story of this former beauty contestant for whom God had an incredible and very specific plan.

Agape For Him is so happy to honor Sue this month! In support of her music ministry, we ask that you please purchase Sue's music. Sue's music makes wonderful gifts, too! So, make someone else happy and give them a gift of Sue's music.

Amos Dodge, Sue Dodge's husband, is the pastor of the Capital Church of Vienna, Virginia. Pastor Amos Dodge and his church members have hosted an Easter service at the Lincoln Memorial for the past 34 years. While the church regularly has about 300 members, his congregation swells to several thousand during the outdoor Easter service. On April 8, 2012, there were over 8,000 people, Christians of all denominations, who gathered for the sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial.

At daybreak, a sonorous hymn washed over the Mall as thousands of voices rose to sing "How Great Thou Art" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in an Easter tradition that goes back more than three decades. The sun was beginning to beam above the U.S. Capitol as ushers handed out programs and greeted the throngs by saying, "He is risen."

Pastor Amos Dodge, who led the 34th sunrise celebration, said few events have the power to bring together so many people from so many different backgrounds. "This is not an event we sponsor, but an assignment we have to our city, our nation and world," Dodge said in a written statement. With many churches and officials at Arlington National Cemetery hosting sunrise services across the Potomac River, the event at the Lincoln Memorial has become one of the region's largest and most diverse expressions of faith on Easter Sunday.

After songs from his choir Pastor Amos Dodge left the stage, walked up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and led the audience in singing "Amazing Grace."

"There is something about 'Amazing Grace' that says it better than any other song, because God's grace is amazing," Dodge said. "When we were unlovely, He loved us; when we were unforgivable, He forgave us." Dodge went on to say, "I love this service because we come from so many backgrounds."

Following Dodge's sermon, ushers and ministers from the church passed out bibles as Dodge offered prayers and encouragement to those who came forward. As worshippers folded and stacked chairs at the end of the event, Dodge said, "It was a joy to celebrate the resurrection with so many happy people."

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