Sons of The Father sing for crowds — whatever the size

American Gospel Concert
Sons of The Father will perform at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at First Baptist Church, 622 Bayshore Drive in Niceville. A love offering will be taken. Pre-concert, offertory and intermission music will be conducted by Destin pianist, Ron Starling.



When Sons of The Father makes its ninth annual appearance at an American Gospel Concert next month, they will bring years of experience to the stage.

Les Snyder, father of the trio, has been on the road for more than 32 years, and was joined in 1989 by his sons, Chris and Brent.

“In that time, we’ve sung to crowds as large as 6,000 and as small as nine,” Brent Snyder told the Log.

“But we still enjoy it no matter what the crowd. The group of nine a few years back has a funny ending to it. After the concert was over the pastor got up — he and his wife were two of the nine people in attendance — and before giving the benediction, thanked their sister church for joining them that night. So, I guess there were five from one and four from another.”

A mix of music and quotes from the Word of God, as well as traditional sermons, adds a special touch to this group’s ministry. They use a variety of styles, from a cappella hymns and inspirational music to Southern and contemporary gospel.

“We sing because God gifted us to do so,” Les told The Log. “We sing Christian music because we believe that the message of Jesus is mankind’s only hope for a fulfilled life here on earth and an eternity in heaven.”

The Sons of The Father, who often travel more than 45,000 miles a year and sing in more than 225 services, was named by Les.

“We love the fact that it has dual meaning,” Brent said. “Chris and I as his earthly sons, and all three of us are sons of our Heavenly Father.”

One of the group’s favorite places to sing is at Bible conferences, and they usually do five or six a year.

“We have a great time at those conferences,” Brent said. “It’s a little different from many of our concerts. The crowd is full of people ready to celebrate the Lord and hear from His Word. It’s a little hard sometimes to go to other events after those as the spirit there is just so awesome, and we get fed as much as anyone else.”

The trio also has experience ministering to senior adults in several venues, including RV parks and retirement resorts and at senior events, banquets, retreats and revivals.

“I don’t know if you’d refer to it as a ‘special’ ministry to seniors, but we do several senior adult events every year,” Brent said. “Besides those labeled as such, we do resorts each year in Florida.”

Seniors, he added, are always a fun group to sing to and come ready to have a good time and enjoy great music.

“During those times especially we do a special request time like we’ve done in Niceville in the past,” he said. “They enjoy calling out songs from the past that they don’t get to hear often anymore. We certainly don’t know every song they call out, but you can see their faces light up when you do know it and as old memories come flooding back.”

The group’s new recording, “Forever,” is just out this month and features five songs written by Brent.

“We’re excited about it, as we always are with a new recording, but especially so with this one,” Brent said. “There seems to be more of ‘ourselves’ in this one. There’s a great variety on this recording.  You’re apt to hear everything from a contemporary country feel to what Dad calls ‘Holiday Inn’ music — a schmoozy 50’s style orchestra piece that Chris does a great job on.” 

Chris and Brent each have two children who just might continue the family tradition eventually.

“Clayton, Chris’s 7-year-old son, certainly enjoys attention and I can see him singing someday,” Brent said. “The rest we’ll see about, although my three-year old daughter Eliana loves music and loves to sit in on rehearsals and sing with us.”

The group still closes their concerts with a song written by Brent — “Well Done Faithful One.”

“It speaks of how our focus needs to be on getting the job done and hearing ‘well done, thou good and faithful servant’ when we stand before God,” he said. “It’s rare not to see someone moved by that song as they think of a loved one who has gone on to be with the Lord.” 

Les said he is convinced, especially the older he gets, that without the grace of God, he would have no hope.

“The only real peace is found in knowing the Prince of Peace, and allowing Him to be involved in our lives daily.”