Renowned gospel singer and pastor Marvin Winans recently released his CD, “Alone But Not Alone.” Surprisingly, despite the more than 20 albums Winans has either sung on, helped produce or write, this is his first solo project.

“I haven’t done any thing for 12 years, but I have been working on this project for the last four years and it has everything to do with the fact that I finished it this time. When I finished it there was not a need to delay any longer. This just seems to be the right season,” said Winans.

Since 1992, Winans has pastored Perfecting Church. Under his leadership the membership has grown to nearly 3,000 and the mass choir has released a number of CDs.

After facing many storms, Winans said “Alone But Not Alone” reveals his truest feelings.

“This CD is my heart right now, it speak to where I am,” he said. “I have no doubt that for years to come it will speak because it was not written for any other purpose than to express what I have been going through and what I have done. It’s a great feeling to know that you have the ability to express what it you are going through and know that you are not unique in your experience and that someone will relate to what you feel.”

In 2005, Winans lost his older brother, Ronald, to heart disease. Ronald Winans was among the four brothers who comprised the Winans quartet, who had big hits with songs such as “The Questions Is,” “Tomorrow” and “It’s Time.”

Earlier this year, another blow came when a dear friend, Kayla Parker, died of cancer. Winans had co-written and performed on many of Parker’s albums. She also appeared on several of the albums released by Perfecting’s choir.

The highly influential Winans released nearly a dozen albums during their more than 20-year career. The other two members of the group are Michael and Carvin Winans.

Marvin Winans was married to gospel singer Vickie Winans and is the father of Marvin Winans Jr. and Mario Winans.

He added that connecting with his audience is always his goal, whether it is through music or from the pulpit.

In 2004, Perfecting Church launched the “It’s Time to Build” campaign, aiming to move the church and its school, Marvin Winans Performing Arts Academy, to Woodward near W. Seven Mile Road. After a series of fundraisers, the church and its non-profit foundation, Perfecting Community Development Corporation, are about $1 million shy of completing the renovation. Goals are to move to the new location by 2009.

“It is very important that people know Christ,” said Winans. “Years ago I was asked what I want people to know about the Winans and my answer is that we brought Jesus and that is the goal. We do that and that’s why we’ve been successful.”