Jim Ranger is the campus pastor and worship leader for New Life Church’s Southwest Campus in Bakersfield, California. The talented musician also received a three-chair-turn from the judges on the popular television talent show “The Voice.”
John Legend was the first to turn his chair around during Ranger’s blind audition, followed by Gwen Stefani, and Blake Shelton. Singing Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Ranger displayed vocals that reflected a powerful gospel-rock-country sound reminding one of Chris Stapleton or a “grungier” NEEDTOBREATHE.
Pastor Ranger chose Blake Shelton to be his coach. Last week Ranger competed in “The Voice Battles” round against fellow teammate John Sullivan performing Kane Brown’s “Good as You.” John Legend commented on the performance saying, “Jim your voice has more soul and grit to it…it made sense that you’re a campus pastor and a worship leader (because) so much of being a minister is being able to control the room.” Legend seemed to be letting Shelton know that he thought Ranger was the better performer. The rest of the judges agreed with Legend’s assessment and Shelton chose Ranger to move on to the knockout rounds.
After the performance Ranger said, “I can’t wait to call my wife and kids.”
