Johnny Cash’s Last Songs Inspire Churchgoers

The title track of Johnny Cash's final album, 'American VI: Ain't No Grave,' made such a strong connection with pastor Loran Miracle of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio, that he decided to use it in his ministry.

According to the Toledo Free Press,'The Gospel According to Johnny Cash,' is the latest installment of Pastor Miracle's 'Toledo Country Limits' program, which was started about two years ago and is presented every Saturday through May 22.

When the Pastor heard the chorus to 'Ain't No Grave,' including the lyrics: 'When I hear that trumpet sound, I'm gonna rise right out of the ground/There ain't no grave can hold my body down,' he decided the late icon's songs were perfect for the program, which blends contemporary and classic country with biblical teachings to make them relevant to the congregation.

"That one really hit home," he says. "It really struck me. It's obvious that Johnny Cash was a very religious man."

And those religious beliefs will likely strike chords with those who worship at Miracle's church because most of them are country music fans, he notes.

"I once heard from another preacher that if you want to get a congregation when you move to Miami, start a conga band," Miracle says. "You have to use what people know. In Toledo, by a long shot, it's country music."

Miracle uses Cash songs to help him teach various themes throughout the course of his teachings. For the theme of 'Love,' the classics 'I Walk the Line' and 'Ring of Fire' are spotlighted. The theme of 'God' will feature 'Ain't No Grave' and 'Wayfaring Stranger.' Three Cash songs, 'Sam Hall,' '25 Minutes to Go' and 'Folsom Prison Blues,' are the focus of the 'Murder' theme. Lastly, the theme of 'Life' will include the songs '16 Tons' -- written by Tennessee Ernie Ford -- and 'Man in Black.'