“When we were able to express ourselves as gospel artists and the people who were on camera responded to it, praising God and the freedom to thank Jesus, that was real television,” said the 71-year-old Grammy winner. “Those were the breakthroughs.”

“Bobby Jones Gospel,” which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season, is part church, part gospel concert, part talk show. It provides a rare national platform for top gospel stars each Sunday while delivering a spiritual message.

“I’ve heard a lot say the show raises them up. They’ll be having church at home first before actual church,” gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong said. “And for the ones who don’t go to church, it’s service for them. Bobby touches lives within them.”

Jones reflected on his groundbreaking show in a recent interview.