Scripturally Sound is a web app that matches Bible verses to song lyrics in one simple search, making it easy for music ministers to find scripturally-based songs to support pastor’s sermons. The platform is a digital solution to an ever-increasing tech-savvy demographic that includes believers.
Kimberly Lannear
Name: Scripturally Sound
Location: Nashville, TN
Website: www.ScripturallySound.com
Product / Service Offering: Enhancing church worship by connecting scriptures to songs in one simple search
Co-founder Interviewed: Kimberly Lannear
Other Key Management Team Members: Stephie, CFO
This article is part of our Women Entrepreneurs Spotlight Series featuring female entrepreneurs and their companies. We hope these founders’ interviews will inspire and motivate you as you undertake your own entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us a little about yourself with a focus on what motivates you.
Since childhood, I’ve always been curious. If I discovered a more efficient way of executing a task, I challenged the person who told me “because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” I’m a granddaughter of a pastor who encouraged members of his church to seek Bible scriptures for themselves and not take his words for granted. I have always enjoyed music and was reared by parents who fostered creativity, innovation, and independent learning. I’m motivated by my faith and solving problems that God has equipped me to address.
When did you establish your company and where did the idea originate?
The company was established as a corporation in January of this year (2017). The concept originated in 2013 when I stumbled across a Christian music video that had captions of scripture as the music played, similar to the VH1 television hit “Pop-up Video.” I thought a resource that provided the story behind the song would be useful to Christian music listeners. The idea evolved after many interviews in 2015, which resulted in targeting music ministers of churches as my early adopters.
What need or needs does your company seek to fill for its customers?
Churches and Christian institutions today are faced with the challenge of finding appropriate Bible-based songs that match a biblical message or sermon. When the sermon and music are not aligned, there is a huge disconnect that can be off-putting to the congregation. Scripturally Sound is a web app that matches Bible verses to song lyrics in one simple search, making it easy for music ministers to find scripturally-based songs to support pastors’ sermons. The platform is a digital solution to an ever-increasing tech-savvy demographic that includes believers. Scripturally Sound sets itself apart from other worship music resources through a robust interactive database and its lyric-inspired Bible studies. The result is a content worship music team scripturally sound in their choice of music, a thematic church service, and engaged church members.
What is the one thing that sets your company apart from its competitors?
While Scripturally Sound provides music and lyrics, our focus is providing spiritual preparation for music ministry, whereas competitors focus on the music/technical preparation.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while getting your company up and running, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has been finding an in-house developer who believes in our mission of spiritually equipping the worship team and encouraging Bible literacy.
Are there resources you have utilized that other founders might find compelling or useful?
I think for technical entrepreneurs, who are in the idea stage, F6s.com is a great resource. If you sign up to their newsletter, you will receive weekly updates on applications to accelerator or incubator programs, which can provide an entrepreneur with funding, business education, and a community of their peers. It will help develop their business at a rapid pace.
Want to learn about other women led startups? Check out our Women Entrepreneur’s Spotlight.
What steps have you taken to secure funding for your company and what, if anything, would you do differently if you had to start over?
I’m currently in early discussions with investors who have expressed interest. Additionally I am reading books and online resources regarding funding. To date, I would have paid a developer after he completed specific tasks that were in our original agreement.
Have there been any questions you have had as an entrepreneur of a fledgling startup that you had a particularly hard time finding the answers to?
No, I think that the Entrepreneur Center and the entrepreneurial community in Nashville have been helpful. I also have advisors and networks within Nashville and New York and try to take advantage of my college alumni association. I’m not afraid of asking questions.
What challenges, if any, are you grappling with?
I would like an in-house developer committed to the project.
What is the most helpful tip or “hack” you’ve ever learned, stumbled across, or been given?
Don’t give up and stay resilient. I came across a great quote today, by Anne Lamott, “The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty.” It reminds me of the scripture, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV Hebrews 11:1) Additionally, despite whatever challenges you may face, it’s best to be a good steward and take advantage of all of your accessible resources.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your company?
If Scripturally Sound piques your interest, you can support us financially on iFundwomen, or support through prayer, following us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. Your church can pilot our app:
How does it work?
- We are inviting churches to be a part of this exciting opportunity to test Scripturally Sound! This app allows worship planners to search our database of songs by scripture or theme to efficiently plan church services and enhance the worship experience.
- Throughout the one-month pilot program, we will be checking in with you to see what is working and how we can further improve the app. If you are one of the first 100 churches that successfully complete the pilot program, you will receive a premium rewards package for simply being a tester.
- The cost of the pilot program is 100% free. All that we ask is your feedback to help us improve what we are trying to achieve, which is enhance the worship experience by engaging the community to develop a deeper understanding of the Word and a closer relationship with God.
Rewards Package Includes:
- Invitation to the Scripturally Sound pilot kick-off
- One month free subscription to Scripturally Sound after pilot completion
- One advertisement placement in our e-newsletter
- Two VIP tickets to the Scripturally Sound public launch party with special guest
- Be a part of the Scripturally Sound journey as we continue to help bridge the gap between scripture and song
Requirements:
- Be a worship planner (e.g., minister, director, pastor, etc.) of a church with a worship team
- Complete a self-assessment at the start of the program
- Plan four church services with the Scripturally Sound app
- Meet with us 3 times (via in-person or video conference) to provide feedback
- Complete a survey at the end of the program
Are you familiar with other Women led startups? If so, we would like to hear from you. Tell us about them, sharing your comments below!
Sandra Sloan
Sandra has previous supply chain and business operations experience which she is leveraging as an author with FundingSage focused on spotlighting entrepreneurs and their startup efforts.
