GOSPEL RADIO SHOW JAMS ON WEEKENDS.

Byline: Holly J. Andres Staff Writer

Steven Harris isn't an ordained minister, but he is spreading the inspiring message of the gospel. Gospel music, that is.

Harris is the host and producer of ``Gospel Jam with Brother Steve,'' a gospel radio program that airs on KTLW-FM every weekend. The program airs twice on Saturday and once on Sunday afternoon.

``Gospel music is the eighth wonder of the world. It's the only piece of music that encourages you, inspires you and motivates you. It lifts you up,'' said Harris, who has worked in broadcasting in a variety of capacities for 20 years.

Harris' hourlong show can be heard in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel, Simi and Antelope valleys. Church on the Way, located in Van Nuys, has operated KTLW since 1997.

A native of Cleveland, Harris has lived in the San Fernando Valley since 1990. He prerecords his show from his own studio. But there's nothing automated about his love for this spirited music.

``When I walk in the studio to record, I feel it and I do it. I go for the spirit. My policy is that I don't stop recording. I don't edit as I go. I do it as if it were a live show,'' said Harris, who is the vice president of the Gospel Announcers Guild for the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Los Angeles Chapter.

Brother Steve, as Harris is known, regularly plays such gospel artists as Andrae Crouch, Ametria, Kirk Franklin and the Nu-Nation, Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond. What's his personal favorite gospel album?

``Walter Hawkins' `Love Alive One,' '' he said without a moment's hesitation. ``That's my all-time favorite gospel music. It helped to change my life.''

While the show airs, Harris takes calls and requests from the phone number given out. Listeners also have a chance to e-mail him with their opinions on the show.

``Even if one person is listening, I program for that one person. I get the thrill of encouraging people. If somebody's life can be touched, that's more than enough,'' said Harris, whose home church is the West Angeles Church of God in Christ located in Los Angeles. Harris also regularly attends the all-night prayer service at The New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima, on Fridays.

Rita Medall, KTLW's station manager, said that Harris' show ``is hot.'' She said that it is targeted at the 18-34 year old audience who want a more contemporary beat in their music.

``You can't help but jump up and praise the Lord when you're listening,'' said Medall.

A major part of Harris' time lately has been his dream to honor Sunday school teachers. His nonprofit McDonald-Davis Corporation (named after his grandmothers) is conducting a search for outstanding and innovative Sunday school teachers.

The search, which includes all religious denominations, runs through Feb. 1 of next year. Harris hopes that ``The Great American Sunday School Teacher'' special will air on network television next fall. He is hoping that a famous Sunday school teacher, former President Carter, will agree to appear on the show.

``These teachers faithfully come to church early every Sunday for these classes. They teach these classes with no compensation. There's no `Here's your check.' These teachers affect a child's life. They are planting seeds and dropping something into the spirit of a child's life. They are changing lives,'' said Harris, who admitted that his father, the Rev. Wardell Harris, made going to Sunday school a must, even when he was a college student visiting home.

With Thanksgiving in mind, Harris has organized a benefit skating party on Monday. The community is invited to bring canned goods to be donated to FISH, a local food pantry in the Valley, and others in Los Angeles.

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Photo: Steven Harris in the KTLW-FM studio, where he hosts and produces ``Gospel Jam with Brother Steve.''

David Sprague/Staff Photographer