Meet Rodney Iler

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rodney Iler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rodney, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose wasn’t one single moment—it was a process of God revealing pieces over time. I’ve always known that music was something placed inside of me. From a young age, I had a passion for singing, leading, and creating spaces where people could encounter God through music. But my purpose really began to take shape when I realized it wasn’t just about me performing—it was about creating an atmosphere where people could experience transformation.

As I grew, God began connecting me with people who carried the same heart. Mentors, friends, and collaborators helped shape and sharpen what I felt called to do. Through those relationships and experiences, I started to understand that my purpose wasn’t just to sing or make music—it was to build something that could impact people spiritually and creatively.

That’s really how Rodney Iler & G.E. was born. It came from the realization that purpose is often bigger than one person. G.E., which stands for Great Exchange, represents the heart behind what we do—creating moments where people can exchange heaviness for hope, doubt for faith, and brokenness for God’s presence.

Our debut concert on April 25th is actually a reflection of that journey. It’s not just a musical event; it’s the manifestation of years of prayer, development, mentorship, and community. The people involved in this night are individuals who have played a role in shaping who I am and what this vision has become. This moment represents the first major public expression of the purpose God has been unfolding in my life and through this collective.

So when people ask how I found my purpose, I’d say it was discovered through obedience—through saying yes to God, yes to growth, and yes to building something that serves others. This debut concert is one of the first major expressions of that purpose coming to life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and director of Rodney Iler & G.E. (Great Exchange), a musical collective based in the Atlanta area dedicated to creating powerful, spirit-filled musical experiences that inspire, uplift, and bring people together. At the heart of what we do is the belief that music can create spaces where people encounter hope, healing, and the presence of God.

What makes this work especially meaningful to me is that it goes beyond simply performing music. It’s about building community and cultivating purpose. Rodney Iler & G.E. is made up of incredibly gifted musicians and vocalists who share a common heart to serve through music and ministry. Many of the people connected to this vision have played a role in shaping and encouraging me along the way, and that spirit of collaboration and growth is a big part of our foundation.

I’m also passionate about creative direction and mentorship, especially when it comes to helping young creatives and college students develop their gifts and pursue excellence. Whether through music, creative projects, or workshops, my goal is to help people recognize the value of what they carry and give them the tools and environment to grow.

At the core of my brand and my work is the desire to create meaningful experiences that inspire people creatively and spiritually, and to use music as a platform to encourage others to walk confidently in their purpose.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three things have been especially impactful: obedience, consistency, and community.

First, obedience has been crucial. There were many moments where I felt led to pursue opportunities or step into spaces that were unfamiliar or uncomfortable, but saying yes to those moments allowed me to grow and discover more of my purpose. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to stay sensitive to the direction God is giving you and be willing to move even when the full picture isn’t clear. Sometimes purpose unfolds one step of obedience at a time.

Second, consistency has played a huge role. Developing any gift or vision requires discipline and the willingness to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow. Whether it’s practicing your craft, building relationships, or developing ideas, the small things you do regularly over time make a huge difference. For people starting out, I’d say focus on getting better every day and commit to the process, not just the outcome.

Finally, community and mentorship have been incredibly important. I’ve been fortunate to have people in my life who have poured into me, offered wisdom, and helped shape my growth both spiritually and professionally. No one truly builds something meaningful alone. My advice would be to intentionally seek out people who are ahead of you in areas you want to grow in, stay teachable, and value collaboration.

Those three things—obedience, consistency, and community—have helped shape not only my journey, but also the heart behind the work I’m building today

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, absolutely. Right now, one of the main ways people can partner with us is through the Rodney Iler & G.E. Giving Campaign, which is helping us prepare for and execute the vision surrounding our debut concert and live recording.

This campaign is built around the idea that many people coming together can collectively make a powerful impact. We structured it in phases so supporters can participate at different levels. For example, we are inviting 50 people to sow $50, 75 people to sow $35, 100 people to sow $100, and 5 people who feel led to sow $1,000. Each phase helps us reach key financial goals that support production costs, musicians, creative development, and the overall experience we are building.

What is most meaningful to me is that this is not just about fundraising. It is about people becoming a part of the vision. Every person who gives is helping us create something that will impact others through music, worship, and creative expression.

We are looking to connect with people who believe in the mission. This includes supporters, creatives, community leaders, and organizations who want to help bring the vision to life. Anyone who feels connected to what we are building with Rodney Iler & G.E. can partner with us by supporting the giving campaign or reaching out through our social platforms to learn more about ways to get involved.

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