Mercy’s Won
Mercy’s Won was formed in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Russ and Shaela Funk, along with original member Darrin Jenkins. In 2021, Erick Parnell joined the group, completing the lineup you see today. Their name was inspired by James 2:13, which says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Simply put: mercy has won.
Mercy’s Won has a unique sound, blending a female tenor with a traditional bass to create a style that mixes classic Southern Gospel with a country flair. The group has received multiple award nominations and was honored with the “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” award at the 2026 Absolutely Gospel Music Fan Awards.
They have been blessed to work with some of the most talented people in Southern Gospel music and are grateful for the doors God has opened along the way. In 2022, they teamed up with producer Gordon Mote to record their debut album, New Day Dawning, which was released in July 2023. In October 2023, they released their first radio single, In The Sweet Forever, which charted in the Top 80 of Singing News Magazine for three consecutive months. In February 2025, they released their newest project, Off the Record, now available on all streaming platforms.
You can learn more about the ministry of Mercy’s Won on their Facebook page, or follow them on Instagram and TikTok for more music, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.
Russell
Funk
Russ Funk - Owner/Bass/Pianist
Russ Funk is from Russellville, KY and started singing and playing piano at the age of 4. Russ has played with well-known names in Southern Gospel Music such as The Bishops, The Crossmen, Perfect Heart and Greater Desire. Russ and his wife now reside in Bowling Green, KY with their Yorkie Poo Bruce Lee. Russ graduated with an MBA from Campbellsville University and now works for a Logistics company in Scottsville, KY. Russ is one of the most talented people you will ever meet. One of his talents is song writing. Russ has written 3 songs on our newest album, and we are sure they will touch your heart!
Shaela Funk - Owner/Tenor
Shaela grew up listening to Southern Gospel music. Both her parents shared a love for music and she remembers even at a young age having her parents take her to concerts and falling asleep under the pews listening to groups like The Cathedrals, The Kingsmen, Gold City and Gaither. Her family spent many nights together watching the Gaither Homecoming videos. In high school Shaela started singing on her church worship team and in college she was the lead singer of a Contemporary Christan/Worship Band. Shaela stopped singing until she and Russ married and they joined a mixed group until they decided to create their own quartet.
Shaela Funk
Darrin Jenkins - Lead/Founding Member
Darrin has been married to his lovely bride Danielle for 23 years and has 4 children. Since Darrin was a child, his mother and grandmothers instilled a deep love for music. Some of his musical influences include Ricky Skaggs, The Cathedrals, Larnelle Harris, Steven Curtis Chapman, Clay Crosse and Michael English and numerous classical and jazz singers. He studied church music at Campbellsville University under the late Dr. Kenneth Martin. He attends Summit Hills Baptist Church where he has served as their Minister of Worship for 14 years. He also works as a manager of IT applications for a Fortune 500 healthcare REIT. Darrin is the king of dad jokes and loves Star Wars. Darrin also wants to know if “wearing his lunch” is considered a superpower.
Darrin has been with Mercy’s Won since they started and is a great asset in many ways including with his song writing abilities.
Darrin co-wrote “New Day Has Dawned In Me” with Russ and Shaela and we are sure you will hear more of his original writings in the near future.
Darrin Jenkins
Erick Parnell
Erick Parnell - Baritone
Erick grew up listening to Sothern Gospel music and absolutely loves quartet music. He likes a lot of the new Southern Gospel music coming out, but his true love is for the old style. Shortly after graduating from high school, he was blessed with the opportunity to sing in a quartet with his twin brother and a couple of his close friends called “Saved By Grace.” Erick currently serves as a Deacon and Assistant Song Director at Three Spring Baptist church in Bowling Green, KY. Erick and his wife Heather are middle school sweethearts and have 2 children Lilly and Emma and a dog Molly. Erick works as a Property Manager and has great people skills.