but it would be a kick .
[ WM ] If you could meet or could have met any guitarist , who would it be and what would you ask him / her ?
[ John ] There are many guitarists that I ’ d like to talk with . I can ’ t think of anything specifically that I would want to ask anyone . I ’ d just like to talk . Presumably about music and guitars at first . But then I ’ d like to talk about life and eternal life and about Jesus . As far as players from the ‘ 60s that aren ’ t around anymore … I would say the same . The only caveat is that I ’ d like to talk with them as I am today … not as the lost , empty , what is life about , wondering why we ’ re on earth teenager I was then .
[ WM ] Tommy Walker once told me that it ’ s better to practice guitar for ten minutes a day , than to practice once a week for an hour . What advice would you offer to aspiring guitarists and worship leaders ?
[ John ] So very much to say here . For guitarists , I ’ d say to practice daily and play what ’ s best for each song that you are a part of . If it feels stifling to play on some of the worship teams you are serving with – then do an album like I did to get your creative wiggles out . Or get together with other fellow musicians and play away . It ’ s great fellowship too !
For worship leaders , I ’ d say to lead with the songs that would be best for the people that the Lord sets you in front of . If they ’ re older and connect with hymns … play a hymn or two each week . If they ’ re younger and connect more with a modern worship style … then do that .
I ’ ve always felt that Lisa and my goal was to do whatever it took to get the people we were in front of to look up , to worship … regardless of style or whatever .
[ WM ] John , do you have a life verse from the Bible ?
[ John ] I have had a particular verse at different seasons of life , but not one specific verse for my whole life . A verse that I often bring up at meetings or conferences when called upon is I Peter 4:11 , “ If anyone speaks , let him speak as the oracles of God . If anyone ministers , let him do it as with the ability which God supplies , that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ , to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever . Amen .” So , this verse tells me that I am to minister with the ability that God gives . That is , the ability that God gives me by His Spirit . We shouldn ’ t try and be like someone else or try to minister like someone else and trust in that formula or style as the way to be effective . Of course , we can and do learn from each other . But ultimately , we need to trust in the Lord and the working of His Spirit in and through and among us … to work His will . We are not to trust in ourselves or anyone else in any way . This will bring Him glory !
[ WM ] Thank you so much my friend . God be with you and yours , in musical and pastoral adventures . Stay safe and blessings upon the impact of City Light .
[ John ] Thanks so much , Al . So thankful for our friendship . God bless you and yours .
86 April 2021
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