“ get well ” financially . But most of all , it ’ s there to encourage and to bless with stories that are by turns historic holy , and sometimes hilarious . God will take care of us ; He always has .
[ WM ] For many , the allure of becoming an itinerant worship leader / artist is very real . What can you tell us about the critical importance of being grounded in the Scriptures , and having the blessing and covering of a pastor and church ?
[ Carol ] Well , we get back to motivation . I think you said it , Alex : For all worship leaders or concert artists the safety nets spiritually are the Word , prayer , a pastor who will cover you with godly advice and correction , and a solid church behind your ministry where you can grow . If you develop those things , you ’ re on firm ground . Ministry cannot be authenticated by the marketplace . It must be authenticated by the local church . As my son , Buddy , says , “ Never confuse talent with anointing .” An itinerant worship leader who does not have the spiritual covering and accountability of a local church is out there on his or her own , and that ’ s a dangerous place to be .
[ WM ] Jimmy and Carol , your musicals have travelled the church worldwide . Musicals were and are such a great unifier for the church . They create real community and purpose . Show Me , Come Together , and If My People , are just a few of the many great works that you crafted . Even with something so polarizing as The Northern Irish Troubles happening in the 60 ’ s through the 90 ’ s , your work brought people together in Belfast . We could sure use some of that in the American church today . What are your thoughts on this ?
[ Carol ] I think the ministry of Come Together in Belfast was one of the most outstanding events in our lives . Pat Boone was with us . The production brought together Catholics & Protestants in a packed-out venue guarded by armed British soldiers . The people sang , wept , and prayed together . The Holy Spirit just fell and took over the meeting . We were told
Buddy , Carol , Jimmy , and Jamie
that the time our troupe was there was the first non-violent time in seven years . Well , we had two American churches fasting and praying for us , plus a little band of intercessors who heard about the outreach and were praying for us in Israel .
[ WM ] Jamie and Buddy , your parents ’ legacy has been walked out by both of you individually in so many ways , and it appears from the book , that you both grew up in a home filled with meeting famous people and seeing God at work . It was a normal , everyday occurrence . What do you hope to pass on to your kids ?
[ Jamie ] It ’ s true , our home was full of all kinds of people throughout the mid-sixties and seventies . Mom set the tone for an open home where everyone felt the same warmth and welcome , very casual , and comfy . Lots of our friends from school hung out at our house . Most of them would end up hanging out with Mom asking questions about God and the Bible . Many of those are still dear friends