[ WM ] 20th Anniversary Review // The First Decade
Phil Wickham Nov / Dec 2007
Lincoln Brewster Sept / Oct 2008
Brenton Brown Jan / Feb 2009
“ Growing up my Mom would say , ‘ Hey , when you sing like that would you should say your ‘ O ’ s ’ like this and don ’ t clench ?’ My folks would have a lot of cool pointers that I would try to apply repeatedly . So , there is a bit of genetics and coaching and also the thought that your voice is an instrument that you can shape and sculpt . It ’ s like everyone has a bicep muscle , and some are larger than others , but you can make yours larger by exercising it .”
Phil and I started off on the right foot as I figured out his parents were in one of my favorite Jesus Music bands ‘ Parable ’. Phil is always gracious to us , and I am so glad to see the success he has had . What a voice !
“ If people out there don ’ t have a mission statement – even a personal one – I would encourage them to develop one . It should be one short sentence that is simple and to the point , that you can memorize . That has helped me stay on track . If you know where you are headed , and somebody asks you to go off the path , it ’ s much easier to say , ‘ No that ’ s not where God has me going .’ I want to use my gifts to help people experience God and inspire them to change their world for Christ .”
Linc and I go way back and have had many adventures together in the magazine , several CMS conferences , three conferences we produced at his church back in the day and a lot of living life together through a long-lasting friendship ( not to mention hours on the phone talking guitars ) :)
“ I used to wait for songs to come to me , but it is better if I think of it like a farmer . I put in the work , and the Lord … if He ’ s gracious , will water it . There is an element of mystery to it ; you can ’ t make the seed grow , but you can give it the right environment so it can have the best shot . That ’ s what it feels like . We work hard , we ’ re fairly disciplined and then we pray that the harvest is good . That ’ s the image I work with .”
Brenton and I have a unique relationship . We can go five years not seeing or even speaking to one another and then fall in tight as can be as friends the very next time we get to hang out . He calls me “ Uncle Bruce ” and that warms my heart . He is another one that is in my “ Friends for Life ” Club .
12 May 2023 Subscribe for Free ...