Worship Musician March 2019 | Page 87

than what you originally felt comfortable in? [Evan] Yep, for sure. For me, that discomfort is where soul growth happens. My spiritual director calls it the “sweet spot.” It’s that space where I’m highly motivated to do something uniquely challenging. It’s part of how God created humans to flourish. When we’re highly motivated to do something easy, it’s probably not our sweet spot. That’s more like a hobby. I might be motivated and gifted to lead worship. But there came a point for me when leading worship every Sunday was no longer uncomfortable or challenging. I could coast and “After several years in the worship music industry, I felt spiritually untethered to a degree. I needed to quiet my soul and sit under older, wiser folks who had devoted their lives to studying the intersection of gospel and culture.” Evan Wickham collect a paycheck. Don’t get me wrong, I love leading worship and still do it a ton. But there came a point when I became highly motivated to help people think through the intersection of gospel and culture. For me this involved going to seminary and getting trained for leadership and church planting. This was very uncomfortable. Terrifying at times. It still is. And I don’t think I’m very good at it. Which means [Evan] Songwriting has become more of a it’s probably my sweet spot right now. moving target for me. Writers retreats and co- write trips were more of a priority when I had [WM] One of your giftings has been in the a publishing deal. Now my writing is usually area of songwriting. done over text or email. Audio Messages are Would you clarify your collaborative process in songwriting? amazing for this! Now that the dust has settled after moving back to San Diego, I have time to March 2019 Subscribe for Free... 87