Worship Musician March 2020 | Page 35

JEREMY CAMP Interview by Alexander MacDougall Since the devasting loss of Jeremy’s young wife the middle of the show and sharing the Gospel hopefully out of better motives, and out of a during the early months of their marriage, God and really ministering. I think even as a young deeper place, because God’s well does not run has given him a message and a song to share child that stood out to me as different. He had dry, so if you keep going and drawing closer to with millions of others. He holds the honor for something to say and he took time out to really Him and digging more into His word you will most (40) #1 radio hits among any solo Christian minister. Those people have influenced me in a realize His well doesn’t run dry. music artist, has amassed multiple gold albums big way, all because of their passion for Jesus. and Songwriter of the Year Awards, and has an I think there have also been a lot of songs that extensive international touring schedule. With [WM] You and I were reared in similar church have gotten out there as well from people who streams totaling over 394 million, and a social backgrounds. The importance of studying The are trying to dig more into Gods word, and you media following of over 3.6 million, his ministry Word is tantamount within the Calvary Chapel see the impact of it. There are scriptures that and message are reaching epic numbers. His Movement distinctives, yet, much of today’s are being sung, and I think its huge and that book, I Still Believe, has recently been released Christian music radio listeners are probably there is a power in that. as a major motion picture. lyrically accustomed to a lighter fare. Do you see this as an opportunity for Christian artists [WM] Speaking Louder Ministries, your [WM] Jeremy, it’s great to visit with you today. and songwriters to become better at presenting ministry outreach, looks to be a marvelous and To start with, what 2 or 3 songs influenced you basic “sound doctrine” and social commentary well-rounded expression of the love of Christ to more than any other early on in your walk with based upon a Biblical worldview, within song those marginalized by poverty and disaster. Tell Christ? lyrics? us about this endeavor. [Jeremy Camp] That’s a very hard question. [Jeremy] Yes, absolutely! I think that we [Jeremy] Years ago God laid on my heart I think one person I’ve always respected and as a generation are kind of a Bible illiterate this scripture that I love. It says, “Go ye into looked up to was Steven Curtis Chapman’s, generation, in that we just kind of like the “one- all the world, and preach the gospel to every “For the Sake of the Call”. That song in particular two punch” sayings, and we go off of those and creature”, and I’ve taken that literally. One way has just resonated with me to this day. I listen to emotions. God’s word is living and active and is that I realized I could reach out to people is by it and it says, “we will lay down our life for the sharper than any double edge sword piercing providing for their needs. You look at all of the gospel of Jesus Christ”, and that has always the bone and the marrow, and it shows the people who are following Jesus, when they been my heart and my desire. Someone asked intentions of man’s heart. If we can, as writers were hungry, He went and provided for their me what I do and to explain myself, and I said, and people that are putting this conscience needs. He saw that they were hungry, and “I’m a minister of the Gospel who happens out, can really dig into God’s word, it shows the in order for them to continue listening to His to play music”. I think that’s always been my intention in your heart. It helps you do things, messages instead of their stomachs rumbling, heart’s desire, so that’s always resonated with He said, “Why don’t you feed them, and we me. When I think of Delirious?, I can’t even can continue on”. I think there is something in pick a song, I just remember Delirious? was providing for someone’s needs which allows a massive influence on my life for a long time. their hearts to be more open, and their ears Their songs and writing, and their passion for to be more open to hear. So, we’ve had that Jesus, was huge. And then honestly, I go back desire to go into these different countries, and to the old times of Mylon LeFevre & Broken I can give you an example. Most recently we Heart. People are always shocked at why them, but I remember him taking time out in Speaking Louder Ministries March 2020 went to Uganda, and in going to these different countries we make sure that we work with Subscribe for Free... 35