Tim Hughes: The contemporary worship man talks about 'Love Shine Through'

Wednesday 9th March 2011

Tony Cummings quizzed Holy Trinity Brompton's TIM HUGHES about his latest album



Continued from page 1

Tony: You said in a press release that "we're on the cusp of a fresh move of worship." How has the worship music in recent years got stale?

Tim: I don't think it has got stale; I think there is a danger. Just talking to other worship leader friends, talking to people in church; I think with all creativity there can be a danger that we get caught in familiar patterns of songwriting, familiar themes that we think about, and I know as a worship leader, you find a style of song that really works and it's great to keep going down that route. And what happens is before you know it, it all sounds a little bit the same. I think it's about encouraging people to step out and not write what you think the congregation wants to hear and sing, but songs that slightly break out of the mould. I think a song like "Beautiful", the chorus is "You're beautiful, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh," in many ways you think it shouldn't really work in a congregation and even for men to sing it. It seems like some men would struggle with it and I know some probably do, but I've seen it work all over the country, there's just a spirit on it. Listening to the Hillsong United album, I think they've been really bold, stepping out and I just think it's a good time to write what is coming out in the depths of people's hearts, to really challenge us to wrestle with these big themes of how do we engage with God in the mix of this fragile world, how do we boldly proclaim these amazing truths and at the same time not lose the sense of insecurity and doubts we have. I guess that's what I've been feeling lyrically and musically. I'd love to see for myself very much and for others to be a bit more daring and congregations will respond to that.

Tim Hughes: The contemporary worship man talks about 'Love Shine Through'

Tony: I'd like to quote you something from Christianity Magazine: "Even within the Christian scenes, some worship leaders are being treated like pop stars." Is that statement true?

Tim: I think it's not just within the Church but I think that people always put leaders on pedestals. I can only take responsibility for myself. I can't change how people respond to me, but I can be responsible for how I respond to them and for me, it's being grounded in a local church, really allowing friends and family to speak into my life. The other thing I feel passionate about is raising up lots and lots of other worship leaders and encouraging them to step out. More of a team dynamic. Really the vision I have with Worship Central is to see every church with an incredible worship leader, anointed, gifted, humble and then I think when we see that there is less prominence placed on the one or two individuals. I think for me it's about everything I have learnt, everything I've had the privilege of being a part of, giving it away, raising others up and not trying to make a way for myself, to pass on to others.

Tony: Presumably, your experiences at Worship Central will show you that there are some, maybe immature, young people out there who are looking upon worship ministry more as a career choice rather than a call from God.

Tim: Definitely. This is one of the things we speak on a lot. Sometimes we hear that the ultimate aim is to lead worship at Soul Survivor, Passion or Hillsong and actually if that's your driving ambition then that's not much. We always teach that the most amazing place to lead worship is at your local church. I think it's much more grounded. You get the challenge, people coming up asking about the new songs, or why are you singing this? Or why don't we do more of that? They challenge you, you work with people, you're accountable, you're stretched and you see the journey, it's not just that you turn up, do your thing, everyone loves it and off you go. You actually see God at work. The Church is crying out for more and you see it happen and that's why we say get a passion, get a vision for the local church because the novelty of playing at a big festival wears off pretty quick and actually to build the local church is where we'll see the change.

Tony: It's hard to imagine you in the context of a local church. I mean, when you're at HTB, do people come up to you and ask for your autograph?

Tim: Yeah occasionally, but they are usually visitors. I thought about this because I'm not hugely comfortable with it, but if I was to say "No," I embarrass and slightly humiliate them and for some people they maybe want a little something to remember and to acknowledge they've met the person. Actually what I try and do is use it as an opportunity to chat with them, to get to know people and get to know what they do in their country or church. So I try not to keep it as a "sign and off you go," but to use it as a conversation starter.

Tony: Final question: again in that press release you mention the song "Counting On Your Name". What did you mean when you said, "To trust in his name is a scary thing"?

Tim: I think, ultimately, that all my fountains are renewed, like we're putting all our eggs in one basket, and I think sometimes there is a comfort in "I've provided in financial security, or good friends in place, my health is good," all of these things. But actually when it comes to it, we've seen the economy crashing, you can see these amazing people suddenly sick. Or you suddenly see a nation, like Australia, a beautiful country that has everything that suddenly floods, houses destroyed and people die, you realise nothing we build up on earth will last, only God, and trusting in him; sometimes it's easy to say, but harder to do. When things become hard, that's when it's scary. I've found this particularly since having kids; I find it really scary, because actually, these little things that you'd do anything for, it's still not enough, I can't completely protect them. That's where I think, "Well, God I have to trust you, I don't know your will for them or how it will work out, but I can't look after them in my own strength." I think it's a bold thing. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About Tony Cummings
Tony CummingsTony Cummings is the music editor for Cross Rhythms website and attends Grace Church in Stoke-on-Trent.


 
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