Interviews|June 20, 2012 04:02 EDT
Interview with Ben Williams of Eleven22
Could you introduce us yourself and your record?
My name is Ben Williams, one of the worship leaders of Eleven22. Recently we released an album entitled The Reason. This album has been a response to what God has been doing with us in northeast Florida, and it details the way God used a 15-year-old girl to start a movement.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
The main topics are 1) it's okay to not be okay, it's just not okay to stay there 2) our allegiance is with Christ, that we are not our own 3) it's okay to take your pain to the Lord and give it to Him.
How can music help us overcome the bad times in our lives?
Music can give us the words we need to express our pain or burdens and give us word pictures of God as our strong tower or faith that moves the mountains. Music can reach our soul quickly and focus our strength or our hope in the direction of Christ.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or one that's been on your heart that you can share with us today?
My favorite bible verse is Revelation 3:20: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. I love this text for many reasons, but in most Bibles when Jesus speaks the text is highlighted in RED, meaning that this is Jesus speaking. So He says that He stands at our door and knocks, that He is waiting for an invitation for us to invite Him into our world and that He would come and have dinner with us. It sounds so personal and intimate, that Jesus would come in and laugh and cry with us, like a father would. I love the reality of Jesus wanting to just come and spend time with me, that I can invite Him into my world and spend quality time with Him.
What's your biggest challenge for you as a worship leader?
My biggest challenge as a worship leader is finding new ways to say the same thing. My goal is always to glorify God and turn His people back to Him, so finding new songs or exploring new ideas to challenge His people to surrender and receive His grace is a continual challenge.
What is the most rewarding part for you doing music?
That God uses me to glorify himself.
For more information about Eleven22 visit http://www.facebook.com/eleven22worship.