JARED ANDERSON: Desperation Band, New Life Worship, and Songwriting

Jared Anderson did not always see himself writing worship music.The career of one of the most distinct voices in modern worship - with songs like "Glorified," "Amazed," and "Rescue" widely sung in churches around the world - almost never happened. In fact, Jared considered distancing himself from worship music entirely, but always felt a pull to write something for the church. "God revealed to me, and it was a slow process, that worship isn't just a genre of music," he explains. "Worship songs are prayers. We're reciting the word of God back to him, and pretty soon we're not just reciting it or singing it, we're living it." In this episode, John Chisum uncovers the spiritual and musical motivations of Anderson, one of the seminal songwriters and worship leaders of Colorado Spring's New Life Fellowship, alongside key influencers Glenn Packiam, Jon Egan, the Desperation Band, and others. Jared talks candidly about his classical piano background and all the hidden hours in the practice rooms at Oral Roberts University, contrasting them with his transition into a very public ministry with New Life and beyond. The first worship song he ever wrote, Rescue, launched his career and has led to more than a decade of worldwide impact in writing and ministry. What he describes as "something going on behind my back" as he continued to write songs like Amazed and Great I Am mushroomed into not only greater notoriety and accolades, but into greater conflict as Jared wrestled with his own inner motivations and sudden success. At times both funny and raw, Jared's transparency and humility are evident throughout this interview and songwriters will find his insights on songwriting invaluable. You can connect with Jared at jaredanderson.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jaredandersonmusic, on Twitter and Instagram @jaredanderson. For more information visit www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com and join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook! Be sure to join NCS MEMBERSHIP today at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com  for the finest songwriter resources, coaching, inspiration and information!