Orlando, FL worship band Faith Worship Arts recently released their new album Fill This House on DREAM Worship. We had the chance to connect with John Dreyer from the team to ask a few questions about the album, how they kept the worship authentic while recording the live songs, what working with DREAM Worship has been like, and dad jokes of course. Take 20 minutes to read the interview and watch a couple of the live videos below to get acquainted with Faith Worship Arts…
Where did the name Faith Worship Arts come from?
Faith Worship Arts has been the name of the worship department at Faith Assembly for a number of years. It was in place when I arrived as worship pastor in 2015, and we never developed a new name for the “artist ID” of Faith Assembly, and continued to use the department name as the artist name. It was how our local church identified us, and we were hopeful it would help them find any music we released as well. It stuck, and here we are!
What does worship mean to you?
It’s ascribing worth or value to something– in our case GOD. We ascribe or display our perception of God’s worth or worthiness through the things we do, the words we say, the songs we sing, the way we live. Because we believe He is worthy of ALL, our lives are dedicated to communicating that He is worthy. Obviously there’s so much more to unpack, but fundamentally that’s why we believe in a “lifestyle of worship,” because there are so many ways that we can communicate God’s worth through what we do. Our aim as Faith Worship Arts is to make sure that the songs we create do that as well.
Leading worship in church is one thing, what made you want to release music into the world as a worship movement/church?
God has really blessed us to have gifted teammates with varied abilities here. He’s given us so many tools to resource our local congregation with accessible music that they can worship with at church, work, home, or on the go. We feel like what is available for us locally should also be available to our brothers and sisters everywhere. We are blessed by the songs that come from other places, and we believe others will be blessed by the songs God has blessed us with! It’s a beautiful relationship that we all have as a part of the body of Christ!
In a Christian music world that’s dominated with worship music, how would you say Fill This House stands out from the many?
Fill This House is definitely a local-church focused record, meaning this; most of these songs are written in a way that are designed for congregational engagement and not just listening. We were intentional about recording songs for congregational worship, songs that we would sing when we gather together with other believers. Many of the songs on this project will potentially be most relatable when experienced in that context. There’s space with this recording for people to enjoy personal time with Jesus, but we believe these songs will best serve the church as tools to help point groups of believers to Jesus in a united way.
Which song on Fill This House was the easiest to write? And which was the hardest?
“Let Him Work” was probably the easiest song to write. I think “The Lifter” had the most revisions until finished.
Are there any songs which have ministered to you after they were recorded?
For me, there are a set of lyrics from “Still Here” that speak to me: “help me to pause in Your presence and not get caught up in the motions. No more busyness, I know what’s important: sitting at Your feet.” Even after all these years of ministry, it’s a reminder that I often need. That song ministers to me in a unique way.
When recording the live tracks, how did you find the balance between keeping the authenticity of worship intact while also perfecting the recording aspect?
We actually recorded in our regularly scheduled weekend services. This gathered the people that we regularly lead, and gave an authentic representation of our actual congregation in worship. We decided to not overdub any vocals, but to supplement and edit the recording and instrumentation wherever necessary to reach our desired audio experience while prioritizing the original worship experience in the room!
What has working with Lance and DREAM Records been like?
It’s been really cool! Lance has been super supportive and we’ve begun to see our music begin to reach places we had not reached before. Lance and DREAM have been instrumental in extending the reach of Faith Worship Arts, for sure! We are thankful.
What was the most memorable time when you really felt the Holy Spirit moving and “Fill This House” during worship?
During the song “Fill This House” there is a passionate section where we are petitioning God for an overflow of His presence and power. We began to sing a section that was a bit spontaneous, “we’re asking for MORE!” We could sense not only the hunger for God in the room, but God responding to that hunger with His presence in a really cool way!
When it comes to leading worship in services, what techniques have you found to be the best way to keep the audience engaged?
I don’t want the congregation to be listening to me sing, but to be actively worshiping with me. Spiritually, I need God’s help and anointing to maintain engagement. Practically though, I try not to do things that are too vocally acrobatic, and I try to really establish the singable melody of the song so that people can catch on to it. Once people are caught on, I may give small pre-emptive cues to where we are going so they know what to sing next. In addition, I offer verbal invitations for the congregation to sing, clap, lift their hands, or whatever the moment may warrant. Even a small invitation can help people remain active participants and not drift in their thoughts, or get lulled into a listening state.
How can churches better equip their worship teams (spiritually or otherwise)?
Encourage your teams and team leaders. Challenge them to draw closer and closer to God. Speak truth in love to your worship teams. Communicate what seems to be connecting with the church in each season (musically), and what seems to not connect well. Foster an atmosphere that values creativity while prioritizing holy reverence for God. A well-discipled worship team will edify and be a blessing to the local church.
What advice do you have for aspiring worship leaders?
Stay close to God and walk in humility. Stay close so you can hear and understand His direction for your life and aspirations, and humble enough to forsake your plans and obey His. No real Christ-centered leadership can be accomplished without a heart of humility. And, for a sustained, life-long ministry in worship, humility is a non-negotiable.
How can the global church be better at reaching the lost?
As the global Church prioritizes representing Jesus over any other identifiers, we will continue to grow in our ability to reach the lost.
And a couple of quick fire questions to get to know you better.
What’s your favourite food? And does pineapple belong on pizza?
I am a foodie. Picking my favorite food is hard, like picking a favorite kid. (Kid would be a little harder…) And yes, pineapple is great on pizza.
What Bible verse or passage is currently ministering to you?
Luke 10:38-42 Staying busy isn’t as important as staying at the feet of Jesus.
What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not busy writing songs or worshipping?
Watch anime.
If you could select any song from any artist as a personal theme song that played every time you walked into a room, which song would you choose and why?
Motown Philly by Boyz to Men. It’s old-school and hype, and has cool harmonies and breakdowns. Kinda like I think the best version of me would be lol.
What’s your favourite dad joke?
The devil ain’t got no feet. He’s already been de-feeted.
How can we and our readers be praying for you all over the coming months?
Pray that our efforts continue to help people encounter Jesus in a real and impactful way.
Thanks for talking to us today guys, any final comments?
Thank you! And, we pray that this music is a blessing to all of your readers!
Connect with Faith Worship Arts:
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