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The Heart of Worship

The guys in Third Day work hard to keep God at the center of their music—and their lives.

by Martin Cockroft

it’s three o’clock in the afternoon—just a few hours before the Southern-fried rock quintet Third Day explodes onstage as one of the opening acts for the Newsboys. The guys are kicking back, watching a ballgame on TV and talking about the book of Hebrews. All at once.

"I’ve never, ever understood Hebrews," guitarist Brad Avery confesses. "It talks about ‘the order of Melchizedek.’ This guy Mel just appeared on the scene—no proof of parents, no proof of death. And Jesus is supposed to be in that line, the order of Melchizedek. Tai understands it better than I do."

Tai Anderson is Third Day’s bassist. He’s got an ear cocked toward Brad and at least one eye glued to the TV. He’s trying to take it all in—something all five band members have done a lot lately. With everything that’s happened in the last three years, it’s all they can do to take it in.

In 1996, Atlanta-based Third Day took the contemporary Christian rock scene by storm, earning a Dove Award for New Artist of the Year, a Billboard Video Award for its hit single, "Nothing At All," and four No. 1 hits.

Three years later, they’ve got a Coca-Cola radio jingle and a second album (Conspiracy No. 5) under their belt, with a third album on the way.

That’s an impressive resumé. And for some other group, it might be enough to constitute success. Not for Third Day.

"We love doing what we’re doing: playing music, performing, making records," says lead singer Mac Powell. "But for us, it’s a lot more than that, more than just a job. It definitely is a mission and a calling to share the message of Christ with people through song."

Guitarist Mark Lee adds, "I think God has a specific purpose for us at this time. Because of the kind of music we do, we can reach people other ministries might not be able to reach."

The band has a passion to demonstrate that God is real and worthy of worship. And they still manage to rock.

"Worship doesn’t have to be slow or in a certain style," Tai explains. "We have a song called ‘Consuming Fire,’ probably our most worshipful song, and it’s a rock song. There’s definitely a style of praise-and-worship music—a ‘classic praise-and-worship groove.’ We don’t try to lock into that style so much. We try to lock into the heart of worship."

What is the "heart of worship" to Third Day? According to Brad, "It’s not just about praise songs. You can worship God while walking down the street. You can worship God while washing dishes or at your job. Worship is bringing God to the center of whatever you’re doing."

Those aren’t just nice words. They’re words Third Day lives by. Worship is the core of the band. Yet the guys are the first to admit that when it comes to the Christian life, they aren’t perfect.

"I’m not walking tall with God every day," says drummer David Carr. "I struggle with sin, and I have a hard time with a lot of things, like being faithful to God. I’m a weak man."

"It’s easy to forget the purpose of why we’re out here," Mark adds. "That’s why we get together and worship and have Bible studies. It helps us reclaim our focus."

The guys in Third Day want people to know that they’re not into getting famous or making a lot of money. They’re simply trying to serve and worship God the best way they can. It’s something they hope everyone desires to do.

"We’re Christians before we’re musicians," Tai insists. "We love doing music. But if you took music away, I believe every guy in this band would find another way to serve God."

David adds, "I would rather have our band stay humble and fail miserably than have us be proud, and not be real, and sell a million records."

Not that Third Day would hate to sell a million records. With the upcoming release of its third album in late summer or early fall, the band promises to keep rockin’. Just what will the record sound like?

"It’s different," Mac says. "A mixture of Southern rock, country, and American music."

"People who enjoyed our first album more than our second might enjoy this more, too," says Brad. "It’s back to the basics. Back to the Southern gut."

For the guys in Third Day, "back to the basics" also means keeping the basics of faith front-and-center in their lyrics.

"We want to take our time and not cut any corners," Tai remarks. "I hope it’s a record that encourages the body of Christ. The truth of God, even if it’s the most basic stuff, pokes at your spirit. Touching hearts is basic stuff."

Copyright © 1999 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail clmag@CampusLife.net.
May/June 1999, Vol. 57, No. 9, Page 22

Read more from 'Bands & Artists'

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