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What was your game plan in writing your own worship material?

CampInstead of looking at my own emotions, I dove directly into the Word and saw the many different ways God was named, described and praised. That really touched me because it inspired me to think of who God is to me and what I would say if I wanted to talk to him.

How do you keep this worship material meaningful to yourself, despite the routine of presenting it nearly every night in concert?

CampWhen you do anything so frequently, no matter what it is, it can become monotonous. But I think when you have given your day to the Lord and say, "Lord I need your strength and I need to be fresh and excited," he honors that. Then we put that focus on right before we go on stage and give everything to the Lord when we're up there. The songs may be the same in the set list, but it's fresh because there are new battles and new joys everyday that we can pour out as we lift him up.

As believers, we often feel inadequate in trying to minister to those around us. How do you deal with those feelings?

CampI don't deserve to be up there. I just know that God's called me to it, so that gives me rest. Even though I fail and make mistakes, I ask for forgiveness and press on. Yes, I'm not worthy and I am very inadequate, but I know this is my heart and my desire, so somehow he gives me the strength to stay committed to that calling.

How has praise brought you peace—through Melissa's death, but also in the daily challenges?

CampWorship is an extension of who I am, in every part of me. Even when something doesn't go in my favor or when I question God, I've thanked him for the consistent blessings in my life. I miss Melissa, but I'm also joyous that she is with our Father in heaven, so that realization is worthy of praise. Having that awesome testimony of her faith and her courage is also a means for constant praise.

What advice would you give someone who wants to integrate worship into their daily lifestyle?

CampWorship is not just about singing songs. We need to understand that our actions and how we act around other people are all meant to be for the glory of God. It's more than just a Sunday thing. We can walk around and be constantly glorifying him, representing him and praising him for his goodness. Blessing other people throughout the day is also part of worship. It can make that person say, "Thank you Lord so much for sending that person into my life." A huge part of worship is serving other people. That's what I'm called to do through my music and what we're all called to do—no matter what we do for a living.

Jeremy Camp has since remarried Adrienne Liesching of defunct South African rock band The Benjamin Gate. He is expected to release another album of all new material later in 2004. For more about him and his music, visit our artist page. You'll find previous interviews and reviews, including our take on his latest album, Carried Me: The Worship Project. To listen to sound clips and buy Jeremy Camp's music, visit Christianbook.com.

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