The composer of "Shout to the Lord," sung by an estimated 30 million people every Sunday, is a stay-at-home mom at heart. But a packed schedule keeps Darlene Zschech—lead vocalist, worship leader and producer of Hillsong Music Australia's beloved CDs—on the move, often with concert tours or, more recently a trip to Africa with Christian relief organization Compassion International. But she loves nothing more than being at home—and in her home church—with husband Mark and their three daughters, Amy, Chloe and Zoe. We recently "zschatted" with Zschech about everything from Africa to finding balance to the state of worship music today.

You just returned from a trip to Africa with Compassion International. How many trips have you taken with them?

Darlene Zschech: This was our second one with Compassion. We went into Asia a couple of years ago, specifically to Bangkok and then to Manila in the Philippines. We went to Uganda and Rwanda this time, and we were able to dash into Kenya on the way home.

We took our girls and some guys from church, some friends. We were able to drive around the slums and had our hearts broken again. What Mark and I are now sensing is like a new revelation. When you're a worshipper of the living God, he really changes and molds you in his presence. And you start to become intolerant of injustice. As the worshippers, we really feel that we can make a difference. Lots of leaders of worship are feeling exactly the same way, so I feel like God is actually commissioning us to make our songs real and to live in a different way.

What did you do while in Africa?

Zschech: We held babies. We were able to encourage the staff who are in the midst of watching heartbreak, 24/7. And the mothers are mothers just like me, who have dreams for their children, just like I do for mine. I was able to connect with those women as moms in the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda. So many people have lost so much—over one million people slaughtered in 100 days. It was only ten years ago, so the country is still in mourning.

There were many people walking around with pieces of themselves missing because they've been hacked off by machetes—the weapon of war they used. People were wandering around at that time with HIV and raping women. So, they AIDS crisis is very real, of epidemic proportions. UNICEF recently announced that there are over 13 million orphans, and that will double in the next ten years. So I'm like, "Okay, worshippers, let's go do something."

How are you able to balance everything in your life—your work with Compassion, Mercy Ministries, Hillsong Church, a solo music career and your family?

Zschech: I have great people in my world, in the U.S. and at home. The thing is, my capacity is increased as the journey unfolds. I've always had a lot of energy. And I'm very passionate about Jesus, and that gives you energy.

We've sort of adopted a life philosophy in our home. We don't wander around complaining how tired we are, because of what a privilege it is to be able to serve the Lord. While we have breath, let's do something with it.

I've also learned through making mistakes. I put some time aside every week so it isn't work, work, work. There are lots of times when I'm really not doing anything. I might be cooking with my kids or doing homework. Like any other working mom, I'm a working mom.

And still juggling things at church?

Zschech: I'm fortunate because I have a huge team where I don't have to do as much of the work now at church. I sort of oversee the department where there are a lot of writers and worship leaders. It's a huge church. I want the house of God to be full with excellent praises that really bring him glory. So, even when I'm sleeping, my mind is full of new ideas and things I'd love to see happen.

Sometimes I do get tired, and that's usually when it's time for a holiday. And I've had to stay accountable to people who've told me honestly when I've let things get too crazy. That's part of the riches of being in the body of Christ. I'm never out there doing all of it on my own. I'm just doing life with the people I love.

And you've kept it a priority to be back at your home church as often as possible.

Zschech: I'm not a "road" kind of person. I come to the States six or seven times a year; we also go to Asia and the U.K. Sometimes I go for two days and come back home because I don't like to leave the children. At times we'll all travel for a few weeks at a time. But home, and home church, is the prize. It's where we're fed and nurtured. It's where all of my spiritual babies are and I don't like leaving them either.

What do you think are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the recent increased growth of worship music in the church and in the Christian music industry?

Zschech: I am up for anything that gives glory to God. I love what's happening with praise and worship. I pray that it is truth, and we can't go around judging that. Only God can determine truth in worship. And if creativity isn't as forthcoming as it should be because some songs are found again and again on album after album, then it's up to you. Stir it up. I don't think worship is here to serve our gifts; our gifts are here to serve the call of God on our lives.

Worship has very little to do with music. When I was out in the middle of Rwanda with nothing, there were beautiful kids, and parents alike, who were lifting up songs. They were saying that the enemy can try to take my life, but he can't steal my song.

I've been in the Catholic Church, in the United Church, the Anglican Church, and in many other churches, and when worship is offered in truth, this sound emerges—regardless of the style. It's the sound of the human heart connecting with its Maker. It's quite magnificent.

We have to keep understanding the value that heaven places on praise and worship. It's one of the very few things that are of eternal value. It's resounding throughout eternity. Then wherever worship finds itself, it doesn't matter as long as it's being offered in truth.

How would you describe worship that's "being offered in truth"?

Zschech: I think only each of us can make sure our worship is offered in truth; only we can get our hearts right before God. Then let our gifts serve that. It'll come out in our lives, our homes, our families, our marriages, at school—it'll come out everywhere. We won't be able to help ourselves, because it seeps out of our pores and makes people go, "Wow! What is it about that person? Ah, that's a Jesus person." That's the reality of what happens when we worship in truth. The presence of God is continually there, but you continually welcome God's presence into your circumstance—and not just on Sundays.

Are there any down sides to the way worship is viewed today?

Zschech: When people talk about worship in regards to projects, I always want—you know, in the CDs and work we put out—that to just be a snapshot, a resource center, and that people don't end up worshipping that CD or that moment. The experience of worship is far greater than all of those things.

I think that would only be the only downside of what we are seeing. It never should be a quick way to get your music heard as a new or struggling artist. Whether it's true worship, for both the artist/worship leader, or for the listener, it's up to you.

So, people need to be careful not to judge others and the truth in their worship, because only they know, along with God. Just keep offering it and be generous with it.

Have you felt any unique challenges as a worship leader in a very secular country?

Zschech: In some ways, it's easier. There isn't really a religious background with most people there. I think that's why we see so many people passionate about worship, because when they finally get in touch with their Creator, they get so excited. That's because there's no history of a "blah" Christian life. When the unsaved hear the truth and are ready for it, it's fantastic.

It's a great time in our nation. We're seeing people being saved in Australia in unprecedented numbers. The music, our music, is right out there on the secular charts. It's fantastic. God is sort of starting to allow it to sit right in the middle of mainstream music—and I think, great, that's where we should be.

For more about Darlene Zschech, visit our artist page for her, where you will also find a review of her solo debut, Kiss of Heaven. Visit Christianbook.com to hear sound clips and buy her music.

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