I was reading the latest issue of Worship Leader magazine this morning- and in it was an interview with Eddie DeGarmo who is the president of Capitol CMG Publishing who has a roster including Kirk Franklin, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, David Crowder and more. For me, Eddie DeGarmo was also one half of the 80’s/90’s duo, Degarmo and Key. In the interview, Eddie gives a response that I wanted to post here. He was asked, “Is it possible to have a music career and an active ministry at the same time?”

“If you know Christ, having a ministry should be foundational to whatever you do, whether you’re a baseball player or a guitar player. But having a career with a public platform always creates issues. You have to be careful of compromising the way you present yourself. One of the masters of dealing with the media and the public is Billy Graham. Whenever he was interviewed and someone would ask him about abortion or other social issues he would always bring it back to the gospel. That’s a good example to follow. It isn’t your answers on the issues of the day that bring people to Christ. It’s the Holy Spirit.” (Eddie DeGarmo, Worship Leader, May 2013)

Two things that strike me about this quote. First, I really like that DeGarmo says that it is foundational for everyone who knows Christ to have a ministry. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teacher, a surgeon, a stay-at-home mom/dad, a janitor, or a bus driver. We need to grow where God has planted us. This is our mission field.

Secondly, I love his final sentence. Our answers about the topics of the day do not bring people to Christ- that is the work of the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give answers- but that our answers should point people to the Gospel- the Good News that Jesus died for each of us and wants to extend grace and mercy to us. After point people to Christ, the rest is up to the Holy Spirit. (Check out 1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Where has God planted you and given you a ministry? Have you had experiences of bringing conversations back to Christ? How is God using you where you are to advance the Kingdom? What is your favorite DeGarmo & Key song?

I couldn’t resist posting a video from Degarmo & Key. Can’t tell you how many times I listened to this song as a teenager. Yes, you can judge me now!