JEREMY CAMP, Interviewed

www.jeremycamp.com

by Ryan Richardson

I had the chance to sit down with Jeremy Camp before a show with Sanctus Real and Seven Places, and was struck by the professionalism and graciousness of not only Jeremy, but his road crew, band and management. Jeremy has now released Stay, Carried Me: The Worship Project and Restored - you would do well to add them to your music collection. The impact being made by this humble man is God-driven, and we had the opportunity to meet with him, just weeks before the birth of his first child.

Modern Disciple: How are you preparing for fatherhood?

Jeremy Camp: There are some books out there, but other than that, I am looking forward to pouring my life into our daughter. We know that God is giving us this child and He will provide everything necessary to raise her. Plus, I am a musician, so I know what it is like to function without proper sleep!

MD: What's happening these days?

JC: Tons of touring, a new child, a new album coming out called Restored. Restored is the next chapter in my life, how God is faithful in restoring my life from the brokenness. I feel that my ministry is a ministry of hope and this is the next chapter of hope. Sanctus Real and Seven Places have been a real blessing on this tour, and it's been awesome to see the ministry happening in people's lives.

MD: What drives you?

JC: I believe that my gift is threefold. Evangelism, exhortation/encouragement and comfort. My life scripture is Acts 20:24:

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

No matter what happens, none of these extra things move me.

MD: I have this book that talks about the classic hymns, and the circumstances behind them. With that in mind, I know that you have been very open with what God has carried you through and what you have learned from difficult circumstances, including losing your first wife to cancer.

JC: I have learned that my life is not my own and that life is fragile. God is faithful - He knows what's best for us, He's never left the throne. The blessing of when we are in heaven is that we will be free from sorrow and pain. But while we are here on earth, we can be restored here and live 100% for Christ. We need to live restored and in victory.

MD: What made you pursue the path of an artist?

JC: I went to Bible college and got an amazing foundation in the Word. Doors kept opening for music and I was able to minister. I got an email from BEC Recordings, that wanted to talk about signing me and we started talking. It fell in my lap and the doors continued to open.

I knew Brandon (Ebel, CEO of Tooth & Nail/BEC Recordings) before he started the company. He was walking by my family's tent at the CornerStone festival, and wound up camping out with us. To make a long story short, we became friends. When I started playing, I was contacted by the A&R people, and I knew that they were in line with my vision. I am glad to be a part of it and what God is doing with the label.

MD: Do you have any advice for an artist? ---> PAGE 2