John Waller Interview
The Blessing
No stranger to the music scene, Waller previously gained national attention fronting the group According to John. His story back to the studio is one full of inspiration, struggle and redemption that everyone can relate to.
Suite: John, I read about your earlier disappointment as a recording artist, when your old record label fell apart on your band According to John. What is your perspective on that experience now, given the benefit of hindsight?
John: Honestly, I wouldn’t trade that or any other experience I’ve gone through to get where I am now. It was a disappointment when According to John never completely broke through in the music industry, but God used times like that along with many others to draw me closer to Him. By the time A2J broke up, I was at the end of myself and I do release the “dream” completely. God rekindled my dream later, but it was in His timing. While I was waiting on Him I had to learn to trust, serve and worship Him (as the song “While I’m Waiting” describes).
Suite: I’m very interested in what you describe as a “declaration song.” Can you tell our readers a bit about what that means and why it’s important to your ministry as a worship leader?
John: A declaration song is when a central truth is put into a song so we can boldly declare it with our mouth. In the Bible, Hebrews says that Jesus is our High priest and that we should hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering. I love to write songs where as believers we can confess, proclaim and declare who He is, who we are in Him, and what He’s promised to do in us, through us and on our behalf!
Suite: The story of your recent signing with Beach Street has so many timing moments in it! What has all of that taught you?
John: I have learned that we can delay God’s plan and will, but we can’t force it. It was only over the last 3 ½ years that I’ve been able to rest in the fact that “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future.” We must actively wait on the Lord. His plan far exceeds anything we could draw up on the dream pad of our heart!
Suite: What do you love most about serving as a worship leader?
John: My first experience as a worship pastor was when I moved to Colorado to help plant Southlink Church. What I love most is being connected to the body of Christ. As a worship pastor, I gain a better understanding of the heartbeat of the local church and have seen wonderful songs come from that connection.
Suite: I was fascinated to read of your victory over depression. I know this is a challenging question, John, but I’m curious: do you believe this is available to every believer?
John: I do believe victory over personal struggles is available to every believer through Jesus Christ. However, this does not mean that it is an easy road, or that healing is God’s plan for everyone. My personal experience was this: Throughout my 20-year battle with depression and medication, I never experienced true, consistent freedom that the abundant life of Jesus had to offer me. The Bible says, “as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is”. I was told I had a bi-polar disorder at the age of 12. This disorder has been in my family for generations and my mother still battles it to this day. I never questioned my illness until someone opened my eyes and revealed to me healing and deliverance found in the word of God. I received healing after friends, who I consider to be deep-rooted in their faith, prayed over me. I’ve been off my medications for 3 ½ years and not once have I fallen into a state of depression. I still get down and discouraged at times but I am free.
Suite: What word of counsel do you have for other young worship leaders and worshippers reading this interview?
John: We are all called to build God’s kingdom, not our own kingdom. We all have different gifts we can use to serve and offer God. Be faithful where you are with what you have. I know that God will honor your faithfulness. He promises to give us the desires of our hearts as we delight in Him.
Find out more about John Waller and his debut, "The Blessing," at his website
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