Interview with Worship Leader & Artist Luke MacDonald

This year we are excited to welcome Luke MacDonald, worship leader and pastor for Harvest Bible Chapel’s high school ministry, to our Wonder faculty.  Get to know him and check out his breakouts; 20 Extra Decibels Isn't All You Need and How to Build Great Student Bands: The Heart and then the Voice.

If you had to describe your artistry in one word, what would it be?

Wow… Um… Just One Word….  Big.

How did you develop a love for your art? 

When I was a freshman in high school one of my friends gave me a copy of Kid A by Radiohead. (if you have heard it your understand)

What inspires you?

Other than the obvious (my wife, my son, grace, the Psalms, sunsets) deep complicated artistic forms and ideas being communicated in a way that is accessible to the masses and challenging to all.

Describe your ‘creative process’.

Every sermon or worship gathering I design or help design comes in stages. First THE idea, the one hinge point for the text or the worship time. Then the supporting pieces start to fall into place. Then a crisis of confidence where I want to (and sometimes do) pitch all the supporting pieces and start over. Then I come to my senses and put the veneer on. Then I get with my band and they question every turn that is outside of the comfort box. If I can convince them it works, it will work.

What is a common mistake you notice during the creative process?

Not being comfortable with leaving a half finished idea on the shelf for a while. Just because I can’t figure it out perfectly today or for the service this weekend doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. With songs, that seems intuitive. With ideas or arrangement not always so much.

How would you encourage artists, like yourself, who serve the church?

It takes time to build a great artistic culture in a church. Start small and slowly grow people’s understanding of how the arts can help understand and worship God.

What are you looking forward to at this year’s arts conference, Wonder?

Other than seeing the next trends in fashion on Hillsong United? Anytime a group of artists are together connections and ideas come together. That to me is always an exciting thing.