“Richard talks about his involvement with Muso
Hang, personal principles of how he seeks God’s guidance, and effectiveness of
Small Groups (having them alongside Church and being involved in them)”
[For the PDF version of
this Q&A click HERE]
THE
NOW
Richard Maegraith: It’s a kind of, I suppose,
ministry towards musicians, that I’m doing. In terms of it being Christ-Centred
and for evangelism and artistic purposes. It is a mixture between a party, jam
session, and a church service. Those are the three components. I, or someone
else does some kind of Bible talk. What is different is that the Bible talk is
focused on connecting with musicians, and trying to find things that will
resonate with them.
And so I’ll often, find a secular song with
the lyrics shown (by reading them or giving people a copy of them), and do my
best to find out the intention of the songwriter or the lyricist. Whether it is
grief, loss, shame, anger or injustice --- whatever it might be. The kind of
“heart’s cry” --- and find one passage in the Bible, usually something that
Jesus has said, or how Jesus has dealt with those things, in the Bible and His
ministry.
So, I’m trying to make these Bible talks as
relevant and accessible to non-churchy people as possible. Basically Muso Hang
is a parachurch, in which it focuses on a specific group of people, and works
alongside the Church. Some missiologoists would call this the Homogenous Unit
Principle. In contrasts and works as a servant to the church (which includes
everyone rich, poor, old, young, different backgrounds,etc...).
LL:
What other ministries are you involved with?
RM:
I’m currently an assistant minister in an Anglican Church, so I preach, lead
bible studies, meet with people, etc. Also I play music and sing at Church
weekly, in the morning and in the evening services. Though the thing that is
closest to my heart is my wife and family, so they are my first ministry.
WHAT
HAS SHAPED HIM
LL:
What was your Christian Journey like?
RM: I was actually brought up in a home where
my mum was a Christian and dad wasn’t, so it was a semi-Christian setting. We
went to church, but I always thought being a Christian was about trying to be a
good person. Then when I was 19, I discovered that Jesus is Lord and that I
should repent. Until then, not knowing it, I'd struggled with music and myself
being my god, you know, as a musician, wanting myself to be known and things like
that.
After becoming a Christian, I didn’t know how
to fit in the Church, largely because of the unspoken criticism of music in
church leading to idolatry. So mediocrity reigned. It was a very confusing time
for me Another thing that made it particularly challenging was the music that I
played and loved was jazz. Not ‘worship’ music, which every other Christian
seemed to love. It didn't resonate with me. (Still doesn't on a musical level
at least). At the time, I had a number of friends from Pentecostal backgrounds
and I was encouraged by their freedom to pursue music and the arts with
excellence for the glory of God and building up of believers.
I
had a revelation in 2005 where I believe the Lord wanted me to remain a
musician to glorify him, but in a secular context - to share the good news of
Jesus with musos and others who wouldn’t come into a church building. That’s
how the Muso Hang largely came about.
LL:
Are there any particular books you’ve read, or people you’ve connected with
----- that has influenced your growth (personally and spiritually)?
RM: Mission to Islam and Beyond, Wrath of
God's Love, Man of Dust, Man of Glory. For me, I’m not much of a book reader,
so I’d say, people more than books. One particular person I’d mention is John
Dunn, he mentored me for a number of years. He passed away suddenly last
December.
LL:
Sorry to hear that John has passed away. So in light of his memory and life, is
there one thing that kept coming up during your time with him?
RM: One thing that he instilled in me was:
“There is nothing we can do of ourselves, to win favour with God". And
then he'd illustrate this by talking about our imaginary 'DIY Justification
Kit’ that we all have. Because when you are led astray, or struggle with
something, and incur guilt and shame Christ, you have two options: One would be
to repent and believe that your sins are forgiven, and the other would be to
try and justify yourself before God and others (hence the ‘DIY Justification
Kit’).
We either walk in Christ's forgiveness or
return to guilt living with the rest of the world. I think we as Christians can
live much of our lives trying to justify ourselves, whilst still doctrinally
holding to ‘justification by faith alone’.
CONNECTING
LL:
Are you part of a small group?
RM:
Yes, I lead a couple of groups, one with mixed ages and genders and a men’s
group.
LL:
What do you think are the benefits of being in a small group?
RM: When you are in a small group, people are
more likely to share what’s going on in their lives. Small groups also are an
opportunity to build friendships, and it gives more interaction. There are also
some people that learn better in small groups, through discussion and sharing.
LL:
Do you think small groups are an extension of Church?
RM: I actually think small groups are an
expression of church, because two or 3 people gathered in Jesus’ name (Matthew
18:20) is the church meeting. I’d also say that small groups are vital to any
church, anywhere.
LL:
What’s your personal routine when seeking God’s guidance?
RM:
No Routine.
I
do have principles though:
- Read God’s Word expectantly
- Pray expectantly
- Talk to godly people
- Ask questions as to how this prospect/decision might glorify God
- Look at my current circumstances
“God hasn’t brought me this
far to leave me” so says a song I like. Is God moving me in a new direction?
New chapter or am I to perservere with the current circumstances? Keep praying.
- Make a decision in full faith for God’s glory
LL: What would your advice be to Artists who
are trying to find out which ministry they should be involved in?
RM: I guess it is no different if you were
any other person in Church, as ministry is about service. "Love God and do
what you want", I guess. When in ministry, it is about dying to
yourself. Don’t go into ministry ‘to find yourself’. You come to Jesus to find
yourself. You go into ministry to serve others with the life and hope you have
found in Jesus.
My
advice would be:
- Look at where God’s gifted you (what you love doing and asking others you trust where they think you’re gifted)
- Dedicate it to God and keep assessing it, asking godly people to help with feedback.
So, think about what you love to do. If you
love to bake cakes, bake cakes; if you love to sing, get good at it, get some
lessons. However, for upfront ministry (like singing), it has to be good and
not distracting. No visitor is not going to come to church again just because a
cake tastes a bit too sugary, but if someone’s poorly singing and leading, it
may be the last time we see that visitor.
Another thing I’d like to mention is
respecting people in authority. As Aussies, we have a tendency to prize
egalitarian values. Whilst the bible has demonstrations of egalitarianism
(Galatians 3:28), there are also clear instructions to respect elders and
leaders in the church (Heb 13:17). So, we need to be ready to accept loving
criticism and leadership that may reduce or qualify, or not give us the
ministry we think we should be doing. Remember it's about service. Philippians
2.
LL:
Well Richard, I really appreciate your time, and thank you for sharing. I was
able to learn a lot more about you because of this chat.
RM:
You’re welcome. And thank you for persisting [scheduling the Q&A], I know
I’ve been very busy.
* Richard MaeGraith is a working musician
(saxophonist) and a part-time pastor with Marrickville Rd Church and also runs
with a team, the Muso Hang, approximately every 8 weeks. Richard is also featured in Con Campbell's book: 'Outreach and the Artist'
Source Material and Notes: The material
posted is based a phone conversation (June 2013) between Richard MaeGraith and
Leigh Lim. Subsequent additions and corrections have been provided by Richard
MaeGraith. Content has been edited for length, and the final version has
been reviewed and approved by the interviewee before being posted.
