Lamar Campbell returns to the Gospel music scene with FROM THE HEART, a timeless collection of love songs about God’s love for us. Campbell recently signed a new record deal with Nashville-based Alliant Music Group for his seventh album which he hopes will give a new perspective on the purpose of worship and living a lifestyle of worship. He states, “God will be holy whether we worship Him or not. When we do what He commands by worshipping Him, we are the recipient of worship. We are built up in His power when we praise Him.”
It’s been two years since the Stellar Award-nominee released his last album, Confessions of a Worshipper. He took time off as a Gospel artist to focus on his role as a worship leader and music director at the Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston. The 16,000 member mega church is headed by Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, a White House frequent guest and advisor to President Bush.
Lamar has also been extremely busy focusing his efforts on helping the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita that relocated to Houston. Along with the ministry staff at Windsor Village, Lamar has been working to build homes and get financial assistance to people that lost everything in the tragic event. “The hurricanes are now over, and the residents of Houston are trying to get back to their normal lives, but I feel that God is trying to take us to a ‘new normal,’ a higher level of accountability to our lost brothers and sisters,” says Campbell.
“Hold On,” one of the singles on the album, is an inspirational song that has ministered to the hurricane victims. Lamar says, “Jesus is giving us the opportunity to be his arms and legs, and to show the love of Jesus by embracing our brothers and sisters. Most people expected the people of New Orleans to run to church because of what happened, but if they never went to church it is OUR responsibility to reach out to them.”
Lamar hopes that FROM THE HEART will take the focus off the worship leader and put the focus back on worship. He says, “Our job as pastors, choir members and worship leaders is to assist with getting to that place in worship where God speaks to everyone’s needs.” Lamar believes that worship leaders are becoming more like superstars than humble servants of God. “We need to offer more records that will put people in relationship with the One who can change their situation. We’re singing these songs because we want the presence of the Lord to show up in the room. After that you don’t need the songs. The music has to be more than trying to ‘get the house’ or trying to get the biggest response from the audience. It’s about when His presence shows up in the room.”
He further adds, “Developing great churches and great artists is not enough. Jesus is not going to share His glory. Making me great and trying to bring Him into the equation will not work. It has to be all about Him. I kind of want to talk about the record, but I really want to talk about Him. I want you to like the music, but I’m praying that the music, more importantly, leads you to a deeper worship of Jesus Christ. It’s time to put the focus back on Him instead of us.”
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