I think I could write a book on this topic. I absolutely love music. I could write about how James Morrison seems to have a direct feed to my thoughts when it comes to relationships. I could about the artists on my workout playlist that have fueled me when I’ve needed to release some stress at the gym. I could about the endless sea of talent on YouTube, the cornucopia of unknown or relatively unknown artists that I’ve spent hours watching and how inspirational and entertaining their videos have been for me. But then I thought about a band that moves me every single time I hear them.
When I decided I wanted to go back to church last summer, the logical choice for me was The Well. I had known the pastor for years, I had friends that attended there, and I had heard nothing but great reviews about every aspect of the church. I had one hang-up, though. I had grown up in a church with very traditional music: hymns accompanied by piano and/or organ. I remembered the comfort of some of my favorite songs, such as “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Victory in Jesus”. However, the band at The Well was contemporary; a full band, lights, modern Christian songs that I was unfamiliar with (that’s what happens when you remain out of the church as long as I had, but that’s another story for another time). I almost let that excuse keep me from going to The Well altogether. I thank God that I put those apprehensions aside and went anyway.
There has not been a Sunday yet that I have listened to The Well band and not been moved. The passion with which this group plays is absolutely moving. While some pieces of the band interchange from week to week, they never skip a beat. After watching Adam Hill, I’m convinced he can play any instrument under the sun. And the passion and enthusiasm for the music and the message that Chris Pope, the director of music at The Well, displays from his ever-changing facial hair down to his vibrant red Toms is contagious. And if you want to hear someone tear up a lead guitar with a skill set far beyond his years, don’t miss a Sunday that Holt Jones is on stage. The voices of Todd Doss and Giana Lopez are so genuine, so pure, so poignant, that the music is more than heard. It is felt. More often than not, their music, in combination with the lyrics which are sometimes uplifting and other times cause a necessary introspection, moves me to tears. That’s right, tears. Not too proud to admit that.
When I’ve had a rough day at work, I’m always thankful that The Well posts videos of the full service to their website. While the videos don’t do justice to hearing and seeing this band in person, they’ve carried me through many tough times. Certain songs, no matter how much I hear them, never get old. I could listen to “Your Love Never Fails”, “Beautiful the Blood”, or “Lead Me to the Cross” all day, every day, and not tire. I like to think that I have a decent talent for expressing my feelings and portraying my thoughts on a subject, but I don’t think words alone do justice to what this group has done for me and everyone else that attends The Well. I thank God for this band every chance I get to hear them.
“2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.”
Psalm 33:2-3
