Hi ladies,
Got a great new interview here for you, done especially for WIWN, with Rebecca St James. Enjoy!
1. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us here at the Women In Worship Network! So…would you describe your calling as being a CCM singer, or a worship leader or both?
I just want to say before I answer this question, that it’s super cool being interviewed by one of my best friends…loving this, Vicky! 
So…I would describe the way that I see my calling in this way. I am one of God’s girls, who wants to respond with availability to whatever opportunities that He sends my way. In saying this, there have been a lot of things that God has called me to do that I have felt unworthy to do, including the CCM singer/worship leader part. In processing this, I have come to realize though, that knowing our weaknesses and unworthiness is a good thing. It drives us to God and to reliance on Him.
2. How do you choose a setlist for a worship time? Any advice for us?
Generally I decide on the setlist with my father/manager David. It actually helps to discuss a setlist with someone who is regularly in the congregation/audience, because sometimes they sense things from out there that we don’t, response-wise. Also, I’m not afraid to have drama in my worship set. We will often go from an ‘all guns blazing’, super intense worship song, to an acapella moment. Then, I think you have to be sensitive coming out of those very intimate worship moments. I often finish that part of the set with prayer or a Bible verse.
3. As a vocalist who doesn’t usually play an instrument on stage, how do you lead the band?
I’m a bit more scheduled with my set than most worship leaders, I’d say. We stick to what we have written on the set list beforehand and the only time I’ll break out of it is if I move into something acapella. Then the band knows just to wait until I’m done and then move on with the next song on the list. If I was leading worship full time, (as opposed to having CCM songs mixed in, in my set) I would probably want to ‘flow with it’ a little more than this.
4. What encouragement do you have for girls and women involved in worship ministry? Anything you’d like to say?
I do feel that there need to be more female worship leaders stepping into this calling. It does take courage though, so let’s together be courageous! I’m glad you have this site Vicky, to cheer us all on.
Here’s a verse that has encouraged me a lot.. ’So my dear brothers and SISTERS, stand strong. Do not let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of our Lord Jesus, cause you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted’. (1 Cor. 15:58) Blessings to you, my sisters, as you serve and take joy in our Lord Jesus! And thanks for this interview sweet Vicky.
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To keep up with Rebecca’s latest events and music, visit her Myspace here. Follow her on Twitter too here – she’s a great Twitterer!
Hi Vicky thank you for interviewing my favorite female singer of all times! ( you are one of my favorites too though!)
Rebecca thank you so much for your strong faith , your example , inspiration and encouragment!:)Keep shining the light of Jesus!
May God bless you both!
In Christ,
Becca ( YES Rebecca I'm one of those too!)
Yes Vicky, thank you so much for bringing your wisdom and the wisdom of your friends to us! As a worship leader and a songwriter, Rebecca has been a strong and steady encouragement to me… I became a Believer when I was 12 years old and had never really listened to music before (I know that is incredibly strange). I always loved singing and music but just never felt GOD move in me via music…the first song I heard as a Christian was “Pray”. The power of Scripture! Rebecca, thank you for being a passionate Believer and a very real person…I so often see artists that portray themselves as super-Christians; we never see or hear of their struggles or sadness. For 8 years now, you have been a role model for me and I enjoy learning from you.
God is moving!!
I agree that there is a great need for women in worship! I pray for you, my fellow leaders, as I pray for those I lead through Christ.
Hope to speak with you both (Rebecca and Vicky) one day, and just explore the structure and disciplines of the Christian music industry…and also the uplifting and/or amusing stories!
With love in Christ,
Danielle
I have been hugely encouraged by Rebecca St James and yourself Vicky in varrious areas of my life. I feel very blessed to have such role models within christian culture who are willing to step and not only acknowledge what they believe in but act, live and breath that life through and through. Thank you. I hope i too can allow christs love, grace and wisdom to shine out through me as you do.
Keep doing this great work!!!
Love and Blessings,
Deborah.
great interview… it’s so encouraging to have this site! even for those of us who don’t lead worship but have worship hearts. i have always been a fan of yours rebecca, (along with my awesome husband:0) you have done so much for the younger generation of women longing to have role models in contempoary christain music and lifestyle. i’molder but i’ listen and worship younger’! bless you immensely!
libby p