Karen trying her hand at the violin with Jen, the guitarist.
Text by Grace Khaw
This is the second part of our exclusive interview with Karen Lim, our church’s music director. Read the first part here.
Karen adds that out of her own time with the Lord, anointing can flow abundantly as she has written her best songs during times of remembering Him and worshipping Him in her quiet time.
She elaborates, “Song writing is by inspiration. A lot of times, it’s through the word preached, Pastor’s rhema word, reading devotions, talking to people and hearing the struggles and testimonies of people.” The reason for her inspirational voltage is simple: “I want to write for them and encourage them.”
Certainly, the Perfect Offering is something which Karen also hopes will be an encouragement to those who listen to it. “It’s is my hope that the listeners can be encouraged and see God’s grace just as when they are listening to Pastor’s messages. May it reinforce and bring to remembrance all Pastor Prince has taught, and infiltrate the hearts of those listening.”
Just as the album title suggests, Karen divulges that compared to her previous album production experiences, this particular experience was very relaxing and stress-free for her. “Everything went very well and very smoothly, even though there were many changes during the process of production. In the past, I was stressed because I was new, and I took on the burden of doing a good job and spent many late nights.
“After so many albums, I realised that being stressed is pointless. This time, I rested and learnt to leave it to God. It was a lot more enjoyable this time round because I was restful and God took care of it. Everything fell into place in the end.”
Karen’s hope and vision for the NCC worship team is that they continue going from glory to glory. To her, “the most awesome time is when the worship leader is prepared and yet sensitive. It’s a place where the worship leader is spontaneous, hears God’s whispers, senses His direction and leads in such a way that we allow God-moments to manifest more and more.”
To do so, she acknowledges that it is important for the team to not be too mechanical, and instead have unity as part of a team that is sensitive to change and quick to go along with God’s prompting. She emphasizes that “God is the ultimate music director. We must defer to God and not become excessively professional.”
That said, Karen would like to encourage the youths who feel that music ministry is their calling to come forward. She says, “When you are young, there will be many ministries that are suitable for you. Whether the Worship Ministry is ultimately for them is a journey that they have to go through to find out. ”
“There have been people who auditioned and didn’t pass at first, but they went and worked on their craft, eventually returning with supernatural impartations and abilities. For a church like ours, there has to be a minimum standard, so don’t be discouraged if you didn’t pass an audition. God can pour down and impart.”
For those who are already serving in the Worship Ministry, she would like to spur them on to be better. “It is a privilege to serve. Youths have the advantage of room to grow and improve, so work at your skill and continue to practice your voice or your instrument. Talent is only 3%, 97% is practice. Grace is the desire to practice.”
Karen with her husband
I’m next!
