Beauty of PresenceSample

Gathering in the Word

Just give Graham Jones a guitar, and he’ll tell you a thoughtful gospel story using rich lyrics and inspired melodies. As worship pastor of The Fields Church in Arlington, Texas, he gets to use the musical talents God gave him to point others to Christ. And when he’s not leading worship, he’s busy writing biblically based songs or enjoying time with his family.

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I can think of nothing more powerful or formative than gathering around the Word with my spiritual family—those I know in Christ and who know me—continues to shape me day by day.

In the New Testament, the most striking metaphors always revolve around the church. She’s a mighty temple, a holy priesthood, and a loving family. She’s a herd of sheep, a sky of stars, and a shining light. And there are so many others!

These images push back against darker narratives around us. We’re living in a world made for individuals, where commercialized spiritualism reigns. It shouldn’t surprise us when we feel great shame for personal doubt, grief, and discouragement. But in a world made for real community, its Maker reigns, and he shepherds the hurting and broken through the ministry of his gathered people.

I don’t tour extensively, but I do love to travel and play shows. The thing I most enjoy about it is connecting with believers from other churches in other places. I get to see what God is doing in a small town in Iowa, the Cincinnati suburbs, and another Texas church right down the street. Hearing how my music is encouraging believers in their own communities is one of my greatest joys. It’s the reason I keep on writing, recording, and playing shows.

At our church, we always close out our liturgy with this benediction: “You are sent out to be the church in the world.” That’s what fuels me in this work, being with the church and being sent out as the church.

—Graham Jones, Texan singer-songwriter who traces the story of the gospel with thoughtful lyrics and rich melodies, as told to Rapt Interviews