In the latest episode of "Conversations on the Walk," Worship Leader Magazine's Joshua Swanson sits down with the talented Christian songwriter and artist, Benjamin William Hastings. Hailing from Ireland, Hastings shares insights into his life, Christmas traditions, and the profound journey of faith that has shaped his music.

Rediscovering the Presence of God

Hastings begins by discussing the challenge of keeping God at the center of our lives. He emphasizes the importance of recontextualizing God's presence, sharing a personal practice inspired by the Lord's Prayer that helps him maintain a focus on the divine in daily life.

Christmas Traditions and Influences

The conversation takes a festive turn as Swanson delves into Hastings's holiday traditions, including quirky Christmas Eve present rituals and the absence of a nativity set in his home. Hastings also reflects on the influence of growing up in Ireland, with its rich poetic tradition and his exposure to hymns that continue to shape his songwriting.

The Art of Songwriting

Hastings opens up about his songwriting process, narrating a humorous tale of attempting to craft a worship song based on calculated criteria. He shares a pivotal moment in his journey when a prophetic encounter redirected his focus to writing songs that are first and foremost expressions to God, rather than adhering to predetermined success formulas.

Navigating Faith's Valleys

The conversation takes a more serious turn as Hastings shares his recent struggles and questioning of foundational beliefs. He reveals a journey of wrestling with doubt and the tension between leading worship while grappling with personal faith challenges. Hastings' upcoming album reflects this internal struggle, offering an honest portrayal of his journey through doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pursuit of light in the midst of darkness.

Encouragement from the Millennial Generation

The interview concludes with a look at the encouraging aspects of the millennial generation. Hastings praises the generation's pursuit of honesty, truth, and transparency, citing a cultural shift towards authenticity. He acknowledges the potential shadows of this pursuit but expresses optimism for the positive impact it can have on faith communities.

In this candid and insightful interview, Benjamin William Hastings opens up about the complexities of faith, the creative process, and the ongoing pursuit of worship. As we eagerly await his upcoming album, Hastings's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience of faith in the face of doubt and the transformative power of authentic worship.

Links:

• https://www.benjaminwilliamhastings.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/
• https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/
• https://authenticmedia.company/
• https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/

Who Is Benjamin William Hastings?

Benjamin William Hastings, a gifted Northern Irish songwriter, singer, and worship leader, found his musical and personal calling on a unique journey that spanned continents and genres. Raised in Belfast, he spent a transformative chapter of his twenties in Sydney, Australia, where he not only discovered a passion for music but also fell in love with Jessa, a kindred spirit who shared his love for words.

Their early attempts at songwriting as a couple proved challenging for their marriage, leading them to focus on building a family instead. Blessed with two perfect children, the Hastings family, including their beloved dog, later made a significant move to Los Angeles, CA, where Benjamin, a member of Hillsong UNITED, and Jessa, a renowned author, continued to pursue their individual crafts.

Benjamin's musical journey intertwined with the influential Hillsong UNITED, a church crowd that happened to include some of Jessa's childhood friends. Through collaborations, recordings, and tours, he became an integral part of many chart-topping songs, including Hillsong UNITED's "So Will I (100 Billion X)," Cory Asbury’s “The Father's House,” Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude,” and Hillsong Worship’s "O Praise The Name (Anástasis)."

Transitioning into a solo artist, Benjamin released his debut self-titled album, a collection of 25 songs that delve into the various facets of his life – family, love, faith, struggles, and the complexities of the human experience. In January 2023, he followed up with the Songwriter Edition, providing deeper insights into the backstories of his songs.

Benjamin's honesty shines through his music, offering listeners a raw and authentic experience. His lyrics explore themes such as the ongoing wrestle of exercising faith, confronting fear and doubt, finding and fighting for God in the midst of life's challenges. As he aptly puts it, "What better way to outwork an existential crisis than through a diary of song?"

Reflecting on his creative process, Benjamin shares, "Songs started coming out of me that didn’t feel like they belonged anywhere but didn’t feel like they should die either. I felt like there were things that needed to be said, and I needed to be the one to say them." The album encapsulates this sentiment with a poignant lyric from the first track, inviting listeners to "Hold onto your hats, hold onto your hearts. We’re gonna lie in the dirt but we’ll stare at the stars."

Benjamin William Hastings' musical journey is not just a collection of songs but a testament to the power of honesty, self-discovery, and the courage to share one's true self through music.

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