Greg Wollan - interview With Greg

		The following interview With Greg appeared in the Woodland Hills Church Publication "The Rag." ******* Greg, Where were you born and what kind of an upbringing did you receive? Greg Wollan: Born in Fergus Falls Mn; Lutheran upbringing, loving supportive parents in a big way. (They still are, Mike and Val Wollan!) What were the main spiritual influences in your life as a child? GW: 1) Parents who patiently explained, to the best of their ability, who God is, who Jesus is and how it all works. 2) A couple of Sunday school teachers/youth ministry/Choir Director people also come to mind, Mrs. Ann Rotto and Mr. Wayne Ronning. 3) God's truth given via hymns such as "A Mighty Fortress" and Beautiful Savior," 2 of my all time faves... what majesty! Were you one of those kids who knew what they wanted to be when they grew up? GW: Yes, from Feb. 1964, I believe it was; Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show lit the fire to be a musician, but also I sensed that the Ministers and Pastors in the church had something significant they where doing, and was intrigued by it in some mysterious way. What were the ways that God spoke to you when you were a child? GW: I remember when I was at an evangelical Bible camp. It was the week that Armstrong and crew walked on the moon, I remember that as well. Thru out that week, I experienced a "stirring in my soul" that cannot be described any other way, mainly thru praise songs and some loving camping councilors. Last day of camp, there was a call for us to make a decision to be rebaptized, and the stirring prompted me into the water. A few other ways God spoke to me was thru in a reverence for His creation, and a certain child-like recognition of the sacredness of life, our existence, and His love for us. I didn't really need to understand anything more. Is there any time in your life that you felt you couldn't "hear" God? GW: I think it was from the time I was 22 until around the age of 28 when my ability to hear Him was severely impaired, not only from substance abuse, but things such as loneliness and frustration contributing as well. You were a "rocker" and lived a "rocker's life" for a while. How long did you do that? GW: I played in Club bands from age 18 right up until age 31, 13 years. Has God redeemed those experiences; things that happened during your "rocker" years? GW: Without a doubt! I actually would not change a thing in my life, as all my experiences lead me to a point of my recognition of my total need of the Lord. God is amazing in that if you let Him, He will restore the lost years, restore your purity, and restore your dignity. I empathize greatly with people struggling in various ways. What was the turning point for you, AWAY from God's will (if you can put your finger on it.)? GW: I think I was around age 22 when I made conscious decisions to immerse myself in a total hedonistic lifestyle... heavy pot use, mushrooms, etc.; I feel this involvement with drugs was in a sense a spiritual quest and a desire to "transcend the humdrum." I also became semi obsessive about artistic creation and freedom.. What was the turning point BACK TOWARD God's will? GW: I think it was when I was in Mandan, North Dakota in a hotel room when I picked up Gideon's Bible and read the Gospel John 14; (" Do not let hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms"...etc) although I had read it countless times before, it spoke to me in a new and powerful way as I realized this was applicable to me! It was then that I got the clarity I needed to make my way back to God. We read your name several times in Norm's biography. You seem to be walking through life near him, here and there. Could you describe how your relationship with Norm has changed over the years? GW: I think we both have a more global perspective about our gifts and how we can use them now, for Gods' purposes rather than our own. I know that it's a great blessing to be able to work together for something that has REAL value, as opposed to fly by night, empty, self-serving musical ambitions. What a privilege it is to be able to have had years together in this ministry, Norm and I, working with a sense of purpose. To be able to work with a friend all this time is such a blessing not everyone gets to enjoy! I suppose in the old days there was always a "what in the world are we doing with our lives" dynamic floating just under the surface that perhaps made it harder for us then. All I know is that no one has believed in me more and done more for me than Fuzzy, er, make that Norm. (Except the folks!) As an artist, do you find it easier or harder to express your artistry in the "Christian World"? GW: In one sense it is easier because all the lyrics reflect in one way or another Who God is and what he has done in our lives. This gives a real concrete direction to take. Writing about anything else seems trite. Won't be writing about partying, girls, and cars! (never did, actually.) In another sense it's difficult musically, from an acceptance standpoint, because people have these paradigms about what sort of style is "anointed" and oftentimes my music does not fit into these categories. What are some questions you feel are important for artists to ask themselves? GW: Am I being truthful? Am I being honest, with others and myself? Am I so obsessed with my own art that I can no longer be "a fan?" Do I recognize that every good gift I have is just that, a gift I cannot take credit for? How are you motivated to do your craft? GW: The main motivation is the utilization of the "universal language." This language expresses things in ways that mere words cannot. If I have a need to express something either to God or about Jesus, or about the Prophets or anything of that nature, that need makes itself known and requires a forum. I need music (the Universal language) for this expression, as there is no other route to take. Besides, it's fun. Where does your greatest encouragement come from? GW: It would have to be from God himself. When He has given me something, and I am an open vessel to accept it and have the patience to "reel it in," I can feel his pleasure in this. If it expresses something to Him or about Him, that's all the validation it needs for its existence. Also there are some people who, just from a musical taste and lyrical standpoint, are blessed by the stuff, and oftentimes will express this to me. (Usually at critical, God appointed times!) Now that you are in ministry full time, what are your main challenges? GW: The main responsibility is to keep your cup full, so you can pour out for others. This can only be given by God and is the direct result of an investment relationally. The main challenges center around being able to continue to see the big picture when you are in the thick of things and the differences in schedules between my wife Kim and myself. Many times people in ministry find it hard to make time to use their talents and gifts. What kinds of things have you been doing lately to exercise your artistic spirit? GW: I am currently working on 2 new CD projects, my 3rd and 4th. One of them is a more worship-oriented collection of songs recorded in my basement, with various folks in the ministry helping out. The other is a collection of tunes co-produced by Brian Ricke and featuring the talents of Dave Moulton, Chris Dewan and Mark L. Johnson. It's in more of a semi-progressive rock type Vein. You have many duties at WHC. What's your favorite? GW: My Favorite is connecting with folks and feeling that we (and they) can grow in fellowship, friendship and the like...with the Holy Spirit as the catalyst, indeed that which makes it possible. "How sweet it is when God's People dwell in unity!" And which one is your least favorite? GW: Probably cleaning my office. How many diet cokes per week do you drink on the average? GW: 12 ounce or 20? About 21, I guess. Home : Buy CD's : Photo Gallery : Video : Musings : Links

The following interview With Greg appeared in the Woodland Hills Church Publication "The Rag."

*******

Greg, Where were you born and what kind of an upbringing did you receive? Greg Wollan: Born in Fergus Falls Mn; Lutheran upbringing, loving supportive parents in a big way. (They still are, Mike and Val Wollan!)

What were the main spiritual influences in your life as a child? GW: 1) Parents who patiently explained, to the best of their ability, who God is, who Jesus is and how it all works. 2) A couple of Sunday school teachers/youth ministry/Choir Director people also come to mind, Mrs. Ann Rotto and Mr. Wayne Ronning. 3) God's truth given via hymns such as "A Mighty Fortress" and Beautiful Savior," 2 of my all time faves... what majesty!

Were you one of those kids who knew what they wanted to be when they grew up? GW: Yes, from Feb. 1964, I believe it was; Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show lit the fire to be a musician, but also I sensed that the Ministers and Pastors in the church had something significant they where doing, and was intrigued by it in some mysterious way.

What were the ways that God spoke to you when you were a child? GW: I remember when I was at an evangelical Bible camp. It was the week that Armstrong and crew walked on the moon, I remember that as well. Thru out that week, I experienced a "stirring in my soul" that cannot be described any other way, mainly thru praise songs and some loving camping councilors. Last day of camp, there was a call for us to make a decision to be rebaptized, and the stirring prompted me into the water. A few other ways God spoke to me was thru in a reverence for His creation, and a certain child-like recognition of the sacredness of life, our existence, and His love for us. I didn't really need to understand anything more.

Is there any time in your life that you felt you couldn't "hear" God? GW: I think it was from the time I was 22 until around the age of 28 when my ability to hear Him was severely impaired, not only from substance abuse, but things such as loneliness and frustration contributing as well.

You were a "rocker" and lived a "rocker's life" for a while. How long did you do that? GW: I played in Club bands from age 18 right up until age 31, 13 years.

Has God redeemed those experiences; things that happened during your "rocker" years?
GW: Without a doubt! I actually would not change a thing in my life, as all my experiences lead me to a point of my recognition of my total need of the Lord. God is amazing in that if you let Him, He will restore the lost years, restore your purity, and restore your dignity. I empathize greatly with people struggling in various ways.

What was the turning point for you, AWAY from God's will (if you can put your finger on it.)? GW: I think I was around age 22 when I made conscious decisions to immerse myself in a total hedonistic lifestyle... heavy pot use, mushrooms, etc.; I feel this involvement with drugs was in a sense a spiritual quest and a desire to "transcend the humdrum." I also became semi obsessive about artistic creation and freedom..

What was the turning point BACK TOWARD God's will? GW: I think it was when I was in Mandan, North Dakota in a hotel room when I picked up Gideon's Bible and read the Gospel John 14; (" Do not let hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms"...etc) although I had read it countless times before, it spoke to me in a new and powerful way as I realized this was applicable to me! It was then that I got the clarity I needed to make my way back to God.

We read your name several times in Norm's biography. You seem to be walking through life near him, here and there. Could you describe how your relationship with Norm has changed over the years? GW: I think we both have a more global perspective about our gifts and how we can use them now, for Gods' purposes rather than our own. I know that it's a great blessing to be able to work together for something that has REAL value, as opposed to fly by night, empty, self-serving musical ambitions. What a privilege it is to be able to have had years together in this ministry, Norm and I, working with a sense of purpose. To be able to work with a friend all this time is such a blessing not everyone gets to enjoy! I suppose in the old days there was always a "what in the world are we doing with our lives" dynamic floating just under the surface that perhaps made it harder for us then. All I know is that no one has believed in me more and done more for me than Fuzzy, er, make that Norm. (Except the folks!)

As an artist, do you find it easier or harder to express your artistry in the "Christian World"? GW: In one sense it is easier because all the lyrics reflect in one way or another Who God is and what he has done in our lives. This gives a real concrete direction to take. Writing about anything else seems trite. Won't be writing about partying, girls, and cars! (never did, actually.) In another sense it's difficult musically, from an acceptance standpoint, because people have these paradigms about what sort of style is "anointed" and oftentimes my music does not fit into these categories.

What are some questions you feel are important for artists to ask themselves? GW: Am I being truthful? Am I being honest, with others and myself? Am I so obsessed with my own art that I can no longer be "a fan?" Do I recognize that every good gift I have is just that, a gift I cannot take credit for?

How are you motivated to do your craft? GW: The main motivation is the utilization of the "universal language." This language expresses things in ways that mere words cannot. If I have a need to express something either to God or about Jesus, or about the Prophets or anything of that nature, that need makes itself known and requires a forum. I need music (the Universal language) for this expression, as there is no other route to take. Besides, it's fun.

Where does your greatest encouragement come from? GW: It would have to be from God himself. When He has given me something, and I am an open vessel to accept it and have the patience to "reel it in," I can feel his pleasure in this. If it expresses something to Him or about Him, that's all the validation it needs for its existence. Also there are some people who, just from a musical taste and lyrical standpoint, are blessed by the stuff, and oftentimes will express this to me. (Usually at critical, God appointed times!)

Now that you are in ministry full time, what are your main challenges? GW: The main responsibility is to keep your cup full, so you can pour out for others. This can only be given by God and is the direct result of an investment relationally. The main challenges center around being able to continue to see the big picture when you are in the thick of things and the differences in schedules between my wife Kim and myself.

Many times people in ministry find it hard to make time to use their talents and gifts. What kinds of things have you been doing lately to exercise your artistic spirit? GW: I am currently working on 2 new CD projects, my 3rd and 4th. One of them is a more worship-oriented collection of songs recorded in my basement, with various folks in the ministry helping out. The other is a collection of tunes co-produced by Brian Ricke and featuring the talents of Dave Moulton, Chris Dewan and Mark L. Johnson. It's in more of a semi-progressive rock type Vein.

You have many duties at WHC. What's your favorite? GW: My Favorite is connecting with folks and feeling that we (and they) can grow in fellowship, friendship and the like...with the Holy Spirit as the catalyst, indeed that which makes it possible. "How sweet it is when God's People dwell in unity!"

And which one is your least favorite? GW: Probably cleaning my office.

How many diet cokes per week do you drink on the average? GW: 12 ounce or 20? About 21, I guess.

Home : Buy CD's : Photo Gallery : Video : Musings : Links