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matthew ward

Most people remember Matthew Ward as the male member of the 2nd Chapter of Acts, the popular trio he formed with his sisters, Annie Herring and Nelly Ward. They had such hits as "Easter Song" and "Mansion Builder".

Matthew has recorded several solo albums, including "My Redeemer" which he recorded after a bout with cancer. His latest CD is titled "Even Now".

Recently Matthew answered some questions from crosshome. Enjoy!

crosshome: Matthew, you ministered with 2nd Chapter of Acts for over 17 years. Was it difficult establishing your solo career after being part of such a popular group for so long?

Matthew Ward: Not really, I think a lot of the reason is because I did some solo stuff within the frame work of the group's live performances several years before we concluded as a group.

crosshome: How has the Christian music industry changed since you and your sisters, Annie Herring and Nelly Ward, first got started in music ministry?

Matthew: I think the biggest change would have to be in the shift of priorities that many of the Christian groups seem to have, i.e. in that they seem to be more focused on what they are doing...how they are positioning themselves, then on simply listening to what God may have for them and moving on that.

crosshome: I know that you were close to Keith Green. What impact do you think his music and his life had?

Matthew: When you realize that Keith was only a Christian about seven years before he went on to be with the Lord, all the things he was able to get done for the Lord in that short a period of time is nothing less tham amazing. Yes he was very zealous when it came to the things of the Lord, but I was fortunate enough to know him outside the circle of his minstry if you will, and got to see sides of him few ever got to see. As far as his impact on the Christian music scene...he was always a thorn in the industry's side ( I loved that about him). I would hope that other Christians would look at the legacy Keith left behind and cause all of us to strive a little harder to attain the higher calling of God for each of us.

crosshome: In January 1994, you were diagnosed with three types of cancer. You fought the cancer for two years. What did God teach you during that time?

Matthew: I think more than anything else I learned the Father heart of God like I never knew it. I think because of losing both my parents at an early age, I had a slightly warped view of the Father heart of God. I saw God as the disciplinary force in my life, but not really as a God who loved me just as I was.

crosshome: Tell us about your new CD, Even Now. What makes it different from your other albums?

Matthew: "Even Now" for me represents another chapter in what God's doing in my life. Where "My Redeemer" was a project birthed out of my struggles with cancer, "Even Now" was a next step in my walk with the Lord. I felt the Lord drawing me back to a more foundational walk with Him, a walk that kept me coming back to basics. He really began to stress the power of the cross and what the Lord had done so that I could even be counted clean enough to stand in His presence. There were other issues as well, but that was the main one.

crosshome: One of the songs on your new CD "Even Now" is "I Will Worship You". You've said elesewhere that this song developed out of a time of questioning for you and your wife. What do you want to convey to people through this song?

Matthew: I want people to know that our response to the Lord through worship should in no wise be connected to our feeling that He hears us when we pray or not, or when we sing, or through any other outward display, but simply that He is worthy to receive all our praise, period. It doesn't matter if God ever hears me again when I pray....He is still worthy.

crosshome: You've sung background vocals on a couple of country star Leann Rimes' albums. How did that come about?

Matthew: The guy that I do a lot of recording with, (as a matter of fact, all but one of my solo C.D.'s were engineered by him) Greg Hunt, is a friend of Leann's family..has been for some years now. Greg called me up and said ...Man there is this little girl who has the most amazing voice, we are doing a demo with her. She is a potential Warner Curb artist. Do you want to sing backs on it? I was like....sounds like fun. I've done alot of crazy stuff with Greg over the years, this was just another chapter.

crosshome: Who has been your favorite artist to record or perform with?

Matthew Ward: Hands down....Twila Paris.

crosshome: On your web site, you talk about a ministry called Children's HopeChest. What is this ministry and how are you involved in it?

Matthew: I want to be involved in many different ministries over the next ten years or so. Children's HopeChest [ http://www.gospelcom.net/chc/ ] is an organization that is based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. I first heard of them when I was asked by my sister Nelly ( she is on the board of Children's HopeChest) if I would consider doing a benefit concert for C.H.C. I got to know the people there, and ended up going to Russia with them a few years back. C.H.C specializies in summer camps for kids in Russia but they are also putting together different school programs and post graduate plans for the youth of Russia. Job skills and placement etc.

crosshome: What message do you try to get across the most in your music?

Matthew: That there is nothing more important than living your life for Christ, and being obedient to the call God places on your life.

crosshome: Thanks, Matthew.

- Jason Mitchener

Don't forget to visit Matthew's web site: http://www.matthewward.com