.jpg)
Dante Bowe on Living a Worship Centered Life
Podcast Episode #160
Dante Bowe talks about the difference between being a local worship pastor and being a worship leader on the road.
In the last few years, Dante Bowe has become a prominent voice in the worship world. From releasing his solo music to being a part of groups like Maverick City Music, Bethel Music, and Elevation Worship. The songs he pens and the way he leads worship radiates faith and confidence in who the Lord is.
On traveling versus staying local
Being a local worship pastor and a traveling musician are completely different experiences. On the road we’re still pastoring our band, our productions team, our listeners, and each other. It’s just on a larger scale. In your local church you have more depth of community. You know each other more intimately and you have to work with everyone long term–it’s harder. You can’t just do what you want to do.
On having a unique voice
I’ve always looked up to people who have unique gifting. I love gospel, so when I was kid I learned to sing that way and having a raspy voice it just became it’s own sound. At first I was insecure doing Christian music. People thought something was actually wrong with my voice because it was different but it took time for people to get used to it.
On singing on faith
I have so many stories of God’s faithfulness in my life. I was brought up in a humble family. We didn’t have a lot of money and I feel like I’ve had to trust in God my whole life; it’s like a friendship. Now being an adult and experiencing success or real trials. I lost my grandfather when we were recording Circles. I’ve had to trust the Lord through it all; He's been so good to me. There were times I wanted to give up on doing music, but I had to learn to wait on the Lord. We almost give up before the breakthrough happens, but God came through and I believe because He did it for me, He can do it for you. I am a man of faith, and I believe everything I sing about.
Mentoring
I’ve had great mentors in my life and I think it’s amazing when you can get to someone young. With Maverick, we’re just sticking it out with our leaders. We’re in the trenches with them and their families. It’s discipleship. We mentor them to have good character. We barely every talk about what happens on stage, it’s about what happens off stage. Who you are privately will come out on stage. I have people I look up to as well. Brandon Lake and his wife Britney have an awesome marriage, I look up to that and I learn from that.
On worship
Worship is obedience, it's not songs. Some people can or can't sing, but everyone can worship–it's devotion. Anything you give your time and energy to is worship. We were created to worship. Giving your devotion to Jesus is worship. It’s being obedient and saying yes to God. What a gift it is to be able to worship with music like we do in the Christian faith.
On singing worship
When I was in the world I would just sing about girls. You sing what you behold and when I had an encounter with God it became my life. What else am I supposed to sing about? All my friends are Christians. It’s my world so when I sit at the piano that’s what comes out. I have a hard time even saying “Christian” songs. I write about what live. I never wanted to be a worship leader. It’s just what I am. God is the center of my life so that’s what comes out.
On what he wants you to know
We’re people who go through stuff just like everyone else–imperfect. Bethel and Maverick are everything they sing about. It’s what they believe. They love God, they love people.
Follow Dante on Instagram. Listen to Dante's music on Spotify or Apple Music.