Q & A With All Sons & Daughters

Nashville-based recording artists All Sons & Daughters will be performing at The Porch this Tuesday, January 22, to kick off our 2013 season. When not on the road, the duo of David Leonard and Leslie Jordan serve on staff at Journey Church as Worship Designers. Leslie was kind enough to sit down this week and answer some questions for The Porch in advance of their performance.

Why the name “All Sons & Daughters”?

We are worship leaders at our church so we thought it was not only a play on the "guy/girl" thing, but also a really great way to keep things inclusive. We want everyone (especially our church) to feel like they are a part of this journey with us!

What made you decide to become worship leaders together?

We both had a heart to serve the church and lead worship and so it was a natural movement toward writing for those people. We actually never had any intention of becoming a band, but sometimes the Lord has other plans! Now we are so grateful for the opportunities we have to serve our church and other churches!

What do you hope to accomplish with your career?

To resource the church with music to sing as a response to the goodness of God.

Your job title is listed as “Worship Designers.” What is a Worship Designer?

We believe that worship is more than just music and singing, and our style of leadership is that we serve those who we lead. Our Sunday morning gatherings involve so many subtle elements of design, and so David and I are blessed to be a part of a team that dreams and creates an atmosphere of praise beyond just singing and leading!

Why is worship through music or art important?

I heard a definition once that said worship is "extravagant love and extreme submission." We have an opportunity each week to gather as a community to bring our love and submission to Jesus. It is in our nature to respond to things that we love...when you see a sunset, you immediately take out your phone and snap a picture and then show everyone!! We praise things of beauty, and God is most beautiful!

Any advice or words of wisdom you would give to someone with a passion for creating music or art?

If your desire is to serve your church with your music, the best way to do that is to know your church. You cannot lead those who you do not know. Dig in to life and community and watch the way God unfolds stories and praise and response. And if your heart is for art and music outside of the church, stay centered. Know who gave you the desire and use it to glorify Him!

"He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." - John Piper

Many thanks to Leslie for taking the time to speak with us! Below is a preview of Leslie and David performing "Reason to Sing."