John van de Laar
John van de Laar
John van de Laar is a Methodist minister and worship leader with nearly twenty five years experience in a wide variety of church and musical settings.
He has been Worship Director for the last three National Conferences of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.
John is regularly called on to lead worship events and seminars drawing all language, race, gender and cultural groups together both musically and spiritually, and has been a sought-after speaker, conference leader and preacher throughout South Africa.
He holds a Masters degree in the Theology of Worship Music from UNISA, is a published song-writer and musician, and has recently published his first book.
John has been married to Debbie (also a Methodist minister) for 19 years, and they have two sons, Bryce (16) and Kieron (11).
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Usually at the seminars I lead around South Africa, and at large worship events. I love doing it!!!
Your musical influences
Love acoustic stuff with a folky feel. Artists like Janis Ian, Jim Croce and Bread were my early influences. Now working on developing more of a Rock sound (a la Matt Redman etc).
What equipment do you use?
A Garrison G30-12-CE, 12 string and a Seagull S6 six-string. Also a Roland RD 300-sx Digital Piano.
Anything else?
Stay tuned!!!