MD: Many people have been spiritually touched by your music. In fact, a man named Jeff created an online blog to thank you for ministering to him. In his words, the blog is “An open letter to Amy Grant.” He wrote: First of all, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching me about the beauty and graciousness of our God in music. Before I heard [your song] “El Shaddai,” I thought all Christian music was insipid, boring, dull, uncreative, or syrupy sweet. ... You, however, went out into the world to preach and reveal [God’s] message of power. Your music revealed that we, the people, could actually enjoy God and sing with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. Your music showed me that energy, creativity, and power could be combined with love to express the glory of God – and the joy of our salvation. Your music changed my attitude, and I thank you for it. Thank you, Amy.
     AG: Wow! I never read that. What a nice letter.

MD: It’s really moving, and that’s just an excerpt. But I share that to ask this question – Do you consider yourself to be a minister?
     AG: I’ve never used the word “ministry” to describe what I do. I might repeat the word, if someone asks me a question using the word, but you won’t hear me voluntarily use it to describe my music. When I’m writing a song, I have no idea if it’s going to be popular. I make deliberate choices about creativity, but maybe not for the reasons you might think. For example, I didn’t broaden the base of my songs to move beyond a Christian audience. My goal wasn’t to end up on pop radio. My reach was broadened because I sing about life. That’s something that appeals to everyone. Which one of us hasn’t dealt with love, heartbreak, joy, and sorrow? That’s life! In my music, I explore every aspect of life. We fall in love, we get hurt, we succeed, we fail, and we search for God in the middle of these emotional rides. Whether we’re singing, or talking, or writing, we can share our lives. And I share  my life through my music. Although I might not call myself a “minister,” God uses what I do to help people. We don’t need a fancy title to be a messenger for God. So I believe that – if we’re honest about our lives – people can find healing in our honesty. If we remain available for God’s use, God will use us in various capacities. If God has used me to touch someone’s heart, it’s something that I’m completely oblivious to. I just know that my life has been changed by the reforming love of Jesus Christ. That’s all I need to know. And, I don’t think it’s important for us to know when (and how) God is using us. We just need to be available wherever we are on our journey. If you have faith, and if you believe in Jesus, then you should say, “God, please use me.”