5 questions with Henk & Mirjam

Henk and Mirjam Withaar lead our worship team, a group of talented and committed people who faithfully prepare for our time of worship on Sundays and during special events, like our recent Christmas events. In this interview, we get to know Henk and Mirjam, including what goes into preparing for worship, and how creativity puts them in touch with our Creator.

Please tell us a bit about you – where are you from and how did you come to Redeemer Maastricht? 

Henk & Mirjam: Hi Church! We are Henk and Mirjam, Dutch originals and part of Redeemer since the early 20’s. When we moved to the south we just googled ‘international church’ and came across Redeemer. Nice church, good on scripture, barbequing pastor… what more does someone need?

Together, you lead our Worship Team. What made you want to serve God and the church in this way, through music and worship? 

Mirjam: Church is THE place to see the physics of God’s Kingdom. It’s really interesting to volunteer in a place with people who try to go by the Book. Also with music. Music is wonderful in itself but, put into action to make something beautiful for our God, it fills our heart with such joy. Something magical about music in church is the ability to share something as intimate and emotional as praise with such a diverse group of people! To be so involved in how God wants to save the world is a real privilege.

What goes on behind the scenes to prepare for weekly worship?

Henk: As we desire to praise and meet our God together as a great big family, it’s good to come up with a plan. We are basically preparing for two things: what do we think should be sung on Sunday and how are we ready to serve in whatever comes up during the time of church worship? We’ve already seen that God is not just a distant listener when we gather!

The worship leader prepares the songs. Sometimes it’s connected to the sermon, taking communion, or celebrating baptism. Sometimes we feel that there’s something else God is inviting us into as a church.

So, Monday, the worship leader sends out the songs. Wednesday evening, we gather at dinner time to practice with the team. Sunday morning starts bright and early with an empty room. Together with all volunteers, we set-up, soundcheck, pray, and we connect with elders and hosts about the service ahead.

As musicians – and Mirjam, as a professional artist – how do you experience creativity and faith in our Creator? Does one inspire the other?

Mirjam: God has revealed Himself as the most creative being and encourages His people to pursue everything beautiful. I feel that God likes it when I’m busy looking for good stuff and let my hands just come up with something nice. When we are outside, we always see things that amazes us. This can be very small in itself, or make us feel very small in comparison. If God makes everything with such beauty, He is the One to follow as He will do no less on our future.

A new year is already here. What are your plans for the Worship team and where would you like to see Redeemer grow as a worshipping church body?

Henk: We are praying—and please pray with us—for the right people to join our team. It would be wonderful to be able to fill Studio Radium in every corner with the sound of the Redeemed! Let’s, also within our worship, embrace our cultural diversity. How great is it to come together and sing our hearts out to our savior!

We strongly believe that our God has much more for our church. He invites us to just focus on Him, no matter where we’re at. Let’s train that muscle of faith and praise together. Come to give thanks and praise, He will provide what you need on His time.