THE KTCB INTERVIEW
With Doug Watson
Part One
Trying to get a word with Doug Watson, Editor of KTCB, is no easy matter. If he’s not out at work, he’s got his head stuck in a book or a pen in his hand preparing articles for friends of the magazine.
We tracked him down at his workplace one lunchtime and over coffee and numerous peanut butter and jelly sandwich’s we put him on the hot spot .
KTCB: When did you first hear the gospel and what exactly was going on in your life at the time?
Doug: Back when I was very young, 13 or 14 years old, there were a group of young people who’d set up a booktable in the high street and speak to passers by about the Lord Jesus Christ.
At the time I was part of a gang of Punk rockers and we used to hang about the streets and often we sought to disrupt the young people. We turned over their booktable a few times, tore up their tracts, I even recall ripping apart a Bible to shock them. What amazed us all was the reaction, or should I say the lack of a reaction. Never once did they retaliate or react in anger.
By this time I had begun taking drugs - amphetamines and LSD. These were for me a great way to escape the difficulties of my family situation where I witnessed my father beating my mother and also received from a severe beating or two.
When I reached the age of 15 my Dad threw me out of the house because he found a load of drugs in the house. Needless to say I didn’t leave without first receiving a good pounding! I quit school and decided to go on the road with a number of Punk Rock and Heavy Rock bands. The drug taking became worse as I now had more money to spend and despite travelling all over Europe and even at one point to the USA, I felt my life was empty and lacking real purpose.
KTCB: Did you ever think about the Gospel message that you had heard from the young people?
Doug: I did from time to time. But it seemed I got distracted from thinking too much about it. Jesus speaks about this in the parable of the sower when He says that the seed that was sown by the wayside is like those who hear the word but Satan comes immediately and takes it away from their hearts (Mark 4:15). The way the devil distracted me was with more women, more drugs and more drink. All of these things are designed to bring "pleasure" but you know, when I sat in my hotel room at night all alone I came to see that none of these things brought satisfaction in my life.
KTCB: So what happened to you?
Doug: I eventually ended up in prison after assaulting a police officer. It was there that I was able to kick the drug habits and for the first time in five years live in the real world. I also did something that I had never done before, I read the Bible.
KTCB: How did you get a Bible in prison?
Doug: Well, in prison you are locked up for most of the day so any opportunity to get out is welcome. On Sunday mornings I’d go along to the Church and I asked the Chaplain if I could have a Bible.
I read it from cover to cover searching for the message of Jesus. It took me a long time to get there as I ploughed through Leviticus and Chronicles and some of the difficult prophetic books. When I got to the New Testament, one of things that amazed me was the way that people on meeting Jesus went away different. Their lives were never the same again! I knew that is what I needed, a change of life and it was not until I read the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9) that I became convinced of the truth of Christianity. I still had doubts as to whether God would save me as He had done for Saul but they were blown away when I read the verse in 1 Timothy 1:15 : "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst."
KTCB: So you became a Christian in prison?
Doug: No I didn’t. My release date was coming up pretty soon and two thoughts began to crowd my mind. First, when I get out, go to my old friends and get some drugs and carry on just as before. Second, do something about what I had read in the Bible.
KTCB: I take it that the second option won out?
Doug: Correct. My first weekend out I decided to go and find the Church that the young people who had first told me the gospel went to. When I found it they were all on holiday in Switzerland until the middle of the following week. I thought about leaving and coming back another day but had this strange desire to want to stay. I am glad that I did!
The preacher that night came from Denmark and was a student of London Bible College. When he announced his subject for the night I knew straight away that it was God who was speaking to me and keeping me in the Church.
KTCB: What was the subject?
Doug: The conversion of Saul of Tarsus!
KTCB: That’s amazing don’t you think?
Doug: Exactly. I thought it was just incredible. It was as if the Lord was reassuring me that He could and would save me and change me and forgive me despite all the terrible things that I had done. You know, I don’t really remember a single word the preacher said that night apart from the announcing of his subject and the reading of the passage. All I knew was that then and there God was dealing with my heart. I called upon His name, confessed my sins, received His mercy and forgiveness and I knew when I got up off of my knees that I was a changed person.
KTCB: How did you know that?
Doug: Well, I was doing something that I had never done before, namely speaking to God, praying to Him, thanking Him, praising Him for sending Jesus to die for me. Before that night I hated God and assumed that I was in charge of my own destiny! How wrong I was! Secondly, there was in my heart a real sense of peace and joy and acceptance by God that I had never known before and also a determination in my heart to want to go and seek the forgiveness of those who I had hurt by my violent behaviour.
KTCB: What were some of the lessons you learned in those early days?
Doug: In many ways some of the lessons I learnt back then are ones I am still learning today as I walk with Jesus. To know God I learnt that I had to spend time with Him, reading the Bible, praying and fellowshipping with other Christians. Also that I cannot trust my own strength to get me through life. It is His strength alone that will allow me to live a life of joy and peace. Sometimes He allows us to go on in our own strength until we come to a place where we can do no more, it is then that He comes to us and speaks lovingly and refreshes us with His strength and power. I think I could almost write a book about the many lessons that I have learned from Him. There are so many. As I said most of the lessons are ones I still need to learn on a daily basis. It’s a thing of discipline.
KTCB: How important is it to have a disciplined quiet time with God?
Doug: I believe it is one of the most vital aspects of the Christian life. The Bible never commands us to have a quiet time but it is implied in many places. Look at how the Lord Jesus got up early and went out to a secret place to spend time in fellowship with His Father. He did so because it was an important relationship, He loved His Father. Likewise, we are God’s children and we are brought into a relationship with Him. If we love someone we will want to spend time getting to know them. So it is with God. If we are ever going to know Him we must give time to cultivating a relationship with Him. I think half our problems in the Christian life are due to neglecting this important aspect of our lives.
I’ve recently been reading a devotional by Rebecca St. James and in one of the chapters she speaks of the ‘5 Essentials for Standing Strong.’ Number one is ‘Dig Into Your Bible’, and number two is ‘Dig Into Prayer.’ She is absolutely right. Disciplining yourself to do this is a life long process. Believe me, it doesn’t get any easier!
KTCB: You mentioned reading Rebecca St. James, what place should Christian literature have in the life of the believer?
Doug: For myself reading is important. I read lots of books a year and I try to encourage others to get into the habit of reading good Christian literature. There are so many great books out there waiting to be read, the problem is that often people are not sure what to read. They get a bit discouraged going into a bookstore because if they want to read a book on the issue of prayer there are about fifty to sixty (and more) on the subject. They have no idea where to begin. So if I can help people with what books to read then they can contact me and I’ll see what I can do for them.
The other problem is that we live in a very visual society, so reading does not come easy for people. But once you get a desire to read you can overcome these difficulties.
KTCB: So what are you reading at the moment?
Doug: I tend to read a number of books at once. At the moment I have a new book by Bill Hybels called Making Life Work’, based on the book of Proverbs. It is very helpful and practical and I think that I will be encouraging others to read it. I have not been a big Bill Hybels fan but this book is precious. I completed ‘Joseph’ by Charles Swindoll (one of my favourite authors), it is the third book in a series on Biblical Portraits (David and Esther being the first two in the series). It was refreshing to read because it was a reminder that God has a plan and even amid difficult times that He is with His children. Also on the go is a book of sermons on ‘The Christian Soldier’ by Dr. Martyn Lloyd- Jones (part of an 8 volume set on Ephesians). This is good and I enjoy reading sermons that are challenging and confront me with the need to live an authentic life before God.
KTCB: Do you read magazines also?
Doug: Yes I do. They are different from books because you do not have to commit yourself to read the whole magazine. You find an article here and there and read at your leisure. The you can go back to the same magazine at a later date and read more (I have masses of magazines and I’m sure Kerstin thinks I’m crazy for keeping them all!). One of the best magazines I read is Discipleship Journal, put out by the Navigators. It is very helpful for those who are interested in developing Bible study skills and also it has some challenging and practical articles relating to the Christian life and character. If there is one magazine that I would take with on a desert island it would be that one.
I also enjoy reading music magazines like CCM and Cross Rhythms.
KTCB: So what kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Doug: I have a very varied taste in music. I like some secular music (a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and 1960’s soul music) but I mainly listen to Christian music these days. I could run off a whole list of artists whose music has given me much pleasure as well as help in my Christian life: Twila Paris, Point of Grace, Steve Camp, Steve Green, Steve Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Hillsongs, Rebecca St. James, jars of Clay, Rich Mullins, Clay Crosse, 4Him and Wayne Watson to name but a few.
KTCB: I take it that you have a large collection of Christian music?
Doug: Ever growing! I like taking chances with albums. Some people encouraged me to listen to Crystal Lewis. I had never heard a song of hers before but went and bought an album, The Greatest Hits, I think. I loved it so I went and found whatever else was available. Jennifer Knapp was one that Tim New encouraged me to get. Again, I had not heard a single note but on the first playing I was struck by the wonderful heart that Jennifer has for the Lord.
I got the new DC Talk album the other day and was surprised to find that it was a lot more spiritual than their previous recordings. I really love that song ‘Since I met you.’
KTCB: What’s on your Walkman at the moment?
Doug: Soul Survivor 1996, a live worship album. Actually, I was not a big fan of live worship albums until I heard Hillsongs and the Soul Survivor albums. Now I’m hooked and possess a few great albums. One I recently got was from a friend in Oklahoma recorded by her Church. It was fantastic.
I also carry a few compilation tapes around with me. I tend to make new ones every couple of weeks so I can have some fresh music and maybe I might meet someone I’d like to bless with some good music. It helps me keep my mind focused when I am walking to the bus stop in the mornings or when I go shopping. It’s good to fill the mind with the good music of God!
KTCB: Who are the biggest influences in your life?
Doug: A bit like Jodie of alias (see Musical Interlude), I would have to say Jesus. I trust that in some way over the years that I have sought to walk with Him that I have become a little bit like Him. He has impacted my life in a way that no other has ever been able to and radically alter my attitudes, thinking and the way I live my life.
My wife Kerstin is also a big influence in my life. The fact we have rarely spent a day apart in the almost six years that we have been married means that a real closeness has developed. She balances out some of the extremes that I have in my life. Her faith in God and her generous heart are a constant challenge to my own life.
The writings of A.W. Tozer and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones have also been a huge influence upon my life. Tozer for the experimental side of Christianity and Lloyd-Jones for the more theological aspects of the faith. They present a fine balance to me and their thoughts, sermons and their lives have been a real challenge to my own walk with God and the ministry that He has called me to.
KTCB: Are there many good role models out there today for young people?
Doug: I guess if we look out in the world we will see lots of role models but few of them I would consider good models to follow. I mean Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was not a great example to follow. Here was a man who almost hated life itself. He pumped himself up with drugs, sang very nihilistic songs and eventually blew his own head off with a shotgun. What kind of role model is that?
I believe that there are many people in the Church who are great role models for the young people today. I think about some of the testimonies I have heard regarding Steve Green. He is gracious, humble, and lovingly serves God through his music ministry and lives have been touched as a result. His commitment to Christ means that he is a great example to follow. Also the girls from Point of Grace come across as great role models for believers.
KTCB: What makes you say that?
Doug: look at how they work together. They are four very different women, yet all bonded by God’s love and a ministry that He has called them to. In harmony they work together for the good of the Kingdom of God. That means they are good role models for teaching us how to work and serve together. Also if we look at them individually, Denise, Terry and Shelly are all married and demonstrating that their relationships with their husbands are based on the solid foundation of Christ. In Him all things hold together, including marriages. A Christ centered marriage is a great example to young ones who are getting married. Their commitments to recording and touring and the many other difficulties that come with being a band means that there are often great stresses laid upon those relationships, so they are good roles models for us to teach us that marriages can survive in the midst of difficulties. And what about Heather? As the only single one in the group I am sure that she may sometimes feel alienated but God holds her together and keeps her focused. Her stand for sexual purity is an encouragement to many. As a group their witness for Christ is a great example to all of us. Their songs and their lives speak of the faithfulness and everlasting mercy of God and that is a for us an example that we can experience those things as well.
Our hour is up and we still have a host of questions. Doug invites us to come back another day to finish off the interview. Part Two of this interview will be added to the magazine soon.
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