Worship and Healing: An Interview with Richard Hickam
Best Practices for Adventist Worship (BP): Your journey seems fascinating, transitioning from directing worship music ensembles in a local congregation to now incorporating artistic practices in healthcare. Could you share with us some insights into this unique career change and how you've found your current role in promoting holistic well-being?
Richard Hickam (RH): First and foremost, I like to pray dangerous prayers. About six months before things started shaking up, I prayed for God to do things in my life that I couldn’t see and didn’t know how to pray for; and He answered. Working in full-time ministry was actually my phase II. I first worked in education for 11 years while earning a master’s degree and then 11 years serving at a local church, finishing a doctorate.
Arts & health is an emerging field in medicine and is transdisciplinary. Scientists, artists, educators, theologians, and others are all working together to understand better how this incredible gift of the arts can contribute to whole-person care. I’m delighted to be a part of this global discussion.
BP: Based on your work and research, could you elaborate on the ways in which the social practice of music and Christian worship can contribute to healing processes?
RH: The core of the social practice of music is connectedness. God is triune and also desires a relationship with His creation. We are also wired this way, and the arts in worship contribute with wide-ranging benefits, including healing our spirit. When we come together and worship God through music, we participate in a way that is physical, mental, and spiritual—the trifecta experience!
BP: Considering your recent findings and experiences, what recommendations would you offer to local congregations aiming to enhance their worship gatherings and make them more conducive to the healing and well-being of participants?
RH: As much as a congregation can, get someone trained to help them in their journey. This can look very different depending on the size of the group. It can be everything from someone working full-time or part-time employee, an intern, or a volunteer member who has an interest and is willing to do something about it.
To the worship leader, I advise them to make sure their leadership team is engaged in the vision and will support it, know their people and listen, take chances, and be creative. That being said, I am a big fan of balance and bringing as many people along on the journey. Give people comfort food (in music). Stretch them, but not too much so that you leave people behind. And above all, pray. Our God is a God of healing; He will lead us and do the things that we don’t even know how to ask for. I look forward to continuing this conversation at the upcoming Worship Leadership Certificate in August at Loma Linda University Church.
