Nathan Keys
Nathan Keys
Canada and Bermuda Territory
I was born in Northern Ireland and moved to Canada with my family when I was 14. Growing up in the church, I was the classic introvert and in some ways I still am. During worship, I would sing very quietly and would be nervous if someone heard me sing. Who would have thought that the quiet British kid who would feel anxious if someone heard him sing would be leading worship for the last eight years! Since starting to lead worship in 2013, each Sunday I would feel nauseous and anxious to lead, but I would continue to give everything I have to God to honour His name.
This is how I know I lead only by God’s strength and not my own. In 2018, I had a calling placed on my heart to start a music ministry on top of my existing ministry at my corps. That calling was to use the gifts God has given me to spread the message “to worship in Spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) This ministry is about demonstrating a heart of worship by example, whether it be posting scripture, covering songs that have depth and meaning, or creating original songs that reflect the grace and holiness of God. If this calling required perfection, I would not be where I am today.
Who Can Dwell
When I’m writing songs, I do a deep dive into the Psalms. This is where I get so much of my inspiration. Who Can Dwell was inspired by Psalm 15. I love the imagery of a back-and-forth conversation between asking and answering the question of who can dwell with God that the psalm speaks about. The verses ask the questions, and the chorus is the answer. The bridge is what glues the verses and chorus together. It reminds us that the one who is blameless and righteous before God is not because of who they are or what they’ve done, but rather it is because of those who call on the name of the Lord. Those who are washed by the blood of the Lamb can be called children of God, therefore making us worthy to stand before God.
