Place of birth: Budapest
Role on staff: worship leader, somebody who makes
Mike's life easier; helper and organizer involved in all
things connected to worship at Calvary Budapest.
Favorite Bible verse: “For I know the thoughts
that I think toward you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you
a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Favourite hobby: playing my guitar, reading
Golgota Radio interview with Illés (in Hungarian): Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
What things awaken the wonder of God in you?
The fact that Jesus came to the earth and to the cross. It’s incomprehensible to me what God took upon himself.
And then music itself. Bach for example. When I listen to his 3rd orchestral suite in D major, or the Goldberg variations, it’s unbelievable to me how an atheist could express something that bears such indescribable beauty and purity. Could all this be a result of a bunch of cosmic accidents?
You’ve written a number of worship songs. How do you go about writing a worship song?
I guess there is no formula, but often something would inspire me and from that a thought starts unfolding in my mind. For example the song “You won’t let go of me” was inspired by one of Hamar Dani’s Bible Studies and the main message of one of Matt Redman’s songs.
Other times I’ll write about my personal experiences; for example if I am going through a painful period I’ll write a song about God’s faithfulness in distress. Or if I happen to fall in my spiritual walk, I’ll write a song of confession or about His grace. My songs are not always worship songs, although God as a person is often present in them, but to the church I bring the songs that are distinctly suitable for worship. Sometimes the melody is born first, other times the words, but often the whole thing comes together all at once and it completely overwhelms me. I noticed that the most successful songs are the ones that are born on spur of the moment. If I have to rewrite a song fifty times, the end result is usually somewhat shaky.
What makes you laugh?
A lot of things. For example my loved ones and absurd British humor... and good books!
What makes you cry?
God’s great grace towards me (I know how much I need it)... and good books.
Has there been a specific event, time or person in your life that has really shaped your Christian walk and the direction God is taking you on?
Not one, many in fact. Adrian Plass’ books, especially The Growing Pains of Adrian Plass, have been a great influence on me, as well as C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkien's books and correspondences. (Read them! Be edified! :) Other impacting, inspirational people are Delirious? and Matt Redman’s music, they inspired me to become a worship leader...but I have to mention J.S. Bach. I know, you might think it's strange, but I am speechless when it comes to how rich and educational his works are.
Personal experience and acquaintances? The greatest influences in my walk with God have been my parents, Gyõzõ and Ilona, and my large family. They have stood before me as great examples of love, of people who do not compromise and are always dedicated to God. I love them and respect them very much.
What do you find the most rewarding about serving at the church and in ministry?
Not an easy question, because serving in a ministry like this is full of wonderful experiences. But the most amazing moments are probably the ones when I open my eyes during worship and I see a transfigured face, a person meeting with God, as us the band fall slowly into the background.
It’s great when we get feedback from people that the worship was a blessing to them or they liked one of my songs. Us, worship leaders, are only humans as well, we can also get very discouraged. And finally, just serving in itself is a gift. I love to worship and to make music – so I love this ministry to begin with. God is so good, you can’t praise Him enough and there are more than a million reasons to give thanks to Him.
