Christian artist John Van Deusen has spent more than two decades creating emotionally raw, adventurous indie rock, first as the frontman of The Lonely Forest and later through solo projects and bands such as Telephone Friends. Never content to fit neatly within the traditional Christian music industry, the Anacortes, Washington, singer-songwriter describes his work as “sacred art”—music shaped by faith without being restricted by genre or convention. His expansive double album, As Long As I Am In The Tent Of This Body I Will Make A Joyful Noise, brings that vision into worship, blending vulnerability, mystery, mental health, and hope with an eclectic group of collaborators. In this conversation, Van Deusen discusses learning to trust God without having every answer, creating honest art for listeners inside and outside the Church, and finding Christ amid life’s darker seasons.

Your double album, As Long As I Am In The Tent Of This Body I Will Make A Joyful Noise, is both a bold title and a bold artistic statement. What inspired the project, and what do you hope listeners discover as they journey through it?
 
I never thought I would make a double album like this (with nearly 40 songs), and I never thought it would be a worship album. It’s difficult for me to describe what inspired such a monster of a project. All I can say is that I had this prayerful sense that I needed to make a worship album that I’d want to listen to. Something for people like me, who don’t connect with Christian art in general. It is not lost on me that the title and the cover art for this project are laughably pretentious and intimidating. My hope was that people would read the title and see the album and say “what IS this?”
 
It is such an honor that people connect with my art. Mostly I want listeners to grow closer to God through the music. I want to bless the Church. I also hope other creatives will be encouraged and inspired to make their own unique monsters.
 
You described "Joyful Noise" as being about letting go of the need to understand everything and simply believing that you're loved by God. How has embracing mystery strengthened your faith over the years?
 
I used to ask so many intense questions about God, the Bible, science, etc. At first, this was good because it demolished my flimsy foundation of belief. Eventually, though, it paralyzed me. Questioning is good, and I still do it. However, I have a deep foundation rooted in the belief that God loves me, knows me, and wants what is best for this reality He created. This belief has allowed me to let go and see that I don’t have to understand everything. It has also helped me trust Him when the world is full of suffering. I don’t feel like I must know what I believe about everything. In a world where some of the best minds disagree on the simplest of topics, I believe it’s good to come to terms with our own finite understanding and intellect. Honestly, this has allowed me to focus on God’s love for me through Christ, instead of worrying about things like predestination or how the world is going to end. I’m not discouraging theological knowledge or anything like that. I just trust that God will bring revelation and understanding if I seek Him.
 
You've referred to your music as "sacred music" rather than traditional Christian music. How would you define that distinction, and what role does worship play in your songwriting today?
 
A lot of my music and art is not considered “Christian” by most metrics (genre, lyrics, aesthetic, etc). So saying I make Christian music feels a little off.
 
Yes, the new album is absolutely a work of Christian worship. However, “sacred art” feels more appropriate to me because it immediately sets my work apart from the culture’s preconceived ideas as to what “Christian” music is and should be. I think it helps someone see that my work is inspired by a holy and infinite God, as opposed to being inspired by other Christian works of art.  
 
From The Lonely Forest and Telephone Friends to hardcore punk, ambient music, and now this expansive worship project, you've followed a unique creative path. What has remained constant throughout all those different seasons of your career?
 
The biggest constant has probably been my desire to make albums and art that I like and not apologize for it.
 
This album features an impressive group of collaborators, including Citizens, Jon Guerra, Chris Renzema, Sandra McCracken, David Leonard, and Josh Farro. What did these artists bring to the project, and were there any collaborations that especially surprised or inspired you?
 
I am not very collaborative by nature. So, it was good for me to stretch myself and invite others in. I think it helps add some needed color to an album that is otherwise singular in its hermetic creative voice. I really love that Sandra sings on a song that ends up sounding like Deftones. I find that awesome and satisfying. I feel very loved and honored that so many of my friends and peers would join me on this album. It makes me feel less alone as an artist. 
 
Themes of faith, mental health, vulnerability, and hope have appeared throughout much of your catalog. How have your own struggles and experiences shaped the songs you're writing in this season?
 
I have felt a lot of permission in the last year to write about my depression and how I find God amidst those darker moments. My last two years have been difficult, and yet somehow, I feel closer to Christ now more than ever. I believe the world will benefit if I try to write about it.
 
You've spent much of your career outside the traditional Christian music industry, yet you've still created deeply faith-centered art. What opportunities and challenges come with making music for listeners who may be both inside and outside the Church?
 
I lost some "cred" when I started singing openly about my faith. Oh well. In general, I think it means that my audience is small but devoted; I tend to attract people who also feel like they’re stuck in both worlds and full of questions. Sometimes it’s painful because people won’t give something they deem too weird (too Christian, or too unchristian) the time of day. They won’t even listen to it. They won’t share the stage with me. That makes me sad. But ultimately, I’m glad that I’ve been true and honest about who I am. I think playing the long game as an artist is worth it. Sometimes I will look out and realize my audience is a mixture of Christians and non-Christians. I like that.
 
How can we be praying for you?
 
Thank you for asking. My family needs a rooted and uncluttered season. I’d love prayer for that.