Strahan Coleman on chronic illness, mystery and meeting God in the dark

Musician Strahan Coleman was touring the world and seeing God do amazing miracles when daily panic attacks unexpectedly struck and he was left bedridden at home for two years. He talks to Emma Fowle about learning to trust God in the midst of suffering, overcoming church hurt and why his charismatic encounters with God have started to look more contemplative

How do you reconcile seeing the Holy Spirit move in extraordinary ways as you sing about God in bars in Germany, to being bedridden and without the money to buy a Christmas present for your child?

That’s the agonising tension that Strahan Coleman wrestled with as chronic illness brought his successful music ministry to a sudden halt. The New Zealander gradually emerged from what he calls “a very deep pit” with a greater appreciation for the mystery of trusting in God’s love, even during unexplainable suffering. It also led him towards a more contemplative expression of Christian faith – although one that sits alongside, rather than being opposed to his more charismatic upbringing.

These experiences form some of the key themes in Strahan’s latest book, Thirsting: Quenching our soul’s deepest desire (David C Cook), and his wider ministry. This includes running a prayer ministry and retreat centre and being on the teaching team for John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way.

We caught up with Strahan to chat more about his faith, ministry and the Church – including a timely encounter with a stranger whilst queuing for a pie, and what God’s up to amongst Gen Z in New Zealand.