Pastor's Corner

Renewal Through Worship

BY PAUL HATHCOAT

In a world that often feels chaotic, worship music offers a powerful refuge, soothing our souls and connecting us to the heart of God. Romans 12:2 encourages us, ”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Worship is a vehicle for this transformation, filling our minds with truth and aligning our spirits with God’s will. Let’s look at 10 worship singers whose music uplifts, inspires, and renews our hearts, helping us draw closer to God, from a pastor’s perspective.

1. Chris Tomlin

Known as one of the most prolific modern worship leaders, Chris Tomlin’s songs like ”How Great Is Our God” and ”Good Good Father” resonate with believers worldwide. His music invites us to reflect on the majesty of God. Psalm 96:1 declares, ”Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Tomlin’s melodies help us live out this command daily.

2. Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle’s soulful voice and vulnerable lyrics, especially in songs like ”You Say”, remind us of our identity in Christ. Romans 8:39 assures us, ”Neither height nor depth... will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Daigle’s music echoes this truth, strengthening our faith.

3. Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Tasha’s powerful anthem ”Break Every Chain” speaks of deliverance and freedom through Jesus. John 8:36 affirms, ”So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Her worship style invites the Holy Spirit to move, breaking chains of fear and doubt.

4. Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham’s ”Living Hope” paints a vivid picture of Jesus as our Savior. Its lyrics encourage us to renew our minds with the gospel message. Colossians 3:16 says, ”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” Wickham’s music helps us do exactly that.

5. Bethel Music (Various Artists)

Bethel Music, a collective of worship leaders, produces songs like ”Reckless Love” (Cory Asbury) and ”No Longer Slaves” (Jonathan David Helser). Their music reminds us of God’s boundless love and power. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, ”The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.”

6. Hillsong Worship

Hillsong Worship’s ”What a Beautiful Name” has become a global anthem of adoration. Singing of the power and beauty of Jesus’ name, it aligns with Philippians 2:9-10: ”Therefore God exalted him... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”

7. Maverick City Music

Known for their diverse and spontaneous worship sessions, Maverick City Music’s ”Promises” reassures us of God’s faithfulness. Hebrews 10:23 urges us, ”Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. “Their music breathes fresh life into ancient truths.

8. CeCe Winans

CeCe’s rendition of ”Believe for It” encourages us to trust in God’s miracles. Mark 11:24 inspires faith, saying, ”Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Her powerful voice stirs hearts to trust in God’s promises.

9. Elevation Worship

Elevation Worship’s ”Graves into Gardens” is a declaration of God’s transformative power. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God giving ”a crown of beauty instead of ashes.” This music encourages us to believe in the renewal and redemption found in Christ.

10. Jeremy Camp

Jeremy Camp’s testimony of faith through trial shines in his music, especially in songs like ”I Still Believe.” Psalm 34:18 reminds us, ”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Camp’s songs provide hope for those walking through difficult seasons.

WORSHIP AS RENEWAL

When we fill our minds with worship music, we step into God’s presence, where transformation occurs. Psalm 22:3 reminds us that God inhabits the praises of His people. As we sing, our hearts align with His, anxieties fade, and our spirits are renewed.

Challenge yourself to listen to one song by each of these artists this week, and let their music guide you into a deeper connection with God. As the apostle Paul reminds us, worship transforms our minds, making us vessels for God’s will. May you be blessed through worship this month!

ROMANS 12:2

”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat at phathcoat@ wrcc.org.