Worship
We urgently need to reach older adults with the gospel. I believe hymns can help
Pippa Cramer has always loved working with older people. But when she couldn’t find a way to share the gospel with them, she turned to their favourite hymns for help and inspiration
Rev Les Isaac & Jake Isaac: Faith, family and facing death
Street Pastors founder Rev Les Isaac OBE hit the headlines last year after his sermon at the parliamentary prayer breakfast prompted a string of cabinet resignations that led to Boris Johnson’s demise. He and his son, musician Jake Isaac, share their thoughts on the illness that put Les’ life at risk just months before, the impact of ministry on family life and the ongoing fight for racial justice
CalledOut Music: My top 8 songs
MOBO award-winning Samuel Nwachukwu, who performs under the pseudonym CalledOut Music, shares the songs on his playlist
The Church is being damaged by scandals. Here’s 3 reasons why I still have hope
The relentless news of scandals and failures in the Church is breaking my heart. It can feel really hopeless - and then it becomes easy to slide into despair.
Communion then and now
Traditions may have changed over the centuries, but wherever and whenever we eat the bread and drink the wine, we share fellowship together as one family – and with Jesus – says David Instone-Brewer
Sonic waves: How Generation Windrush brought Gospel to the mainstream
The Windrush Generation brought the sounds of the Caribbean into British worship. But the music would have an impact far beyond the walls of the Church, explains Colin Tomlin
Seven Psalms: Paul Simon's latest album is blatantly spiritual
The 81 year-old's latest project sees him musing on God, forgiveness and his own mortality
A worship flashmob is happening this Pentecost. Here's how you can join in
The convener of the National Day of Prayer UK, Jonathan Oloyede wants Christians to take to the streets at 3pm on Pentecost Sunday. Here's his vision in full
Penny Lyon: My worship playlist
Together with her husband, Kevin, Penny leads jazz, blues and R&B band Out of the Ashes. Here are the top eight worship songs she can’t get enough of.
Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus - Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill
Greg Laurie’s enjoyable book hurtles along like a train, travelling from the gospel roots of rock and roll and terminating at Justin Bieber.
Heartbreak, hope and holy moments - Kate Canty
This overview of prison chaplaincy offers a wide variety of stories. While the scope is impressive, it sometimes feels like a collection of anecdotes, upended onto the page.
Matt Redman: My 8 favourite songs
The Grammy award-winning worship leader and songwriter reveals the tunes he can’t stop listening to
The little known story of Bob Marley's conversion to Christianity
The reggae superstar and populariser of Rastafarianism became a Christian shortly before his death in 1981. Tony Cummings reports
I wrote a worship song which said ‘let the darkness fear’. But now I’m embracing it
Darkness isn’t all bad, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn
KXC's Tom Eccleshall: My top 8 songs
Tom has overseen worship at KXC, an Anglican church in King’s Cross, London, for the past twelve years. KXC have released a number of recordings and their songs are sung internationally
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
Praising Jesus with 500,000 Nigerians blew me away
After witnessing half a million Christians dancing, celebrating and worshipping in Lagos, Nigeria, Tim Hughes says the worldwide body of Christ is more glorious, diverse and far reaching than we could ever dare comprehend
Charging for carol services is performance-driven Christianity at its worst
Hillsong London is charging £10 for an adult ticket to their carol concert. But Carl Beech says the policy excludes those who can’t afford to pay - and that’s the antithesis of Christmas
Cliff's new record puts Jesus at the heart of Christmas
Sir Cliff has grabbed the opportunity to celebrate Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas, says our reviewer
Bono’s emotive memoir lets you into his soul - and it’s full of God too
Steve Stockman, who himself authored a book on the faith of U2, says Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story provides further evidence of the depth and devotion of Bono’s Christian faith
5 albums of Christmas cheer
Top Christmas albums to help you through the festive season
‘Why is there a partridge in my pear tree?’ Christmas carols are weird. Here’s what they mean
Ships, partridges and kings you’ve never heard of…William Long delves into the meaning behind some of our most bizarre carols
Eddie Holman: The undisputed king of Northern soul is still putting God first
Eddie Holman is a veteran soul singer whose ’Hey There Lonely Girl’ million-seller is still heard on radio and TV today. He is also an ordained minister with a newly re-issued gospel album. But it’s Holman’s phenomenal popularity on the North of England’s Northern soul scene which recently brought the singer to Blackpool, as it did journalist Tony Cummings
Burnout caused me to deconstruct my Christian faith, but liturgy helped me put it back together again
When tragedy caused Aaron Damiani to doubt everything he believed, it was ancient church practices that provided him with the space and safety he needed to believe again
Sue Rinaldi: My top 8 songs
The singer-songwriter and worship leader is also a speaker and creative trainer. Her interests in culture, justice, technology and the future fuel her living and writing
Dante Bowe has been dropped by Maverick City. Here’s what we know so far
The popular worship collective Maverick City has cut ties with singer Dante Bowe. In a statement the band said Dante’s behaviour had been “inconsistent” with their “values and beliefs”. As fans are left confused and speculation mounts online, Heather Tomlinson reports on what we know so far, and suggests what a truly Christian response should look like
Another Christian music scandal? Here’s how we should respond
A mature faith neither glosses over the glaring problems in our movement, nor abandons it in its time of need, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn
God loves guitar solos
I started playing guitar because of that scene from Back to the Future. Any child of the 1980s knows immediately what I’m talking about: Marty McFly’s blistering ‘Johnny B Goode’ solo. As I watched it, my jaw hit the floor.
Does Jesus want me on his team?
There were just ten seconds left in the game, a dreary nil-nil draw. Sensing that victory was still possible, the crowd tensed as my friend John carefully placed the football to take the corner.
Premier Praise’s Selene Jordan: My top 8 songs
These songs will get you moving…
The inside story of how 40,000 gathered to worship Jesus at Hungary’s national stadium
Noel Richards explains how this historic gathering in Budapest on Saturday, was the culmination of a 25 year dream
Keith Green: 40 years since his untimely death, the music lives on
The American singer-songwriter famous for his outspoken evangelistic style died in a plane crash in 1982. Derek Walker looks back on his life, faith and music ministry
Murky Merch: Should Christian bands like Rend Collective sell T-shirts?
Rend Collective frontman Chris Llewellyn confesses he still isn’t entirely comfortable with the commercial side of his ministry
Bazil Meade MBE: Pioneering founder of London Community Gospel Choir
As London Community Gospel Choir celebrates its 40th birthday, their founder explains why he’s still intent on making music for the masses
Don’t judge Kanye’s Christian faith just because he won the Billboards
Should Kanye West really have won every Christian and Gospel category at this year’s Billboard Awards? That’s the wrong question to be asking, says Tom Read
Is Eurovision’s Sam Ryder a man of faith?
The ears of Christians picked up when Sam Ryder compared the atmosphere at Eurovision to being in church. Is Ryder a Christian himself? Derek Walker investigates
Sam Ryder said ‘joyful’ Eurovision felt like church. I know exactly what he means
Sam Ryder has compared performing at Eurovision to being in church "because there was so much joy". Singer-songwriter Philippa Hanna says that’s because something inherently spiritual occurs when voices unite in song
I don't agree with all of Bethel's theology. But I'm happy to sing their worship songs
Bethel Church has come under heavy criticism from conservative Christians. Oliver Nicolson disagrees with much of the church's teaching, but he's happy to carry on singing Bethel's popular worship song. Here's why
Maverick City’s Dante Bowe: ‘Being famous for being a Christian is ridiculous’
Ahead of his UK debut at Big Church Day Out, the trailblazing worship leader and fashion model talks to us about breaking boundaries, hearing from God and why he’s ‘traumatised’ by the thought of being a Christian celebrity
David’s Tent share their top 8 songs
John Kyle is part of the team that runs David’s Tent, an annual 72-hour non-stop worship festival that takes place in Sussex. He is also a musician and worship leader. Here’s his favourite 8 songs right now
The Ukrainian roots of Britain’s favourite hymn, ‘How great thou art’
One of the most popular hymns of all time, ‘How great thou art’ was inspired by a song that missionary Stuart Hine first heard in the Ukrainian mountains.
The quiet genius of Brandon Heath
Christian music often relies on repetition of vaguely inspirational concepts. But Brandon Heath’s storytelling skills mark him out from the crowd, says Joel Bush
Dr Noël Tredinnick: My 8 favourite songs
Noël spent 48 years at All Souls, Langham Place. A conductor, composer, arranger, orchestrator, hymnist, broadcaster, organist and lecturer, he is one of the UK’s most recognised church musicians.
I was taught that charismatic worship manipulates my emotions. But I can't 'explain away' those holy moments
Anyone who has studied theology understands how much of a challenge it can be to your faith. I arrived at university, many years ago, having grown up in conservative evangelicalism and having had little reason – or opportunity – to question its theological teachings. So when I began my study, ...
Graham Kendrick: ‘When you put the Word and the Spirit together, it’s absolute dynamite’
The father of modern worship music might be best known for penning ‘Shine, Jesus, shine’, but 50 years since the release of his first album, the singer-songwriter is going back to his storytelling roots
'800 people became Christians at the last Spring Harvest. Now is the time for the Church to come together again'
With just weeks to go, Spring Harvest's CEO tells us how the biggest Easter celebration on the Church’s calendar is set up to bring physical and spiritual refreshment
God says ‘Behold’ 1,500 times in the Bible. Here’s what it means
“This is not a gentle request. It’s a command. When God uses it, he’s grabbing us by the collar, urging us to notice something incredible that we’re currently ignoring.”
The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell on the worship song that changed his life
After losing £50,000, Lord Sugar's first apprentice Tim Campbell MBE was "broken". But then an encounter with God changed everything
After George Floyd, I needed a new prayer. When thousands joined Black Liturgies I realised I wasn’t alone
Ahead of Racial Justice Sunday, Cole Arthur Riley explains how racial injustice sparked her to create Black Liturgies
Inside the fastest growing religious movement on earth
The agnostic journalist Elle Hardy has been investigating how Pentecostalism is taking over the world. Here’s what she discovered
Could you be the next member of Rend Collective?
There’s only one quality I look for when auditioning a new band member – and it’s probably not your first guess.
Martin Smith: The former Delirious? frontman on how Covid-19 has changed him
Martin Smith opens up about his insecurities and explains how the pandemic has changed him for the better
Why you should make ‘Keep the Sabbath holy’ your New Year’s Resolution
God mandated a day of rest for our good, says David Hoffbrand. Try it. You might be surprised by the many benefits it brings to you and your family
Why 'Joy to the World' is for life not just for Christmas
Keith Getty explains why this classic carol should be sung all year round
Tony Cummings: My top 8 songs
The man with an encyclopedic knowledge of Christian music shares his favourite tunes right now
Losing faith in the BBC: Why the corporation’s religious coverage is coming under fire
A third of millennials have never even heard of Songs of Praise. And with the BBC still yet to appoint a new religion editor, many are wondering if the corporation has grown stale when it comes to Christianity…
In half-hearted defence of Hillsong’s VIP worship tickets
The news that Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin will offer special VIP passes for their worship tour has sparked a debate about Christian music, celebrity and finance. Some have argued the selling of VIP tickets for Christian events is morally wrong, but the Rend Collective frontman Chris Llewellyn sees things differently
Lucy Grimble: My top 8 songs
The London-based songwriter shares her favourite songs right now
Choirs help us connect with God. Let’s bring them back to our churches
Many charismatic evangelical churches haven’t had a choir in years. But research suggests they aid our worship, and might even work alongside your existing worship band, says Calum Carswell
Kanye West is rapping about Jesus again. But don’t get too excited. Donda is a flawed project
Kanye West’s new project was streamed 775 million times in a week. Donda is a tribute to the rapper’s late mother, and examines the healing power of faith. But the album also has a much darker side, says Aaron Loose
Christians don't tell lies. They sing them
Is worship music dishonest?
Elle Limebear: My top 8 songs
The singer/songwriter is the daughter of Delirious? frontman, Martin Smith, and a worship leader and youth pastor based in Brighton, UK
Against the odds: How Creation Fest overcame a global pandemic, 75mph winds and a £100,000 deficit
Creation Fest almost didn’t happen this year. But when it did, coming together as Christians felt more vital than ever, says Emma Fowle
Spring Harvest’s Phil Loose - my 8 favourite songs
The CEO of Essential Christian, which resources and inspires Christians through events such as Spring Harvest, shares the songs he is currently enjoying.
The perplexing paradox facing every worship leader
‘Hope deals the hardest blows’.
Whatever happened to The Donut Man? I miss him
Despite having a theology degree from the University of Cambridge, I am convinced that much of my enduring Bible knowledge was formed during long childhood car journeys listening to the Donut Man.
‘10,000 Reasons’ - the meaning behind the popular worship song
Matt Redman wrote his most popular worship song in record time. It’s enduring appeal lies in encouraging Christians to worship God in the pain of our everyday realities, says Derek Walker
‘In Christ Alone’ - the meaning behind the popular worship song
The writing of the classic hymn 'In Christ Alone’ by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty shows how teamwork and grabbing the moment can change lives
Ian Yates: My 8 favourite songs
The Liverpudlian worship leader and songwriter shares the songs he is currently loving
We can do better than Starbucks worship
I like Starbucks. I like the way I can be on literally any street, in any major city on planet Earth and know that there is a ready supply of reliably average coffee and baked goods just around the corner.
Meet the Christian Olympians heading to Tokyo
Speaking ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, some of the world’s top athletes share how sport has helped them in their Christian faith
Philippa Hanna: My 8 favourite songs
The British singer-songwriter, author and worship leader shares 8 songs which have helped her through the pandemic
Freedom: Justin Bieber’s Gospel EP is all about grace
Pop superstar Justin Bieber has released a surprise EP. And many of the lyrics position Christianity as a transformative grace, says our reviewer
Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn: God is disrupting our worship
The Rend Collective frontman is reimagining his approach
Tim Hughes: How Covid-19 is changing the way we worship
The songwriter says it's time to kill our "obsession with excellence"
Matt Redman: We need more worship songs about the holiness of God
In looking at the Church's music, Matt Redman wonders if we’re in danger of overlooking an integral part of God’s character
Worship leader: Are you following the Spirit, or just the atmosphere?
The effects of coronavirus mean many worship leaders are playing in front of a camera rather than a congregation. Richard James Butt, who leads worship at a large church in Sussex, says it's time for musicians and singers to re-think what it really means to 'follow the Spirit'
‘I lie to my mother and smoke marijuana, but I still talk to Jesus’
Sam Hailes analyses the offensive message of grace contained in LANY’s new song ‘I still talk to Jesus’
Confessions of a minor Christian celebrity
Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn has something to confess...
The problem with Sean Feucht’s 'Let Us Worship’ campaign
The Bethel-based worship leader Sean Feucht believes the US Government is "silencing the faithful". Sam Hailes responds
The UK Blessing: Tim Hughes on when worship goes viral
'The UK Blessing' video is set to reach one million views within 48 hours of being released. Tim Hughes, one of the worship leaders behind the project, speaks to Sam Hailes about the unexpected viral sensation
An open letter to the Hillsong worship leader who is "losing his faith"
The Hillsong worship leader Marty Sampson has announced he's "losing his faith". In an Instagram post, Sampson said, "How many preachers fall? Many. No one talks about it. How many miracles happen? Not many. No one talks about it. Why is the Bible full of contradictions? No one talks about it. How can God be love yet send 4 billion people to a place, all coz they don't believe? No one talks about it." 48 hours later, Sampson deleted the post. He then posted a collection of photographs of well known Christian apologists including William Lane Craig and John Lennox, explaining "I don’t know these men personally, but I do watch them regularly and listen to their arguments." Here, David Robertson responds by penning an open letter to Marty Sampson
3 steps I took to overcome jealousy as a worship leader
The Australian worship artist Nikki Fletcher, who was previously based in London working with Worship Central, recalls her own battle with jealousy and explains how others can overcome their negative emotions
How Hillsong conquered the world and changed the way we worship
What began as a single Sydney congregation is now a global church famous for producing some of Christendom’s best-known worship songs. As Hillsong gears up to plant yet more congregations across the UK, we take a peek behind the scenes of this pioneering megachurch
Hillsong worship leader says ‘evolution is undeniable’. But let’s not jump to conclusions
Sam Hailes reports on the latest furore over the Hillsong worship song 'So Will I (100 billion X)'
'Too male and too pale': 5 hard truths worship leaders need to hear
When Sam Hailes sat down for an interview with American worship leader Aaron Keyes he was surprised at the candour and honesty on display
Keith Getty on 10 carols everyone should sing this Christmas
Keith Getty explains why he believes singing these carols together will help us connect with the real meaning of Christmas
Don't leave singalongs to the 1950s. Here's how we can recover family worship
Modern hymn writer Keith Getty explains why he wants to get families singing together again
Worshipping with angels
David Instone-Brewer considers a heavenly perspective on our worship gatherings
The Missing Jewel: How the modern worship movement was born
Les Moir, the producer behind the UK's best known Christian albums, explains how a new way of worshipping God began 50 years ago
6 lies our worship songs tell us
Derek Walker explains what’s wrong with our typical worship services, and how to fix them
Gungor on 'One Wild Life' and why they might return to making worship music
Michael and Lisa Gungor may have sparked controversy among some Christians by saying they no longer take the Bible's stories about creation and the flood literally, but the duo have continued to draw large crowds on both sides of the Atlantic and today they're making more music than ever before.
Justin Bieber and 5 more pop stars singing worship songs
Following the news that Justin Bieber has played an acoustic cover of the Delirious? classic 'Over the mountains and the sea (I could sing of your love forever)', we present five other videos of mainstream pop artists singing worship songs
U2 at 40: How Bono's band became icons of rock by singing about God
On Saturday, 25th September 1976, four teenagers decided to get together to make music. Forty years of faith-fuelled songs later, Steve Stockman charts the spiritual journey of Saint Bono and his band.
Why the church needs to recover family worship
Are parents in danger of outsourcing the spiritual formation of their children to Sunday schools and youth groups? Ed Mackenzie explains how families can bring worship into the home
John Piper: Don’t be embarrassed by sex, it’s an act of worship
Christians shouldn’t be embarrassed by the forthright sensuality of sexual love depicted in the Bible, says John Piper
Bono challenges worship leaders to write honest songs
A video of Bono talking to the translator of The Message, Eugene Peterson about the Psalms has just been released. The 21 minute film includes some strong words for worship leaders
5 rock legends you (probably) didn’t know are Christians
Who says the devil has all the best music? These legends from the world of rock and roll have all professed faith in Jesus
An Unexpected Wave: Eastern Europe's Catholic Charismatic Revival
As Alpha in a Catholic context spreads across the globe, Nick J Drake wonders whether the elusive ‘fifth wave’ of the Spirit has arrived
WATCH: Switchfoot's Jon Foreman just opened his TED talk with a worship song
Footage of Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman giving an inspiring TEDx talk at the University of Nevada was released this week.
Bethel Church: Heaven on Earth?
California’s most prominent charismatic church, led by Bill Johnson, divides opinion. Andy Peck finds out why some believe Bethel is seeing heaven come to earth, and others claim that it’s a deception
Theology test your worship songs
What happens when you put the lyrics of some of our best-known worship songs under the theological microscope?
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