The acclaimed Country singer who died on Saturday never seemed that comfortable with public speaking. But a glance at his most famous songs reveal a man of deep Christian faith, observes Derek Walker
The Agapé UK team share their favourite worship songs written and sung in Hebrew, Spanish, English and more
The writer of Bethel Music’s ‘You make me brave’ is often described as a worship leader. But it’s not a label Amanda Cook has ever felt comfortable with. She discusses incense and stillness, her helpful ADHD diagnosis and hitting your stride in your 40s
Evangelical hymnwriter Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith, rose to pre-eminence by the sheer quality of his writing, says fellow hymnodist, Christopher Idle. This “gospel-hearted bishop” was keen not to be outdone by more liberal writers
Sport unites like little else, says Dr Dan Strange. Our readiness to compare stadiums to cathedrals and pitches to altars offers Christians a unique opportunity to share their faith
As a professional rugby union player, Peter Browne’s faith has steered him through both success and failure. In it all, we’re called to glorify God, he says
Christian music made by Nigerian artists has exploded in popularity, but if you live in the UK you may not have heard of them. It’s time to change that…
A Warwickshire youth leader explains what God is doing among Gen Z in her church
Despite the dire statistics around church attendance in the UK, stories of God working miracles are proliferating, especially among young people. Emma Fowle is joined by four ministry leaders to discuss what’s going on
As the best-selling Christian album of the 1980s is remixed and re-released, Tony Cummings shares the inside story of how Adrian Snell worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver a “symphonic rock classic”
Lord Williams of Oystermouth says many of the hymns sung at weddings and funerals, including ‘All things bright and beautiful’, are comparable to “baby food”. But hymn scholar Dr Daniel Johnson says churches should be sharing the treasures of the hymn tradition with as much joy as possible
Proclaiming God’s nature and power brings peace and perspective, says Lucy Peppiatt
This year marks 350 years since the writer of ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’ was born. Dr Daniel Johnson takes a closer look at one of Isaac Watts’ lesser-known works
It’s one year since an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Kentucky caught the world’s attention. Many church leaders from around the world travelled to Asbury University and ‘natural sceptic’ Al Gordon was among them. He tells the story of what God did, how it changed his life and why he believes revival is not just possible, but imperative
Worship music on your wedding night? I don’t think so, says musician and worship pastor, Samuel Nwachukwu, otherwise known as Calledout Music. Our playlists should not be explicit, vulgar or packed with filth, but music is a good gift from God, he says
The Grammy award-winning artist radiates joy in this new Netflix documentary, says Tim Bechervaise
It’s rare to come across a foreword that so powerfully shapes how you read what follows. This one tells the story of the author, Don Purdey, passionately worshipping God, despite the slurred speech cruelly brought on by motor neurone disease. It adds that the last page of the book, where ...
Half a million people have gathered in Lagos, Nigeria to praise God. British Gospel artist Muyiwa Olarewaju has been involved with The Experience since the beginning, and provides an insight into what makes the event so special
There are many books on the story of the perennially favourite hymn, ‘Amazing grace’, but few are as wide-ranging as this one.
In this season of Advent, the Church doesn’t just look back to the birth of Jesus in a stable, but forward to Christ’s second coming, says Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff
This Christmas musical fails to hit the right chords, says Tim Bechervaise
Preachers who’ve said depression is evidence of a ‘God-shaped hole’ need correcting, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn
Digging deep into the fabric of creation reveals that we are all part of God’s glorious symphony, says Rob Townley
The presenter of Premier Christian Radio’s weekday afternoon show shares his recommendations
The lyrics written to accompany Big Ben's bongs are little known, even by Christians. When the worship leader Chip Kendall discovered the world's most famous clock was issuing an hourly call to prayer, he couldn't keep the news to himself. Here's what happened next
Learning to trust God - in leadership or in life - is an ongoing adventure, says Natalie Williams. You never feel ready, but God never fails
Rev Amy Tan is one of the first Chinese-Malaysian woman to be ordained in the Church of England and is currently a curate at Gas Street Church, Birmingham. She previously worked as a professional musician in her home country of Malaysia
Worship leader Jenn Johnson talks gold dust, grave sucking and supernatural healing with Megan Cornwell
Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn has never released a song with profanity in. But neither will he condemn other artists who choose to use fruity language. Here, he explains why
Flamy Grant’s debut album, Bible Belt Baby has reached the number one spot on the iTunes Christian music chart. Derek Walker explains the backstory
There's a surprising flaw in some of the Church's most popular worship songs, says DB Ryen
The chaplain of Northampton Town Football Club and director of vocations and formation for the diocese of Peterborough shares his top tunes
It’s Gloria in excess, says Jonty Langley. Worship leaders are reporting they’re overwhelmed with new songs to choose from. Could it be time for a moratorium on the release of new music?
Singing songs from churches mired in abuse scandals or grappling with failures in leadership is financially supporting something that Christians should be opposed to, says Tom Read. We need to rely less on a fast-food diet of imported worship if the Church wants to be truly healthy
I’ll be honest. Until now, I’ve felt a little smug about the rise of Artificial Intelligence.
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
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
MOBO award-winning Samuel Nwachukwu, who performs under the pseudonym CalledOut Music, shares the songs on his playlist
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.
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
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
The 81 year-old's latest project sees him musing on God, forgiveness and his own mortality
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
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.
Greg Laurie’s enjoyable book hurtles along like a train, travelling from the gospel roots of rock and roll and terminating at Justin Bieber.
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.
The Grammy award-winning worship leader and songwriter reveals the tunes he can’t stop listening to
The reggae superstar and populariser of Rastafarianism became a Christian shortly before his death in 1981. Tony Cummings reports
Darkness isn’t all bad, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn
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
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
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
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
Sir Cliff has grabbed the opportunity to celebrate Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas, says our reviewer
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
Top Christmas albums to help you through the festive season
Ships, partridges and kings you’ve never heard of…William Long delves into the meaning behind some of our most bizarre carols
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
These songs will get you moving…
Noel Richards explains how this historic gathering in Budapest on Saturday, was the culmination of a 25 year dream
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
Rend Collective frontman Chris Llewellyn confesses he still isn’t entirely comfortable with the commercial side of his ministry
As London Community Gospel Choir celebrates its 40th birthday, their founder explains why he’s still intent on making music for the masses
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
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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, ...
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
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
“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.”
After losing £50,000, Lord Sugar's first apprentice Tim Campbell MBE was "broken". But then an encounter with God changed everything
Ahead of Racial Justice Sunday, Cole Arthur Riley explains how racial injustice sparked her to create Black Liturgies
The agnostic journalist Elle Hardy has been investigating how Pentecostalism is taking over the world. Here’s what she discovered
There’s only one quality I look for when auditioning a new band member – and it’s probably not your first guess.
Martin Smith opens up about his insecurities and explains how the pandemic has changed him for the better
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
Keith Getty explains why this classic carol should be sung all year round
The man with an encyclopedic knowledge of Christian music shares his favourite tunes right now
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…
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
The London-based songwriter shares her favourite songs right now
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’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
Is worship music dishonest?
The singer/songwriter is the daughter of Delirious? frontman, Martin Smith, and a worship leader and youth pastor based in Brighton, UK
Creation Fest almost didn’t happen this year. But when it did, coming together as Christians felt more vital than ever, says Emma Fowle
The CEO of Essential Christian, which resources and inspires Christians through events such as Spring Harvest, shares the songs he is currently enjoying.
‘Hope deals the hardest blows’.
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.
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
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
The Liverpudlian worship leader and songwriter shares the songs he is currently loving
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.
Speaking ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, some of the world’s top athletes share how sport has helped them in their Christian faith
The British singer-songwriter, author and worship leader shares 8 songs which have helped her through the pandemic
Pop superstar Justin Bieber has released a surprise EP. And many of the lyrics position Christianity as a transformative grace, says our reviewer
The Rend Collective frontman is reimagining his approach
The songwriter says it's time to kill our "obsession with excellence"
In looking at the Church's music, Matt Redman wonders if we’re in danger of overlooking an integral part of God’s character
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'
Sam Hailes analyses the offensive message of grace contained in LANY’s new song ‘I still talk to Jesus’
Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn has something to confess...
The Bethel-based worship leader Sean Feucht believes the US Government is "silencing the faithful". Sam Hailes responds
'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
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
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
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
Sam Hailes reports on the latest furore over the Hillsong worship song 'So Will I (100 billion X)'
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 explains why he believes singing these carols together will help us connect with the real meaning of Christmas
Modern hymn writer Keith Getty explains why he wants to get families singing together again
David Instone-Brewer considers a heavenly perspective on our worship gatherings
Les Moir, the producer behind the UK's best known Christian albums, explains how a new way of worshipping God began 50 years ago
Derek Walker explains what’s wrong with our typical worship services, and how to fix them
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.
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
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.
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
Christians shouldn’t be embarrassed by the forthright sensuality of sexual love depicted in the Bible, says John Piper
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
Who says the devil has all the best music? These legends from the world of rock and roll have all professed faith in Jesus
As Alpha in a Catholic context spreads across the globe, Nick J Drake wonders whether the elusive ‘fifth wave’ of the Spirit has arrived
Footage of Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman giving an inspiring TEDx talk at the University of Nevada was released this week.
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
What happens when you put the lyrics of some of our best-known worship songs under the theological microscope?