With his newest album, “I Believe,” singer-songwriter Phil Wickham hopes listeners will draw closer to the Lord through songs rooted in gospel-centered truths and deep conviction.
“My song ‘I Believe’ was written to shout Jesus from the rooftops,” Wickham said. “I wanted to write songs that can unify believers together as we say with joy in our hearts that we believe in the mighty name of Jesus because He truly is the best thing anyone will ever find. I think the world is desperate to see and hear people telling their stories about how Jesus saved and changed their lives.”
By sharing the gospel through music, Wickham told The Baptist Paper he has been given many opportunities to share the plan of salvation at his concerts.
Wickham is currently on the “Summer Worship Nights Tour” with worship leader Brandon Lake.
The new album, which was three years in the making, features Wickham’s No. 1 hit single “This Is Our God.”
“My priority at concerts is to share the reality of the gospel, the importance of the cross and about the excitement and the hope we have in heaven,” Wickham said. “By the end of the concert, I hope that people are thinking about God’s grace, love and mercy, and I hope that they are also thinking about the sacrifice that has been given to us through Christ.”
“I just want to write songs that I’d want to sing with my church in a way that musically lights my heart up. After listening to these songs, my prayer is that people will want to know more about the message they just heard. The theme of this album is a longing to know more about God and a desire to run toward Him.”
Staying focused
As a teenager, Wickham learned to play the guitar from his father. After a few months of lessons, he started leading worship for his youth group at church.
“From there, doors started opening for me to play at different events and eventually led me to where I am today,” he said. “For a while, I was really hesitant to pursue music on a full-time basis because I knew it was a huge responsibility to lead people in worship and write songs that would convey the right message. I didn’t want to mess up, and I didn’t want to take things into my own hands.
“So I spent a long time praying that my desires and musical abilities would always remain focused on the Lord and used for His glory. That continues to be my prayer today, as I’ve found that one of the best ways of connecting with people is to share the truth of God’s Word by putting it in a song.”
In 2021, Wickham’s award-winning album “Hymn of Heaven” was released and featured hit songs such as “Battle Belongs” and “House of the Lord.” In 2022, this album garnered the prestigious honor of Worship Album of the Year at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards. In addition, the album was nominated for the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Album of the Year.
With his songs capturing the attention and appeal of audiences around the world, Wickham’s music has received hundreds of millions of streams, and he has nearly 2.5 million followers on his social media.
However, Wickham says the attention and appeal isn’t what motivates him.
He is committed to leading people closer to God and shining the spotlight on Christ each time he takes the stage.
“This new project brings to life joy that isn’t based on circumstances, but identity in Christ alone,” Wickham said. “There are so many searching for truth, meaning, belonging, purpose, hope, fulfillment, peace and healing. For me personally, I have found all of these things and more in the person of Jesus Christ.”
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