This is a transcription from part of a youth leader TalkBack session that interlínc had with Chris recently. As you read his responses to the questions, you’ll catch a sense of the heart of vision of this popular worship song writer and performer.
And be sure to listen to Chris' song I Will Rise, below
Your beginnings as a worship leader go back to youth ministry in Texas. What’s the story?
I was a part of a great youth ministry in my home church. I’m from a small town, and we had several people in our community and church that had a heart for youth and made sure we were exposed to great opportunities. In that context God began to stir my heart for worship music and what it was all about. About the time I started college I met James Lankford, who was working for the youth ministry program of Texas Southern Baptist churches, and my life was forever changed. We were teamed up for a few events where he would speak, and I would lead worship music. I had no idea what I was doing, but James saw more than I could see at the time and God used him to kick-start what would become my life’s mission. I can honestly say that so much of my story is about the people that God brought into my life along the way. There have been several James Lankford’s in my life. I don’t think your article would be long enough to include them all. I am grateful for each one.
I spent most of my beginning years traveling on the weekends and summers from one youth conference or retreat to the next. I have a massive heart for youth ministry.
Explain the importance of title of your new album.
The heart behind “Hello Love” is simply to inspire and encourage people to love God and love their neighbors. Love is the heart of what worship and of what life is all about. Jesus said to love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your soul, and your strength—and to love your neighbor as yourself. This project is an invitation and an introduction to love again.
What’s the story behind the song, “God Of This City”?
We were recently in Belfast, Northern Ireland for a concert. The night consisted of a great line up of worship bands. One of the bands was a local group called Bluetree. Daniel was thankfully paying close attention when they went into this song, “God Of This City.” He immediately came to me and said that I had to hear it. When I did hear it, I knew that it was a timely song and that it would be perfect for the journey we were about to undertake with Passion. The song was written in a bar/brothel in Padia, Thailand. When the owner of the bar found out the lads were a band, he asked them to play. Now that’s worship leading! Proclaiming the grace of God in the middle of a brothel—sounds a lot like Jesus to me. Aaron Boyd of Bluetree told me that in the middle of their set of songs, this song just spontaneously was birthed. God put this powerful lyric on their lips in that moment—greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city. They graciously allowed me to record it, and it became the title track to the current Passion album and an anthem for our 17-city Passion World Tour. What a statement to proclaim in the cities of the world! Greater things...
Do you still do youth ministry conferences?
Yes, all the time. I love when those opportunities come. Every summer I make sure to do at least one youth camp, so I guess you could say I’ve been to summer youth camps for 16 years.
What is your message to high school students?
My message is the same because people still have the same need. I share that there is something in life that matters most – the glory of God made known through our lives, and how that doesn’t only work itself out in our songs and gatherings but also in the way we care for our brothers and sisters.
What is your message to youth workers about their work with students?
I honestly don’t feel that I have a position to say anything, but I would like to write a word of encouragement: God bless you richly. You are doing a great work. God knows your efforts and your dreams – He sees your love for and service of His people. God bless you as you serve Him.
How have students responded to your revitalizing the old hymns?
This has been some of the more rewarding aspects of my music. These hymns like “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” “The Wonderful Cross,” etc. have really been a bridge to bring the generations together in worship singing. It bothers me that there is sometimes a dividing line among generations concerning worship music. It’s good to sing worship God together and know that we are not the first to do it, and won’t be the last. I think singing lyrics written so many years ago but with a modern sound only serves to strengthen our faith.
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