Bethel Music was founded in 2001 by worship leaders Brian and Jenn Johnson out of Bethel Church in Redding, California. The worship collective has not only given a voice to Bethel Church's congregation, but they have also created a new sound for a new generation of believers. Bethel’s music has molded how I worship and changed how I approach my time with God. They have provided a consistent soundtrack for the local church and anyone seeking Christian music.
Their lyrics are thought-provoking and melodic, coming from unique personal experiences with God. Bethel Music provides various original songs and covers and has many collaborations with other voices in Christian music. If you want to understand them and their music better, start with these few songs.
“All Hail King Jesus – Live” (Homecoming – Live, 2021)
The song, led by worship leader Bethany Wohrle, starts as a slow ballad. The lyrics provoke the instrumentation to crescendo, let the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection play out, and rise into a victorious chant, “All hail King Jesus.” It’s a beautiful reminder of why we sing about Him. We have hope and a future because Jesus paid it all.
“There was a moment when the sky lit up/A flash of light breaking through/When all was lost He crossed eternity/The King of life was on the move.”
“Champion – Live” (Revival’s In The Air, 2020)
This was one of the first songs I played when I got my first car, and as I heard it play over the speakers, I remember feeling so comforted by the way God champions us, that He is our champion. “Champion” is an anthem of the Lord being our strength. We can face anything with Him as our anchor and source. We don’t have to be afraid because we can find ourselves in God. It’s empowering and moving to hear this song sung with conviction and hear the audience of people joining in confidently. Dante Bowe, formerly of Maverick City Music, gives the song some character with his recognizable raspy tone.
“I am who You say I am/You crown me with confidence/I am seated/In the heavenly place/Undefeated/With the One who has conquered it all.”
“Goodness of God” (Victory, 2019)
This song, led by worship artist Jenn Johnson, describes the Lord’s nearness in our lives. He is not too far gone from us, and we are never too far gone for Him not to come running after us. One of my favorite lines from the song is “Your goodness is running after me” because that’s just who He is. He will never forsake us. He desires to do good for His children and give us good gifts. He created us with intention, detail, and desire to be in a relationship with us.
“'Cause all my life You have been faithful, oh yes You have / And all my life You have been so, so good / With every breath that I am able / Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”
“King of My Heart” (Starlight, 2017)
This song sings of God’s faithfulness and authority over our lives. He’s the one who carries us over the waves and won’t let us down. In Him, we have life and can live life abundantly. Worship leader Steffany Gretzinger brings her raw vocals that carry a story of walking with the Lord.
“Let the King of my heart/Be the mountain where I run/The fountain I drink from/Oh, He is my song.”
“Praises (Be Lifted Up)” (Have It All, 2016)
Many of Bethel’s songs I end up forgetting are Bethel’s because they have been done in different arrangements, covered by other people, and sung in a variety of congregations. Still, the heart behind all of their songs is the same. Their songs point listeners back to the nature of God. Sung by worship artist Josh Baldwin, the lyrics of this song exalt Jesus as king and focus on our role as worshippers, as the ones who will lift His name across the earth.
“Be lifted up/And be lifted higher.”
“Ever Be” (We Will Not Be Shaken - Live, 2015)
In a similar vein to “Praises (Be Lifted Up),” there is an emphasis on the praise that goes forth from our mouths. God's character is displayed as worship leader Kalley Heiligenthal leads, outlining how He molds us into His image. There is more that God has in store for us. He doesn’t just leave us where He found us. He takes us into His loving arms.
“Now You're making me like you/Clothing me in white/Bringing beauty from ashes/For you will have your bride.”
“You Know Me” (The Loft Sessions, 2012)
The Loft Sessions were birthed from members of the Bethel Music collective getting together to worship in an old loft. In “You Know Me,” we see a psalm: the reality that God knows us. He sees us and doesn’t miss a single detail of our lives. This song has always made me peace knowing that the universe's Creator fully knows me. I could go nowhere; nothing could separate me from Him.
“You know when I rise and when I fall/When I come or go, You see it all/You hung the stars, and You move the sea/And still You know me.”
Isabella Nantes is in her third year of college and recently joined the NRT Staff as a writer. She loves God and the way Christian music connects people to Him.
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