CHRIS TOMLINBest Worship Artist
Best Worship Artist Runners-up:
2. Hillsong United3. David Crowder Band
Profile By Andrew Greer
Gospel music’s unofficial minister of music, Chris Tomlin has spent the better part of his professional life writing, recording and touring his infectious hybrid of vertical pop. And though many worship leaders have made their mark on niche sectors of the Christian music market, Tomlin’s accessible songs of praise have made him an overarching voice in the entire church musical spectrum.
Since releasing his watershed record, Arriving (sixsteps), in 2004, Tomlin has amassed 16 Dove Awards (including two for “Artist of the Year” and three for “Male Vocalist of the Year”), two GRAMMY nominations, gold and platinum records, a dozen No. 1 singles and numerous headlining tours in sold-out arenas across the globe. And according to CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International), the definitive document for worship music’s most-used songs, the former Texan is the most-sung Christian artist in America today, earning him a historic hold in modern Christian music.
An original member of the Passion movement family, Tomlin has built a relationship with listeners that extends worldwide. Giving readers a personal look at the motivations that make him tick, Tomlin talks to CCM about what it means to be a worship artist in the spotlight.
TAG, YOU’RE IT
He may be your top pick for “Best Worship Artist,” but what does the title even mean? “The word ‘artist’ comes with so many assumptions and stereotypes. In some ways I’ve always felt I was enough of an ‘artist’ to know that I’m not one, but that’s beside the point. The real answer is found in the idea that we want our worship to be excellent. Every time I approach making a new record or touring, I want it to be better than before and hopefully inspire and reach the heart of people.”
SPOTLIGHTING GOD
As a worship leader with a national platform, Tomlin strives to focus concert energies on God’s presence rather than man’s efforts. “I think it’s all in the way you are when the lights are on you. You can either take that light to make yourself shine a little brighter, or you can take whatever spotlight is on you and hopefully use it to point people to God. I am constantly trying to balance having the presence [of God] lead people but also the purpose of getting out of the way.”
WORLDWIDE ARENA
With an international musical celebrity it would be safe to assume a percentage of concertgoers are coming to see Chris Tomlin perform rather than prepping to participate in a night of worship. But Tomlin says he works hard to “try to make it clear and obvious that each night is a concert together to honor God. If somehow I can downplay the stage and help people feel that we are all in it together for that one night, then I feel like we’ve accomplished something special. I think anyone who comes to our concerts realizes within the first 15 minutes or so that this is different than just being someone watching from a seat.”
