2015 Magazine Archives

With this January-long dedication, we’ll flashback to our most memorable images of 2015. For this edition, check out exclusive pics of LAUREN DAIGLE, FOR KING & COUNTRY, COLTON DIXON, SKILLET, STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, MICHAEL W. SMITH + many more. TOBYMAC, LAUREN DAIGLE & JEREMY CAMP: In our Jan. 1, 2016 cover story, we take a look back at our favorite stories from 2015—part 1 of 2, be sure to read the Jan. 15 edition for more favorites! JON FOREMAN, KB, DARLENE ZSCHECH & RED: We asked questions, they gave answers—go back to see what the artists had to say in our favorite Q&A features of 2015!

Andrew Greer talks with CHRIS TOMLIN, KEITH GETTY, and JON and VALERIE GUERRA on making new connections with each other, and with God at Christmastime—CCM’s “Christmas & Communion,” Part 2. KIRK FRANKLIN always plays to win—like he’s got everything to lose. These days, he’s actually thinking a little more about losing, but not in the way you might think. CCM travels to the Big Apple to experience TOBYMAC and his DiverseCity Band, along with friends Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, and Hollyn.

The secrets to NATALIE GRANT’s successes, and how a simple shift in perspective led to authentic freedom. In what is fast becoming a CCM Magazine tradition, one of our very favorite singer-songwriter’s and author’s, ANDREW GREER, invites us to sit in on his Christmastime conversations with fellow artists and friends (featuring MERCYME, LAURA STORY & POINT OF GRACE). REND COLLECTIVE is completing a very productive 2015—but for a band that’s enjoyed their most successful year to date, are they beginning to lose their focus?

Front man Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. discusses the band’s latest album, their ongoing struggle to prove their faith in the face of controversy, and reveals the true cost of life on the road. Affirmed pastor, author MAX LUCADO expounds on the illustrations of Joshua and asks, “Why do we deny ourselves our inheritance, our glory?” Releasing his second album featuring vertical enhancements to seasonal classics, renown worship leader PAUL BALOCHE continues to challenge us to make Christmas a season of worship. FREE resources for worship leaders inside!

For LAUREN DAIGLE, it’s been quite a journey for the now three-time Dove Award-winning songstress. How did surrender play a part in such a successful and whirlwind rookie season? As the tussle of deadline and disorder fuels the fire, front man Michael Sweet explains why STRYPER is far from delivering their final blows. Will we ever be good enough to be welcome in God’s presence? How did the Israelites conquer Jericho? Why are believers continually divided? GATEWAY WORSHIP on tearing down our walls. PLUS—2015 Christmas Gift Guide!

We can all relate to an old and meaningful song, what musical throwbacks were behind the inspiration of “Unashamed” for BUILDING 429 and lead singer JASON ROY? Can JON FOREMAN’s latest musical journey accurately provide the soundtrack to the sunlights, shadows, darknesses and dawns of our lives? The classically-trained ANNIE MOSES BAND is all grown up and reimagining the musical landscape of American history. From the mind (and heart) of a former police officer and youth leader, “AMAZING GRACE” is the story of John Newton’s life like you’ve never seen it before!

BIG DADDY WEAVE experiences post-redemption progress. P.O.D.’s Sonny Sandoval asks, “When will it be over?” Preview a chapter from CINDY MORGAN’s new book. In The Studio with Modern Day Cure. In Review: Building 429, Nichole Nordeman, Cindy Morgan, Jon Foreman + more!

How do you determine which way to go when you need direction? JASON CRABB relies on a single map. Priorities, risks, doubts & payoffs. CRYSTAL LEWIS has learned some things about them all, & is ready to share. Mid-stride on her way to the top, TASHA COBBS was suddenly hit with a great loss. What was it that got her through?

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the September 1, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Sidewalk Prophets, Jason Crabb, Mercy Me’s Bart Millard, and more!

TOBYMAC shares the challenges and deep rewards of loving—his family, his fans, his art, people in need—and his focused approach to togetherness and human connection. After the highs and lows found in mainstream success, JASON ALVAREZ only needed Jesus to turn shame and crying into sweet redemption. What Is Belief? Author BARNABAS PIPER poses this question and more in his new book Help My Unbelief: Why Doubt Is Not The Enemy Of Faith (David C. Cook). Enjoy the special preview excerpt inside.

Despite ongoing and often debilitating battles with anxiety, JOSH WILSON charges onward to use the spotlight as a means to share God’s goodness. It’s rare when a younger sibling gets to go first; however, Jamie Grace’s big sister MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS has found her voice and now has an album of her own. We catch a firsthand glimpse of the new album Fresh Start by RYAN STEVENSON and witness an artist at the peak of his creative arc.

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the July 15, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Marvin Sapp, Jimmy Needham, Mike Farris and more!

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the July 1, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Owl City, Blanca, Kevin Max, and more!

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the June 15, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Chris Tomlin, KB, Jason Crabb and more!

The story behind the title track for MATT REDMAN’s latest live album “Unbroken Praise” and more in this Part 1 (of 2) of CCMs interview. Displaying a strong sense of renewal, FIREFLIGHT dawns a new day with their latest release “INNOVA.” The newest Reach Records standout, KB, chats with CCM about music, ministry, golf, and community.

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the May 15, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Matthew West, Needtobreath, Audio Arenaline and more!

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL: Featuring Colton Dixon, Korey Cooper of Skillet, Laura Story, Dawn Michele of FireFlight, and Dan Bremnes. DAVID PHELPS: Finding freedom along faith’s journey—Part 1 of a Two-part interview. JOANNE CASH talks about new duets disc, faith, and her famous family.

HAWK NELSON express how they’re able to shine brighter than ever before with the release of their new album “Diamonds.” LAUREN DAIGLE’s got IT. Talent, youth, the looks—but this newcomer shows that she’s got faith & humility well beyond her years. A must-read for all creatives—DEREK JOHNSON talks about his approach in creating art for the glory of God and His church. With the STORYSONG label, MARK WAGNER explains his unique approach in marrying music with helping the least of these.

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the April 1, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Chris August, I Am They, Sandra Crouch and more!

With 20+ years now under their belt, Mac Powell says THIRD DAY isn’t slowing down any time soon. Finding the light: Reliving the pain from darkness produces best RED album to date. BRITT NICOLE Excerpt: The now mother-of-two talks about her remixes album and juggling music and family life.

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the March 1, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring Mat Kearney, Donald Miller, The Brilliance and more!

Summer camp, frisbee golf, house concerts—rekindling the flames of Young Life days to inspire BRANDON HEATH’s “No Turning Back.” A celebration of DARLENE ZSCHECH’s favorite worship songs and how her fight with cancer ignited new perspectives on songwriting. One-half of the promising new duo THE GRAY HAVENS shares his thoughts on effective storytelling through song.

Despite unprecedented successes over a decade-plus run in the Christian music biz, even the laser-focused JEREMY CAMP uttered the question “What’s it all for?” Find out how a risky trip across the globe ultimately led to his renewal. FIREFLIGHT brings an all new arsenal of sound and support for the recording and upcoming release of their aptly titled studio album “INNOVA.”

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the January 15, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring:
CCM United with Stan Moser
Abandon
and more!

Get a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of the January 1, 2015 edition of CCM Magazine, featuring the Top Feature Stories, Songs, Albums, and Singles of 2014, Critic’s Choice Awards, and more!