It’s All About the Experience Paul Baloche on how the right attitude, technology, and people maximize the message By Mark Hutchins (You can also read this article with all the photos here) You have 20-plus years of experience as a worship leader. What place do you think technology should have in worship — from services to musical performances? All technology needs to serve the goal of helping to create an environment that makes it easier for people to connect with God. Technology, when done well, can really enhance the experience. It’s almost the same thing as songwriting; it’s a fine line where, when you’re writing a worship song, you want the congregation singing the song to feel like it’s a natural, organic prayer that they’re singing to God. But if you cross the line where the song is just drawing all the attention to itself, then it’s not more
Every believer has signposts for their journey in faith. The day we encounter our Savior. The challenges that uncover our deep need for Him. The moments we experience God’s faithfulness.
For Paul Baloche, this spiritual journey is marked by songs. But not just any songs. Music that has moved from personal touchstones to collective signposts for the church. Intimate prayers that have become global anthems for millions of believers. Songs birthed from his journey that reflect our own.
“Songwriting is a big part of my spiritual life,” Paul shares. “It helps me go deeper with God. It helps me fix my mind on Jesus, to set my mind on things above. It keeps my own heart fresh and alive, for myself, my family, and the church.”
In Paul’s spiritual walk, the church is both a beacon and the passion that fuels his own journey.
“When I’m writing songs,” Paul says, “I think, ‘Will this help the church worship God? Will this help people connect with Him?’ I want to make music that they can believe in.”
And the church has responded. Paul is one of the most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters of our time. A two-time Dove Award winner and multiple nominee. The artist of radio standards including “Because of Your Love,” “Hosanna (Praise is Rising),” and “Our God Saves.” The writer of top-ranking CCLI songs and modern-day classics such as “Above All,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” and “Your Name.” In short, Paul writes songs that the church sings. It’s a calling he doesn’t take lightly.
“When I’m writing worship songs,” Paul notes, “I realize that I’m putting words into the mouths of God’s people. I’m giving them a vocabulary to sing back to God. And when they sing those words, hopefully it will act as a catalyst in their heart, so something will happen in them. Because when we sing something, it goes down deep into our soul.”
Now Paul is celebrating 20 years as the worship pastor at Community Fellowship in Lindale, Texas. It’s a testament to Paul’s commitment to community, in both the local church and the body of Christ. In celebration of Paul’s landmark journey in music and ministry, Integrity Music is proud to present Glorious, an all-new collection of songs that reflect his heart, and his passion for the church. As with all of his recordings, Glorious encouraged Paul to examine the road so far. “It’s an excuse and a reason to force my heart to go deeper, to reach down and say, ‘What do I believe now? What’s going on in my heart for real?’ I don’t want to just say words and phrases. So when I sing it, I believe it.”
The result is Paul’s trademark blend of music, ministry, and message, all interwoven with a unifying passion to draw the church closer to our Savior.
“Glorious is about the adventure of being led by a living, active God,” Paul says. “It’s about looking beyond the cross, to look behind the mystery, to see the risen Savior. For us to live in the new covenant idea, that Jesus Christ is alive in us. Instead of only looking back 2,000 years, we see the risen Christ now. Learning to be led by His Spirit, guided by His Spirit, and to discern the language of His Spirit.”
The songs highlight Paul’s ability to transform personal revelations into universal truths that resonate with every believer. The record’s title track suggests another anthem for the church, a song that looks back to one of Paul’s most memorable musical signposts. Paul recalls, “My pastor told me that ‘Glorious’ feels like an answer to ‘Open the Eyes of My Heart.’ That original cry of my heart. ‘Glorious’ paints a picture of seeing Jesus for who He is, as the risen Christ and the living God.”
First single “Just To Be With You” offers a different, though no less profound, view of our God and our reliance on Him.
“’Just To Be With You’ is about intimacy with God,”Paul says. “With all of the stuff in this world that overwhelms us, no matter what happens, all I want is to be with You as I’m walking through this life.”
“Shaken,” a powerful track written by Paul’s wife, Rita, acknowledges the uncertain times we live in, while sharing the solace found by resting in God, no matter what life brings.
“Life is going to shake us,” Paul says. “Storms are going to come. The only thing that’s going to remain is what we’ve invested in God; sinking our roots down deep into God’s Spirit.”
Filled with songs of hope, praise, and adoration, Glorious affirms Paul’s legacy as one of today’s premiere worship artists and songwriters. But Paul desires to give more than music to the church. Through leadworship.com, Paul is committed to encouraging and equipping the next generation of worship leaders. “I wanted to create a site where people could get ideas and resources, to address the need to create community and journey in churches. Instead of making Sunday morning worship a concert, I’m interested in making Sunday morning the un-concert. Through music, we want to help people connect with God, and make an environment where it’s easier to do that.”
Twenty years of music ministry. Twenty-three years of marriage. Nine worship recordings. Countless beloved songs. All remarkable signposts on a remarkable journey. As Paul reflects on the road so far, he remains committed as ever to what matters most. “I’m just trying to press into God, to keep my own heart right, and to encourage and help the church worship.”
Lincoln Brewster
After years of performing music that failed to offer life-changing power, Lincoln now combines his talents and determination to record songs that will minister to a new generation of believers.
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