For more than two decades, Yancy has been helping children and families encounter God through music that is both biblically grounded and joyfully engaging. A Dove Award-winning artist, songwriter, and worship leader, she has built a ministry that bridges generations, creating songs that resonate with young listeners while remaining meaningful for parents and church communities.
Now, with her new recording of "What An Awesome God," inspired by Phil Wickham's reimagining of Rich Mullins' beloved classic, Yancy is bringing a timeless message of God's greatness to a new generation. In this conversation, she reflects on childhood memories of singing "Awesome God," the unexpected role her son Rhythm played in inspiring the recording, and why worship music continues to unite believers of all ages.
Listen to the song here.
Q: "What An Awesome God" reimagines a song that has already impacted generations of worshippers. What made this the right moment for you to record your own version of the song?
Yes, well there's two layers. First off, my youngest son fell in love with the song. He was always telling me request it at church for his class on Sundays. I knew the song was striking a chord with him and knew there would be other kids like him that connect with the song. I also had a friend in ministry text me one day saying she really felt like God was saying I needed to record this one. I don't normally record covers everyt ime someone requests it but I knew this text from a friend carried some weight so I went to work.
Q: You've shared that "Awesome God" was actually your first solo as a child. What memories come back to you when you hear the song today, and how has its meaning changed over the years?
For sure, I can picture the sanctuary and some of the faces of friends from nearly 38 or so years ago when I think of the original or see Rich's album cover from that time. It's just this song that has been used and sung in churches over the years. The original chorus is threaded through many different seasons of life. It is the modern generation's "Amazing Grace". I think this new version proves there's still so much life for this song to be sung.
Q: Phil Wickham's updated version introduced the song to a whole new audience. What stood out to you most about the new verses and fresh approach to the classic?
The lyrics to the new verses are much more approachable...at least more so for corporate worship. Truthfully one of the things I love about the original is the poetic creativity of the verses. You'll never convince me "When He rolled up HIs sleeves He ain't just putting on the ritz" and "There is lighting in HIs footsteps and thunder in His fists" isn't fantastic lyric writing. It is. I love those lyrics so much. But I don't know that even Rich wrote those lyrics for a corporate worship setting. CCM in the 80's was in a very different place than the worship influx of current times. So, I think Phil's version is the best of both worlds. Something a little more approachable to sing with of course Rich's timeless chorus.
Q: Your son Rhythm discovering the song without knowing the original seems like such a special full-circle moment. How did watching him connect with it shape your decision to record it for kids and families?
Yes, he of course just thought it was a new song. I of course played him the original but did not get the reaction I wanted. He shrugged it off and said he liked the other one better. Rhythm is nine years old. This song is about the power and greatness of God. I think Rhythm falling in love with the song just made me aware there would be other kids just like him that would do the same. It felt like a for such a time as this type moment.
Q: You've spent years creating worship music specifically for children while also leading worship for entire families. What do you think makes worship music truly connect across generations?
I've experienced adult worship songs that still connect and get sung by younger ages of kids and students. I also have written and led kids in a song I wrote specifically for their ages but when it's a catchy song and hooky melody filled with truth you find adults enjoy it too. The Bible is the same regardless of age. There's not an adult Bible, teenage Bible, elementary years Bible, etc. The truth of the Bible is the same. It's also true for music. You can take a big Biblical truth and cut it down to be approachable for whatever age you're focused on. I liken it to when your family grills out steaks. Everyone in the family might be eating the same cut of meat. What's different is the size of their portion and the bites they eat it in. The meat is the same. The bite size is what changes. So that's how I approach leading worship for families. The truth is when songs are catchy and have something to connect with all ages will join in. I find that true in the worship I get to lead across generations.
Q: From Dove Awards to writing chart-topping songs and leading worship around the country, your journey has touched so many people. How has your personal faith continued to guide and sustain you through every season of ministry and music?
I'm just a girl that loves Jesus and wants to be obedient in what He asks me to do. I'm a big Church girl and love doing things to help build the Kingdom. Over the years that has evolved and changed who my music is for or other resources and projects I create. But, at this point in the journey I realize it's never been less about me and more about Him. It could feel like it took me a long way to get to this place. I understand the refining and purifying work that has been done to my heart and motives. I love my local church and being a part of it. I love the songs I've written and recorded and how those bless churches all around the world every Sunday. I think my why for doing what I do has never been purer and that's because of the daily choice to trust God and His plans for me. Success is obedience. That's where I'm focused at this point.
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