For more than three decades, Chris Tomlin has helped shape the sound of modern worship. Through songs such as "How Great Is Our God," "Indescribable," "Our God," and "Holy Forever," the Texas-born songwriter has given millions of believers language to express their faith. Yet despite his global influence, Tomlin says the defining moments of his ministry began long before sold-out arenas, chart-topping songs, or international tours. In a recent conversation with worship leader Todd Galberth, Tomlin reflected on the experiences that shaped his calling, the prophetic words that guided him, and the importance of remaining humble in ministry.
One of the most significant moments occurred when Tomlin was just an eighth grader attending a church youth camp. During a worship service filled with simple choruses, he experienced what he describes as a powerful encounter with God. Overwhelmed by the moment, he ran from the auditorium and across a field before stopping beneath a tree. There, alone with God, he prayed that whatever God wanted for his life, he would follow and serve Him. Looking back, Tomlin believes that prayer became a defining turning point that set the course for his future ministry.
Years later, another pivotal moment came while he was leading worship at a youth event as a high school senior. By his own admission, he had little experience and was relying on handwritten note cards containing song lyrics and guitar chords. At the conclusion of the event, the speaker shared a prophetic word that would stay with Tomlin for decades. Although he was not yet writing songs, the speaker prayed that God would make him "a psalm writer for his generation" and predicted that his songs would one day be sung around the world. Tomlin recalls the experience as a profound affirmation of a calling he had not yet fully understood.
Throughout the interview, Tomlin emphasized the unique power of worship to lift believers beyond themselves and direct their attention toward God. He described worship as a reminder that Christians belong to a greater Kingdom and a larger story than their present circumstances. Unlike other forms of music, worship is ultimately directed toward a living God, creating an encounter that transforms both the worshiper and the community gathered together. For Tomlin, helping people experience that reality has remained the driving force behind his ministry for more than thirty years.
When asked which of his songs means the most to him, Tomlin pointed to "How Great Is Our God." He admitted that he did not initially realize the impact the song would have when he first wrote it. Over time, however, he watched it transcend cultures, generations, and languages, becoming one of the most widely sung worship songs in the world. Today, however, he says his favorite song to lead is "Holy Forever," a worship anthem that he believes helps congregations join the eternal praise of heaven and focus entirely on the holiness of God.
Tomlin also shared stories behind some of his best-known songs. He explained that many of his compositions emerged directly from Scripture, including "We Fall Down," which was inspired by Revelation 4 after hearing a message from longtime friend and ministry partner Louie Giglio. Another memorable story involved "Indescribable," originally written by Laura Story. Tomlin recalled being immediately captivated by the song and later fighting to preserve its concluding lyric when radio programmers suggested shortening the track. For Tomlin, the line "You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same" captured the heart of the song and was worth defending.
Perhaps the most important advice Tomlin offered was directed toward young worship leaders navigating an era increasingly shaped by social media, personal branding, and celebrity culture. His encouragement was simple: "Stay low." He stressed that God is not primarily looking for the most talented or gifted people but for hearts that are fully devoted to Him. While acknowledging the challenges of public ministry, Tomlin urged aspiring leaders to cultivate humility and remember that worship is ultimately about pointing people toward Christ rather than drawing attention to themselves.
To illustrate the point, Tomlin shared an analogy he has carried for years. When asked how he reconciles public recognition with a ministry focused on God, he compared himself to the moon. The moon has no light of its own; it simply reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, Tomlin believes his calling is not to generate attention for himself but to reflect the glory of God. It is a perspective that has sustained him through decades of ministry and continues to shape his approach to worship today.
After more than thirty years of leading worship around the world, Tomlin remains grateful for the opportunities God has provided. Yet his story ultimately returns to the same prayer he offered beneath a tree as a young teenager. Long before the awards, albums, and anthems sung by millions, there was simply a young believer asking God to use his life however He saw fit. For Tomlin, that prayer remains the foundation of everything that followed.
