Renowned worship artist Chris Tomlin shares new music at Convocation

One of the world’s most influential Christian recording artists, Chris Tomlin, visited Liberty University’s Convocation on Monday to host an album release party for his latest project, “Love Ran Red,” which released Oct. 27.

David Nasser, Liberty’s senior vice president for Spiritual Development and a close friend of Tomlin’s, introduced Tomlin as someone whose “songs are sung (during worship) more often than any other artist’s.”

Tomlin began writing worship songs at age 14. Since then he has won a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, 21 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and two Billboard Music awards. Tomlin currently holds six spots in the Church Copyright License (CCLI) list of top 25 Christian songs (as determined by song license requests from churches worldwide).

CNN called Tomlin “the undisputed king of worship music” and reports that CCLI estimates that each Sunday in the United States between 60,000 and 120,000 churches are singing Tomlin’s songs.

Tomlin currently serves as a worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Ga., with pastor and founder of the Passion Movement, Louie Giglio, who will visit Liberty’s Convocation on Friday.

During Monday’s Convocation, the crowd of more than 10,000 students lifted their voices as Tomlin performed some of his most recognized songs, including “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies),” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).” Tomlin also debuted new releases from “Love Ran Red,” such as “At the Cross (Love Ran Red),” “Jesus, This Is You,” and “Jesus Loves Me.”

Tomlin introduced his song, “Jesus Loves Me” by telling the audience that he originally thought its lyrics were too simple to hold listeners’ attention. However, he soon realized the song fit perfectly within the new album, which focuses on God’s greatness and grace.

“I think everything this university is trying to tell you and everything this song is trying to tell you … it’s really that simple,” Tomlin said. “This song is such a personal song and (it represents) all of our journeys.”

Following Convocation, students had the opportunity to purchase “Love Ran Red” at a discounted price.