THE TENNESSEAN: Chris Tomlin's new album 'Always' honors his timeless dedication to worship and service

Insofar as "The Answer," Tomlin offers that the title comes from his own belief that he's never been one to "have all the answers" when it comes to how people should practice their faith and fellowship -- "but my music does the work of someone who does," he adds.

"It's so easy to follow trends, but accepting the way God made you as a creator and staying in that lane allows an album like 'Always' to feel like a gift," says Tomlin.

In an era where Christian music is all-encompassing of many styles, Tomlin feels strongly about lyricism as the facet of the industry that remains ever-important to the success of not just his new album but music in general in the genre.

"The lyrics in these worship songs are simple enough to inspire fans to remember them and want to sing them nightly, weekly, or whenever they want," says Tomlin. He realizes the sheer number of top-selling artists currently back on the road. However, he says that by attempting to connect his fans' souls directly with the essence of spirituality, he's creating an "eternal" emotion that he respects as an "incredible, humbling privilege" greater than his ability to make hit songs.

The Grammy-winning artist's belief in the powers of community and collaboration has driven his career to unparalleled heights. Intriguingly, at present, the contemporary Christian music space is driven by collectives.

These include Brentwood, Tennessee-based Capitol Christian Music Group, where he
is signed alongside Jeremy Camp, Amy Grant, Mandisa, and TobyMac. Plus, he's a member of Atlanta, Georgia's globally-renowned Passion Conferences. The 25-year-old group attempts to "change the climate of faith around the globe" via music-driven ministry.

Notable as well in the CCM space are "Always" album partners Elevation Worship -- the worship ministry band of Charlotte, North Carolina-based and multi-site Elevation Church. As well, Atlanta-born ensemble Maverick City Music (with which the previously-mentioned Lake often performs) is among the leaders in nominations for 2022's Dove Awards with seven.

Tomlin feels that the success of creative spaces with unprecedented depth and scope in Christian music boils down to the governing influence and importance of developing "spaces that feel like church."

The singer-songwriter feels that this moment expands far beyond the church being defined as a brick-and-mortar worship building. Instead, he thinks that "church" can be best described

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as "people discovering the power of gathering together to help each other by spurring the worship of God."

"It's all about being with whoever, whenever. We all want more people to share God's grace and mercy. I'm proud that [Christian music] is doing this work," Tomlin adds.

When asked about "the work" that Christian music is excelling at doing of late, he relates a story regarding his meeting with a Syrian pastor.

"[The pastor said] that his life was threatened daily, and he started his day by playing an Arabic version of my (2013-released) song 'Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)' as a lifeline."

"Tears were flowing down my face when he said that," says Tomlin. "I wrote a song in my bedroom, and for this guy, it represents his faith and life in the face of death."

When thinking about his forthcoming album and career in total, he is grateful for a life defined by worship and service.

"My success is as big a surprise to me as it is to anyone. It still blows me away how my songs have stood the test of time with all of the constant touring and concerts. Beyond that though, the fact that my songs have become timeless without me even having to be present to sing them — that means the world to me."