Brandon Lake has become one of the biggest names in Christian music, but if you ask him what matters most, it isn’t the awards, the sold-out arenas or the billions of streams. It’s whether his music opens the door for someone to encounter Jesus.
During a recent interview with CBS Mornings, the six-time Grammy Award-winning worship leader shared the heart behind his rapidly growing platform, explaining that every concert is designed to be something much deeper than entertainment.
“This isn’t just about entertainment,” Lake said. “This is like an encounter. People’s lives are being changed. They’re walking out better than they came in.”
For the 36-year-old artist, whose latest live album, King of Hearts, has continued his remarkable rise in Christian music, every song carries a purpose beyond the stage.
“I feel like music is what God has called me to, the gift that He’s given me, and that’s how I’m able to share this message and reach people,” he said.
That message has clearly resonated. CBS reported that Lake has amassed more than 4 billion streams while filling arenas across the country. Collaborations with artists including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson have introduced his music to audiences far beyond traditional Christian circles.
But Lake says those partnerships aren’t simply about expanding his career.
“Here’s the thing,” he said. “The songs are cool, but I think God loves collaborations.”
Raised as a preacher’s kid in South Carolina, Lake says his parents helped shape his understanding of what church should be.
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“My parents just—they made it fun,” he recalled. “And I think what church is supposed to really be about, and that’s community and sharing and everything that you have.”
That same spirit of community carried him through the earliest days of his ministry. Unable to afford recording his first independent album, Closer, Lake launched an unconventional fundraiser, promising supporters he would tattoo their last names on his leg in exchange for financial backing.
“So I have 23 last names tattooed on my thigh,” he said with a laugh. “I was willing to do anything short of sin to get this record done.”
While his ministry flourished, however, Lake revealed that success brought an unexpected battle.
“When I didn’t have the next songwriting invite or I didn’t have the next song I was excited about or the next show, I started to panic,” he said. “But I was too prideful to tell my wife what I was experiencing. So, I’m having some weird thoughts, dark thoughts.”
Looking back, he said one realization surprised him.
“I guess I’d say a lot of people’s lowest moments come from a low moment,” Lake reflected. “And mine came from a high moment.”
Through that difficult season, he says God, along with the support of his family and close friends, helped restore his perspective. Today, much of that balance comes from spending time with his wife and three sons on their South Carolina farm.
Perhaps the most compelling moment of the interview came when Lake explained why he intentionally writes songs that invite rather than condemn.
Asked what his music offers people who may not consider themselves religious or even believers, Lake pointed to the power of personal testimony instead of pressure.
“The best thing I can do is offer my story, what God has done in my life, and allow God to do the rest,” he said. “Like I’m not out here trying to beat people with a Bible and, you know, fire and brimstone. I don’t think that’s effective.”
Instead, he believes every song can become an invitation to something greater.
“I think my songs are offerings,” Lake said. “And they’re open doors.”
In a culture increasingly skeptical of Christianity, that perspective offers a refreshing reminder for believers. Lake’s approach reflects the heart of Jesus—meeting people where they are, sharing what God has done and trusting the Holy Spirit to transform lives.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
