Every believer has signposts for his journey in faith. For songwriter and worship leader Paul Baloche, his spiritual journey is marked by songs. But not just any songs. Paul’s music has moved from personal touchstones to collective signposts for the church. Intimate prayers that have become global anthems for millions of believers. Songs birthed from his journey that reflect our own. “Songwriting is a big part of my spiritual life,” Paul shares. “It helps me go deeper with God. It helps me fix my mind on Jesus, to set my mind on things above. It keeps my own heart fresh and alive, for myself, my family, and the church.” In Paul’s spiritual walk, the church is both a beacon and the passion that fuels his own journey. “When I’m writing songs,” Paul says, “I think, ‘Will this help the church worship God? Will this help people connect with Him?’ I want to make music that they can believe in.” And the church has responded. Paul is one of the most acclaimed songwriters of our time. The winner of multiple Dove Awards, he is also the artist behind radio standards including “Because of Your Love,” “Hosanna (Praise is Rising),” and “Our God Saves.” And he is the writer of top-ranking CCLI songs and modern-day classics such as “Above All,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “A New Hallelujah,” “Your Name” and “Glorious.” In short, Paul writes songs that the whole church sings. It’s a calling he doesn’t take lightly. “When I’m writing worship songs,” Paul explains, “I realize that I’m putting words into the mouths of God’s people. I’m giving them a vocabulary to sing back to God. And when they sing those words, hopefully it will act as a catalyst in their hearts, so something will happen in them. Because when we sing something, it goes down deep into our soul.” Paul’s songs have been featured on recordings by Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman, Casting Crowns and Phillips Craig & Dean among others. They are also featured on his own critically acclaimed albums including: Your Mercy, LIVE, The Same Love, Christmas Worship (Volumes 1&2 and Live From London), Our God Saves, A Greater Song and the French albums Glorieux and Ovuvre Les Yeux De Mon Coeur. In addition to being a prolific songwriter, Paul facilitates “LeadWorship” workshops around the globe and he has developed a variety of resource/training DVDs for worship teams. He is also the author of the books, God Songs: How to Write and Select Songs for Worship and The Same Love: A Devotion. Additional information on Paul is available at www.leadworship.com. You may follow Paul on Twitter at twitter.com/paulbaloche.
