Feel the divine connection.
Bethel Music, a leading force in modern worship for over two decades, has released their latest album, We Must Respond. This live album, recorded at the Cascade Theatre in Redding, California, features 18 tracks that focus on gratitude and worship as vital responses to God’s goodness. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” the album encourages believers to immerse themselves in worship, embracing a journey of surrender and praise.
Jenn Johnson, co-founder of Bethel Music, shared that the album’s vision stemmed from a question by her father-in-law, Pastor Bill Johnson: “How can we not respond?” She emphasized that God’s continuous acts of grace, forgiveness, and love make gratitude and worship a natural response for Christians. Johnson highlighted the album’s structure as a deliberate progression, urging listeners to experience it in full to grasp its overarching message of God’s faithfulness.
The project features collaborations with well-known artists like Brooke Ligertwood, Abbie Gamboa, and Aodhán King. Tracks such as “Even Though I Walk,” led by Hannah McClure, address themes of victory over fear and death, offering hope to listeners navigating pain and challenges. A standout song, “Church,” calls for unity within the global Christian community, encouraging believers to set aside divisions and embrace collaboration across denominations, making it a prophetic message for 2025.
In addition to the album’s release, Bethel Music continues to impact the worship landscape with a Grammy nomination for their song Holy Forever, performed by Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans. The group is also expanding their reach by creating music specifically for children, aiming to instill faith in younger generations. Johnson emphasized the importance of worshiping across all stages of life and fostering intergenerational connections within the Church.
Through We Must Respond, Bethel Music invites believers worldwide to deepen their relationship with God. Johnson stressed the need for personal connection with God through prayer, Scripture, and worship, encouraging Christians to actively pursue their faith. She reminded listeners that God desires to speak to them directly, urging them to lean into His Word and seek His presence daily. This album serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of worship and gratitude.