Home Christian News Chris Tomlin Releases New Album, Stands Behind Decision To Tour With Hillsong...

Chris Tomlin Releases New Album, Stands Behind Decision To Tour With Hillsong United

Chris Tomlin
Screengrab via YouTube @christomlinmusic

Award winning Christian contemporary musician and worship leader Chris Tomlin has released his 17th studio album, titled “Always.” He is set to continue touring alongside Hillsong United this fall. 

Tomlin, who has won 23 Dove Awards and one Grammy, is well known for worship songs such as “How Great Is Our God,” “Our God,” and “Holy is the Lord.” His music has been used by church worship leaders in the United States and around the world for decades.

Regarding his latest album, the 50-year-old Nashville resident told The Christian Post that he chose the word that would define the title track with great intention. 

“When we think about worship, in the one word—’always’—how powerful,” Tomlin said. “It says so much; the word ‘always’ means eternal, everlasting, infinite, faithful. There are not a lot of things in our life that are ‘always.’ Most things end. Many things fail in this world.”

RELATED: Hillsong Interim Pastor Phil Dooley Addresses Lawsuit Against Church; Brian Houston Preaches Comeback Sermon at Seattle Church

“In these songs, what we do is eternal; we are joining in the eternal song of Heaven that never stops. Hopefully, people grab that when they hear this music. It’s a reminder of like, ‘Wow, I come before an always faithful, always present God,’” Tomlin went on to say. “25 years or so of [being] out there playing and touring and traveling, and you think, ‘Wow, every time I make music, it feels like there’s so much more, there are so many more songs, so much more to say.”

As Tomlin’s new album releases, he is preparing for the fall leg of his “Tomlin United” tour, in which he is co-headlining alongside Hillsong United. 

Last fall, the tour came under criticism for offering “VIP” ticket packages, with some accusing the worship leader of being too commercialistic. The tour later adjusted its marketing material to remove the term “VIP.” 

RELATED: Eminem, DJ Khaled Reach Number 1 on Billboard Christian Song Chart

Tomlin’s touring partner has also come under increased scrutiny in light of a string of scandals involving Hillsong Church’s now-former global senior pastor Brian Houston, as well as accusations of financial impropriety on the part of Hillsong Church leadership. Brian Houston’s son, Joel Houston, leads the worship band. 

Nevertheless, Tomlin stands behind both the tour and Hillsong United, revealing to The Christian Post that Hillsong offered to let him back out of the tour in light of emerging scandals.