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Paul Baloche has written some of this generation’s most compelling worship songs—songs that have become the soundtrack for believers all over the world in times of worship both corporate and private. His approach to his calling is simple, yet profound: “The best worship songs come as a byproduct of worship.”
But first and foremost, Paul Baloche is a worshipper. Whether leading worship in his home church in Texas, standing on a stage in a foreign country singing with other believers, or praising God in the privacy of his own home, worshipping God is simply what Paul does. And it’s that heart for God that fuels his creativity as a songwriter and manifests itself in his recordings.
“I’ve realized the value of creating personal worship times. Even though I teach worship, read about it, and sing about it,” says Paul. “It’s like prayer. We can talk about prayer, go to prayer seminars, but there comes a time where we need to just ‘DO IT’. We were created for His pleasure. We were created for relationship with the living God. That’s the reality.”
For Paul, living in that reality has inspired him to write some our most powerful contemporary worship songs including “Open the Eyes of My Heart” (ranked 4th in CCLI’s Top 25), “Hosanna,” and “Above All” (winner of a Dove Award for Inspirational Song of the Year). As a bridge builder between traditional and contemporary worship, Paul has literally put words in the mouths of believers all over the world. And numerous well-known artists have recorded his songs, including Michael W. Smith, Randy Travis, SonicFlood and John Tesh.
Fellow songwriter and President of Integrity Music Don Moen says he is astounded at Paul’s gift for songwriting. “Paul continues to amaze me with his ability to write songs that connect with so many people and give voice to the cries of the heart. As a worship leader, he understands the need for songs that embrace sound doctrine and universal themes, songs that are transgenerational and transcultural.”
Pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren adds, “Paul Baloche has the hand of God on his songwriting and worship leading. His music is a great gift to the Body of Christ.”
As an artist, Paul has recorded numerous albums including seven solo projects with Integrity Music. His latest release, Our God Saves, is a 12-track CD recorded at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, where Paul has served as worship pastor for more than 18 years.
Our God Saves features new songs written or co-written by Paul, along with a new rendition of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.” As with his critically-acclaimed 2006 album A Greater Song, Paul once again collaborates with fellow songwriters including Matt Redman, Brenton Brown, Kathryn Scott and Glenn Packiam (Desperation Band). The CD also features guest vocals from Lincoln Brewster, Redman, Packiam, and Scott, as well as Paul’s wife Rita and son David.
“From beginning to end, this project was created out of close relationships,” said Paul. “It was such a privilege to write the songs with friends and peers who I respect and love…the essence of life is about our relationships. The essence of worship is about our relationship with God.”
