As the church community expands, the popularity of praise and worship in music is on the rise, with new Christian artists consistently creating fresh melodies. In the digital age, where Christians are increasingly active on social media, discovering contemporary christian music has never been easier.
In 2025, the worship music genre underwent dynamic growth and evolution. While it maintains its core focus on songs that uplift and glorify the Lord, it has embraced diverse sounds, going beyond traditional boundaries. This article explores the pinnacle of this musical evolution, spotlighting the very best worship songs of 2025.
Drawing from the CCLI top 100 lists, these selections resonate as anthems in churches worldwide. They are fairly reflective of the collective heartbeat of Christians globally. The CCLI lists, representing a wide array of denominations, offer the most accurate gauge of song popularity as every church relies on CCLI for worship music.
Let’s dive in.
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Table of contents
Why Are These Songs Popular?
As I said in the introduction, the year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Christian music. Albums and artists across diverse genres dedicated their musical talents to glorifying God.
With the array of styles like R&B worship, Pop worship, Folk worship, and more, the question remains: what makes these top 10 songs so popular?
Style
In recent decades, worship music has undergone a transformation. It has shifted from classical hymns to embrace a pop-rock influence. Today, prevalent worship songs frequently incorporate guitars, including electric ones, drums, keys, and multiple vocal elements. The instrumentation not only captures a catchy essence akin to contemporary music but also showcases a solid foundation.
Lyrics
This evolution extends beyond the musical arrangement, as the lyrics of popular worship songs now stand out for their depth and resonance. They align with both the musical trends of the times and the spiritual messages they convey. Many of the most popular worship songs today are also heavily inspired by Scripture. The popularity of worship bands like Maverick City Music and UPPERROOM is evidence of this.
Popularity
As we explore our compilation of the top worship songs of 2025, you might discern patterns related to the genre, instrumentation, and lyrics of these great songs below. Identifying the elements that contribute to a worship song’s popularity can be beneficial when selecting tunes for a service or even when crafting your own musical expressions of worship.
Top 10 Worship Songs of 2025
These are the top 10 worship songs of 2025. While not all these songs came out last year, these were the most popular among churches worldwide. This data is taken from CCLI licensing.
1. Holy Forever
“Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin is a worship song about God’s eternal holiness. It reminds listeners that angels, creation, and people all praise God’s name forever. The lyrics focus on God’s greatness, power, and unchanging nature.
The melody is uplifting, creating a sense of awe and reverence. The song emphasizes that no matter the time or place, God is always worthy of worship. It is often sung in churches, helping believers connect with God through praise. With its simple yet powerful message, “Holy Forever” encourages people to join in worship, declaring God’s holiness for all eternity.
2. Goodness of God
“Goodness of God” is currently the second most popular worship song in the world! Crafted by the talented pens of Jenn Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Ben Fielding, and Brian Johnson, this worship hit from worship band Bethel Music is a heartstring-tugger. It has become a staple in Sunday services, impacting Christians with its genuine lyrics expressing gratitude for God’s unwavering goodness.
From the highs to the lows, this song is like a spiritual anchor, reminding you that God’s goodness is the real deal. The melody is catchy, the lyrics are like a conversation with a dear friend, and when the whole congregation belts it out, there’s this shared warmth that’s hard to put into words. “Goodness of God” is more than a song. It’s a heartfelt expression of faith, a reminder that even in life’s rollercoaster, God’s goodness is a constant.
3. Gratitude
Thirdly, “Gratitude” by worship leader Brandon Lake is a musical journey of appreciation and praise, adding a fresh perspective to the landscape of worship music. Known for his association with Bethel Music, Brandon Lake’s solo venture beautifully captures the essence of gratitude through soul-stirring lyrics and emotive melodies.
After releasing to a global audience, the song has quickly become a cherished favorite in worship communities. Its powerful simplicity and Lake’s heartfelt delivery make “Gratitude” an accessible and resonant anthem. The lyrics, expressing thankfulness for God’s love and faithfulness, create an atmosphere of heartfelt worship. With its compelling combination of authenticity and musicality, the song invites listeners to reflect on the goodness of the Holy Spirit and respond with a spirit of gratitude.
4. Trust in God
“Trust in God” by Elevation Worship is a song about having faith in God no matter what happens. The lyrics remind listeners that God is always in control and never fails. It speaks of trusting God in both good and hard times, knowing He is faithful. The melody is strong and uplifting, helping believers feel encouraged.
The song’s message is simple: no matter the struggles, God is with us, and we can rely on Him. Many churches sing it to build faith and remind people to put their trust in God’s promises every day.
5. Great Are You Lord
“Great Are You Lord” is a heartfelt anthem sung every week by thousands around the world. It was written by worship leaders Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan, and David Leonard, but popularized by All Sons & Daughters. Released in 2012, it’s become a go-to for many Sunday sing-alongs.
With its simple yet powerful lyrics and a melody that feels like a warm embrace, the song captures the essence of awe and admiration for God. We are reminded of His greatness and that He is holy forever. Whether you’re in a big church or a small gathering, “Great Are You Lord” has this magical way of making you feel connected to something much bigger than yourself.
6. Firm Foundation
“Firm Foundation” by Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore and Cody Carnes) is a worship song about trusting in Jesus as our solid foundation. The lyrics remind listeners that no matter what storms come in life, Jesus never fails. He is strong, steady, and unshakable.
The song encourages believers to build their lives on Christ because He will always be there. The melody is powerful, filled with faith and hope. It speaks of God’s faithfulness in every season, whether in joy or struggle. Many churches sing it to remind people that Jesus is their rock, their safe place.
The message is simple yet deep—when we stand on Christ, we can never be shaken.
7. Praise
“Praise” by Elevation Worship is a joyful worship song that encourages people to praise God in every situation. Released in 2023 as part of the Can You Imagine? album, the song is energetic and uplifting. The lyrics remind listeners that no matter what they face, God is always worthy of praise.
It speaks about trusting God, celebrating His goodness, and lifting His name high. The melody is lively, creating a powerful atmosphere of worship. Many churches sing “Praise” to inspire joy and faith. The song’s message is simple—praise isn’t just for good times but for every moment, because God never changes. It encourages believers to keep praising, knowing that God is always faithful.
8. Graves Into Gardens
“Graves Into Gardens” is the eighth most popular worship song in 2025. It was co-written by Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Tiffany Hudson, and Tré Vaughn. Released in 2020, only three years ago, this Elevation Worship hit has resonated globally for its powerful lyrics and dynamic sound.
The song explores themes of redemption and renewal, expressing a profound desire for God to turn brokenness into beauty. Its emotive melody and heartfelt chorus create an atmosphere of surrender and expectation.
“Graves Into Gardens” has become a cornerstone in contemporary worship, inviting believers to anticipate God’s grace and transformative power and trust in His ability to bring new life out of despair. This makes it a resonant and impactful addition to worship playlists worldwide.
9. Build My Life
“Build My Life” is a contemporary worship masterpiece co-written by Pat Barrett, Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, and Matt Redman. Released in 2016, the song swiftly became a cornerstone in Christian worship circles. Its profound lyrics delve into surrender and commitment, offering a heartfelt declaration to build one’s life upon the unwavering foundation of God’s love.
The melody, with its soaring dynamics, enhances the song’s emotive impact. Its popularity is not just musical; it resonates as a profound prayer, inviting believers to consecrate their lives to the Creator. “Build My Life” serves as a transcendent expression of faith, fostering a sense of devotion and unity among Christians worldwide.
Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to inspire worshipers to construct their lives on the cornerstone of God’s amazing grace.s worldwide, as they gather to celebrate the joy and holiness found in the house of the Almighty.
10. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
In 2011, Matt Redman composed the smash hit worship song, “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”. Rooted in gratitude and praise, the song’s simple yet profound lyrics invite believers to bless the Lord for countless reasons.
Its catchy melody, coupled with a memorable chorus, creates an atmosphere of heartfelt worship. Inspired by Psalm 103, the song resonates globally, transcending denominational boundaries. “10,000 Reasons” has become a staple in Christian worship, celebrated for its sincerity and ability to lead congregations into a powerful moment of adoration, making it a cherished and enduring addition to contemporary christian music.
Using These Songs in Your Services
The top worship songs of 2025 are truly incredible! But, if you’re wondering how to incorporate them into your church services, it’s essential to note that playing worship songs from other artists during services isn’t permitted without proper licensing. Churches are required to pay licensing fees to use worship songs published by other artists through CCLI during their services.
Process
Fortunately, the procedure is both affordable and straightforward, provided you have an efficient system in place. Firstly, make sure you include the copyright information for each printed or projected copy of the song. If you’re displaying multiple slides, it suffices to present this information once at the outset.
Under the licensing agreement, your church is obligated to report its copying activities over a six-month period during its designated turn, which occurs every two and a half years. Prior to your turn, you’ll be notified via email or mail. Reporting is a simple task. Just visit their reporting website and as long as you are doing regular updates, it should only take a few minutes.
Royalties
Although it might appear a bit inconvenient, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of compensating the original creators of Christian songs with royalties for their creative efforts. If you’re incorporating someone else’s worship song, it likely means you appreciate the powerful piece they’ve provided for your service.
The most effective way to express gratitude and reciprocate for the impact their work has in your church is by utilizing the CCLI system. This ensures they receive due compensation for the hard work they invested.
Queries
If you or someone in your church has additional questions about the system, such as if you are allowed to change lyrics or use songs during church live streams, check out the CCLI Q&A. They also have some song resources if you are interested.
Most Popular Worships Songs 2025
And there you have them – the standout worship songs of 2025! We trust that this list provides a snapshot of the current favorites and sheds light on the CCLI system. For those seeking additional worship resources, explore our guidance on cultivating a seamless worship experience, both online and offline.
God bless you and your church!
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