2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards: Worship Song of the Year Nominees

Asserting that God is always moving, always working and always going before us, Elevation Worship’s “God Is Not Against Me” expands on the foundational promise that the Lord will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). The group’s Jonsal Barrientes leads the first verse, while key Elevation member Tiffany Hudson helms the song’s second stanza. Written by Brandon Lake, Chris Davenport, Steven Furtick and Pat Barrett, “God Is Not Against Me” appears on the K-LOVE Fan Award-winning group’s latest LP, “When Wind Meets Fire.”

Scoring their first nod for Worship Song of the Year, Elevation Rhythm bids farewell to old ways on “Goodbye Yesterday,” the lead single from their new album, “Victory Lap,” out May 23. Featuring emerging worship artist Gracie Binion, the vibrant track boasts a cheerful, bouncy chorus as Elevation Worship’s sister collective leaves the past behind to embrace new life in Christ singing, “I’m dancing on the grave that I once lived in.” Meanwhile, well-known hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” is interpolated into the bridge, helping to illustrate the transformation that takes place when we begin a personal relationship with Jesus.

JWLKRS Worship elevates the name above every name on “In the Name of Jesus.” The group’s GRAMMY®-nominated single emphasizes the power found in declaring the name of our Creator over our circumstances and our very lives. The collective’s Noah Schnacky — a former actor and country music hopeful — helms lead vocals alongside Chandler Moore (Maverick City Music), while a choir backs the men on gang vocals, creating an instant atmosphere of worship. Together, the two singers declare that God is bigger than any problem we could ever face. The faith-affirming anthem opens JWLKRS Worship’s debut EP, “Here I Am.”

Borrowing inspiration from Psalm 23, first-time K-LOVE Fan Awards nominee Patrick Mayberry asks God to take the reins on his chart-topping, feel-good single, “Lead On Good Shepherd.” The song’s message carries comfort, yes, but its sonics are rife with unrivaled energy. The country-tinged track appears on the seasoned worship leader’s full-length debut, “Wild Faith,” which includes a special album-exclusive recording of “Lead On Good Shepherd,” featuring Mayberry’s former tourmate, Crowder. Additionally, the father of four also released a radio edit of the celebrated anthem with newcomer Zahriya Zachary.

Cody Carnes recognizes God as a Promise Keeper on “Take You At Your Word,” his latest radio offering. The triumphant track is a testament to the fact that God can always be trusted because His Word never fails. Carnes’ radio edit is just as exuberant as the original live take he recorded with co-writer Benjamin William Hastings for 2022’s “God Is Good! (Live).” With its bright sonics, cascading guitars and an enthusiastic choir, the studio version is bundled with a live performance cut from the Worship Together conference, as well as the initial iteration with Hastings, giving fans an array of different ways to engage with the jubilant anthem that churches worldwide have long been singing.

Brandon Lake’s viral-hit-turned-No.-1-radio-single, “That’s Who I Praise,” namechecks a myriad of biblical heroes, cramming as many Scripture-backed stories into the lyrics as possible. Referencing David, Moses, Mary, Daniel and other men and women of extraordinary faith, the fist-pumping pop selection also acknowledges the many characteristics of God, as He reveals Himself to not just be a mountain mover, but also a breaker of chains and a Savior capable of impossible things. Lake penned the articulate offering — found on his acclaimed “Coat of Many Colors” album — alongside Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Micah Nichols and Zac Lawson.

If there was any doubt as to what Phil Wickham believes, “The Jesus Way” leaves little room for deliberation. The K-LOVE Fan Award winner stakes a firm claim of faith with his third single from “I Believe.” Three years in the making, the powerful ballad finds Wickham wholeheartedly pledging His allegiance to Jesus and His teachings. Given the divisive climate we’re currently living in, “The Jesus Way” makes a particularly countercultural statement, proclaiming that Jesus is — without question — the way, the truth and the life. With lyrics that reflect the ethos of The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5 — often referred to as Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount” — “The Jesus Way” is Wickham’s personal mantra of the man he wants to be.