Last year I shared “More Than Conquerors: Preparing for Easter by Singing with the Asian American Church.” We were one year into covid shutdowns, and many of us were streaming our worship services.
We are in a different space at the start of 2022. The Delta and Omicron variants of the coronavirus are new causes for concern. While some are meeting in-person with health and safety precautions, some have decided to return online only.
How can we find strength for a new year? We can remember the resurrected Christ. We can proclaim his power. And we can sing of his second coming. We, too, will rise from the grave. What a foretaste of deliverance. How unwavering our hope!
Asian American Worship Leaders
In the short selection below, I highlight some of my favorite Asian American worship leaders and churches. I chose churches that I became familiar with through SOLA Network. I also selected videos that had a team approach to worship leading, as opposed to a solo worship leader, to better represent and reflect the unity and diversity of each church.
While I have my own personal convictions and preferences in regards to worship leading, this roundup is not a judgment on song selection or performance ability nor is it exhaustive. I also want to acknowledge that there are special challenges for Asian American worship teams. In this article, I simply want to share the joy I’ve experienced in seeing the wonder and work of Christ proclaimed through Asian American worship leaders. I hope you find them inspiring and encouraging!
One final note: I often share worship videos in our SOLA Network TGIF link roundups. Our TGIF playlist with some of our favorite worship songs is available on Spotify. I also invite you to join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group. If you have a song or video to share, reach me on Twitter or Instagram.
All Nations Community Church: “Fresh Wind”
Perfect lead vocals, subtle harmonies, and steady drums on this calm yet strong song at All Nations Community Church.
Tapestry Church: “Worthy is Your Name Jesus”
Pounding drums, tight bass lines, and sweet vocal melodies and harmonies make for an epic moment of worship at Tapestry LA Church.
NewStory Church: “King of My Heart”
Dynamic vocals, powerful drums, and exciting electric lead lines make this a memorable song from NewStory’s set.
Lighthouse Community Church: “King of Kings”
It was Lighthouse’s anniversary service, and this song was perfect to help reflect and praise. Beautiful lead vocals, nice harmonies, and a simple arrangement give the song a respectful and worshipful feel.
The Orchard Barrington: “Promises”
Power and soul all the way from Illinois! I can really feel it when they sing about our Father’s faithfulness. Don’t miss the bridge—it’s the best part of the song!
Bethel Grace Church: “What a Beautiful Name”
Pounding drums and earnest vocals make for an excellent performance of this worshipful song.
Good Stewards Church: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
Upbeat acoustic instrumentation with calm and cool vocals make for an uplifting opening song of worship. The softer ending is especially poignant.
Christ Central Presbyterian Church: “Yet Not I”
Outstanding vocals supported by sweet guitar tones and synths. Pastor Owen Y. Lee gives an exhortation and benediction mid-song, closing the service in an especially moving way.
Christ Central Southern California: “At the Cross”
Heavy synths and strong drums support soaring vocals in this song sung at the middle of the worship service at Christ Central.
Living Hope Community Church: “Forever”
The beautiful lead vocals show great range and the choruses are sweetened by an excellent higher harmony. Acoustic instruments over a pad gives this song an intimate feel, which seems perfect for this video recording.
Citizens Church: “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus”
This is a JAM. This is an arrangement that I feel is signature to Citizens Church, and one that might be definitive of this song for me. What a way to end a Sunday service with joy in Jesus.
FCBC Walnut: “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery”
“Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” was our closing song during our Thanksgiving service, and I think it was a fitting response to the sermon and a subtle way to introduce the Advent season, and it is still relevant for us today.