“WE MUST RESPOND”: Bethel Music’s Anthem of Unity and Worship for the Global Church

“We must respond.” These three words echo powerfully from Bethel Music’s brand-new album, WE MUST RESPOND, released worldwide today. The project’s focus track, “The Church (Live),” is a breathtaking anthem celebrating the beauty and unity of the global body of believers. Featuring the collective’s signature sound, a live music video for the song is also now available, offering a glimpse into the spirit-filled worship that defines this 18-track album.

Recorded live at the Cascade Theatre in Redding, California, WE MUST RESPOND is more than an album—it’s a sacred call to action. With guest vocalists such as Brooke Ligertwood, Abbie Gamboa, and Aodhán King, the project invites believers into a transformative experience of worship and surrender, capturing the heartbeat of God’s presence and the power of unity in His Church.

A Sacred Call: The Heart Behind WE MUST RESPOND

In an exclusive interview, Brian and Jenn Johnson shared their passion for this project and its mission. Jenn Johnson reflected, “We must respond when we think about His presence, His goodness, love, mercy, salvation, and the simple fact that we’re breathing. He is our everything, and we can’t help but respond to Him and give Him our worship.”

The album’s title, WE MUST RESPOND, is both a declaration and a challenge—a call for believers to live lives of active surrender and gratitude. Drawing from Ezra 3:11, the album embodies the sacred rhythm of praise in every season of life: “And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, ‘For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever […].’” This dynamic response to God’s love forms the foundation of each song.

The Anthem of Unity: “The Church”

At the center of the album is “The Church,” a powerful track led by Jenn Johnson that celebrates the beauty and purpose of the body of Christ. Speaking about the song, Jenn said, “This is one of those songs I feel like I was born to write. My heart has always been for the global Church. My prayer is that people would be reminded of the beauty and power that comes when we are unified together, Christ as the head, us as the body, all for the glory of His name.”

Co-written with friends from Passion City Church and Upper Room, “The Church” is a rallying cry for believers to set aside pride and division and instead embrace the unity and power that Christ envisioned for His followers.

The Collective Impact: Bethel Music’s Global Reach

For over two decades, Bethel Music has been a cornerstone of modern worship, shaping the landscape of Christian music with its anthems of hope and surrender. With a global reach that touches 200 million listeners, Bethel Music’s songs are sung in thousands of churches worldwide. The collective’s impact is undeniable, with 18 albums, multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, and chart-topping hits like “Reckless Love” and “Goodness of God.”

In 2023, Bethel Music received a GRAMMY® nomination for their collaboration with gospel legend CeCe Winans on “Holy Forever.” Now, with WE MUST RESPOND, the collective takes another bold step in shaping the worship culture of this generation.

Live Worship Captured: The Cascade Theatre Recording

The live recording of WE MUST RESPOND at the Cascade Theatre captures the raw and unfiltered beauty of worship in community. The album’s tracklist spans an impressive 18 songs, each carrying its unique message of hope, faith, and surrender. Highlights include Brooke Ligertwood’s deeply moving “Holy Song,” Brian Johnson’s stirring “He Has Done Great Things,” and Abbie Gamboa’s intimate worship moment, “Center.”

TRACKLIST: WE MUST RESPOND

1. The Lamb (Alleluia) – Bethel Music, John Wilds
2. No One Like The Lord – Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson
3. The Church – Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson
4. Holy Song – Bethel Music, Brooke Ligertwood
5. He Has Done Great Things – Bethel Music, Brian Johnson
6. If The Lord – Bethel Music, Zahriya Zachary
7. Even Though I Walk – Bethel Music, Hannah McClure
8. Center – Bethel Music, Abbie Gamboa
9. My Hallelujah – Bethel Music, Aodhán King, Hannah McClure
10. Another Like You – Bethel Music, David Funk
11. The Christ And Cornerstone – Bethel Music, Josh Baldwin
12. He’s The One – Bethel Music, Emmy Rose
13. Praise Chorus – Bethel Music, Kristene DiMarco, Brian Johnson
14. Made For More – Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson, Josh Baldwin
15. Oh What Love – Bethel Music, Paul McClure
16. Sing Of This – Bethel Music, Bethany Wohrle
17. One – Bethel Music, Brian Johnson
18. Jesus Have It All – Bethel Music, Edward Rivera

A Movement, Not Just an Album

Bethel Music’s WE MUST RESPOND is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a movement. From the rousing unity of “The Church” to the tender intimacy of “Even Though I Walk,” this album invites believers to respond to God’s goodness with every fiber of their being.

As Jenn Johnson eloquently put it, “This is the privilege of responding. To bring our joys, our struggles, our victories, and our brokenness before Him, and to know that in every moment, He meets us there.”

Available now on all major streaming platforms, WE MUST RESPOND is a resounding invitation to unite as one Church and give glory to God. Whether in the stillness of private worship or the power of corporate gatherings, this album is destined to be a soundtrack for revival.

Watch Interview Here: