September 18, 2024

In This Issue 

FORREST FRANK

Is Creating A Huge Buzz

Forrest Frank is quickly creating a huge buzz in Christian music. After being named Billboard's Top New Christian Artist of 2023 followed by the success of his genre-debut "God Is Good" (EP), which reached the Top 5 on the Top Christian Albums chart, his first full-length project, "Child of God," was released on July 26, and quickly slid into the No.1 spot on the iTunes All Genres chart. "Child of God" has held the No.1 spot on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart for six weeks, making it the biggest Christian album debut of the year so far.

The 2024 GMA Dove Award New Artist of the Year nominee collaborated with Tori Kelly, CAIN, Jonathan Pokluda, Connor Price, Hulvey, JVKE, Sam Rivera, and Caleb Gordon on various "Child of God" tracks, with the first radio single, "Good Day" receiving a Dove Award nomination for Pop/Contemporary Song of the year. The track swiftly climbed the Christian radio charts, peaking at #3 where it still sits.

 His next single, "Never Get Used To This" featuring JVKE just released to radio, but can already be heard on K-LOVE, The Fish and Victory 91.5 and is already at #12. "Up" has been in the top 10 for awhile with "Safe & Sound" at #20 and "God Is Good" at #21.

Frank hit multiple U.S. cities throughout the fall, with an almost completely sold-out run and looking toward an even larger arena tour planned for 2025.

"My whole brand was built around God, and I'm not going to change that--ever," Forrest affirms. "I set out to make the greatest album I could make, and so many doors opened. I can't believe it."

“In the same way that Christians have sacrificed their value systems to absorb worldly art, I think what’s coming is the world’s going to sacrifice its value systems to absorb Christian art,” he said.

Forrest grew up in the church and surrounded by musicians—his mother was a worship leader and his grandmother wrote children’s music—but he didn’t aspire to become a Christian artist or even to pursue a career as a performer.

“Content is an art form,” Frank told Elevation YTH. “I try to be kind to my viewers. It’s like running a restaurant. You’re gonna just be like, ‘Here’s your food.’ No, it’s like, ‘Here’s your perfect plate I made for you. I hope you love it.’”

Click Here For The Full Story

Forrest Frank Is Featured In New Television Commercial From Baylor University - Click Here

Billboard Magazine's Current Top Contemporary Christian Music Chart

#1 (LW1) - Elevation Worship

“Praise“

(from Can You Imagine)

(#1 for 28 straight weeks)

#2 (LW2) - Brandon Lake

“That's Who I Praise"

(Single)

#3 (LW3) - Forrest Frank

“Good Day”

(from Child of God)

#4 (LW4) - Tauren Wells

Feat. We The Kingdom & Davies

“Take It All Back”

(from Joy In The Morning: Horizon Edition)

#5 (LW6) - CeCe Winans

“That's My King"

(from More Than This)

Click Here For This Week's Top 25

Contemporary Christian Music Songs

Include Your Upcoming Christmas Activities in the Annual

Atlanta Christian Web Christmas

& Holiday Events Guide

Click Here To See What Last Year's Holiday Guide Looked Like.

New Events Being Added Daily



It appears on our website, www.AtlantaChristianWeb.com and in two more holiday-themed newsletters.

Call 770-596-6451 or email atlantachristian@comcast.net

for details

Gospel Singer

KORYN HAWTHORNE

"On God"

You can tell that Gospel dynamo, Koryn Hawthorne has been sangin’ — yes, sangin‘– since she was seven. The Grammy nominee’s robust vocals are unstoppable with well-deserved accolades. When her debut album shattered Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs Chart in 2018, she claimed the title of longest reign by a female artist, with her infectious #1 smash hit “Won’t He Do It,” which she performed as a guest star on OWN’s, Greenleaf. Her latest offering, "On God," debuted as #1 Top Christian & Gospel on Apple Music and iTunes. Featuring the viral single, “Look At God“ which is currently at #4 on Billboard's Gospel charts.

The former NBC’s “The Voice” star, shared how her prodigious career keeps her awestruck. “It has been a long journey, but it also feels so fast. Just because I started so young. … at 16 I was on The Voice,” she says reflecting on her ascension. “When you achieve things at a young age, you only want better for yourself. So I feel like that’s what keeps me pushing like I need more. So we’re definitely going to keep getting all the things that God has for us. I love to say ‘only the beginning’ because it is, so I’m excited to see what’s coming next.”

In the meantime, Hawthorne’s third album, "On God," is a manifestation of her growth as an artist and a woman over the past few years. Her past doubts have turned into determination. The first single, "Look At God" is #2 on this week's Billboard Gospel charts.

“I never thought I could sing gospel music because I didn’t sound like a typical gospel artist,” she reveals. “I feel like, with this album, I’m 100% more confident in my artistry and who I am, and the type of music that I want to make,” she shares.”I feel like with the first two albums, they were very kind of like, okay, go with the flow. I was really young, I was still figuring myself out not really confident enough to push the boundaries as much as I am now. …With this album, you’re seeing the real artistry of Koryn.”

Click Here For An Interview

Billboard Magazine's Current Top Gospel Music Chart

#1 (LW3) - Ricky Dillard

"Hold On" 

(from Choirmaster II)

#2 (LW1) - CeCe Winans

“That's My King"

(from More Than This)

#3 (LW5) - Tamela Mann

"Working For Me"

(Single)

#4 (LW2) - Koryn Hawthorne

"Look At God"

(From On God)

#5 (LW6) - Latrice Pace

"It’s Morning" 

(from Excellence: The Journey of Obedience, Vol. 2)

Click Here For This Week's Top 25

Gospel Music Songs

Metro Atlanta Christian Concerts & Family Events

Thursday, September 19

Anne Wilson, Jordon Rowe

The Rebel Tour

Coca-Cola Roxy

800 Battery Ave. Se Suite 500

Atlanta, GA 30339

7:00 p.m. 470-351-3866

www.livenation.com

Sunday, October 6

Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters With Special Guest Kierra Sheard-Kelly

The Reunion Tour

At State Farm Arena,

1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

7:00 p.m.

www.statefarmarena.com

Sunday, October 13

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

At Church on Main

2400 Main Street E.

Snellville, Ga 30078

In addition to the concert, Sunday, October 13 is Church on Main’s Special Needs Sunday, highlighting and worshiping alongside the Inspire Special Needs Ministry during our morning worship services and during the Night to Shine benefit concert.

Dinner 5:00 p.m. Concert 6:00 p.m.

770-978-7000

www.churchonmain.net/concert

Sunday, October 13

Gold City, Anthem Edition, LeFevre Quartet

Gospel Day at the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

1311 Music Hall Road,

Hiawassee, GA 30546

2:00 p.m. 706-896-4191

www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Wednesday, October 16

Tauren Wells with Danny Gokey

and Ryan Ellis

The Takeabck Tour

Griffin First Assembly, 

2000 W McIntosh Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

7:00 p.m. (770) 228-2307

www.griffinfirst.org

Click Here For All Upcoming Concerts and Links For More Information

1 - The Bible in a Year

(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

2 - The Bible Recap

(with Tara Leigh-Cobble

3 - Girls Gone Bible

(with Angela Halili

and Arielle Reitsma)

4 - The Bible Project Podcast

(In-depth conversations

about the Bible and theology)

5 - With The Perrys

(with Preston Perry & Jackie Hill Perry)

6 - followHIM

(with Hank Smith & John Bytheway)

7 - WHOA That's Good Podcast

(with Sadie Robertson)

8 - The Briefing

(Cultural Commentary from a Biblical Perspective with R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

9 - Unashamed

With The Robertson Family

(with Phil Robertson)

10 - Timothy Keller Sermons

Podcast by Gospel in Life

(with Timothy Keller)

Click Here For The Current Top 100

Christian Podcasts

Crosswalk's Top 30 Christian Podcasts Everyone Should

Know About - Click Here

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins: Living as an

Ambassador for Christ

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins shared with Focus on the Family about one of the driving principles in his life.

He talked about his family life growing up and, and what his parents poured into him, building that foundation and that outlook in life.

"Yeah. My parents did a great job, first of all, modeling what it would look like to follow Jesus," he said. They didn’t push us or force the Bible on us. I felt like it was something that was caught and taught.

And it was just a natural thing to want to follow their path that they had laid out. You know, my dad taught us scripture from a young age and brought up Proverbs 3, 5 and 6, to trust in the Lord with all your heart, to not lean on your understanding. In all your ways to acknowledge Him.. and he will direct your steps. And, he taught us Galatians 6:7, which says, 'Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.."

Even before signing with the Falcons, Atlanta was a special place for Cousins and his family. His wife, Julie, is from Alpharetta and her parents still live in the area. Kirk and Julie were married near Atlanta in 2014, and their two sons, Cooper and Turner (who was born in Atlanta), will now be closer to their grandparents.

Yet it was ultimately not the opportunity for personal and team success, the money or even the family connections that led him to Atlanta.

“As God’s plan would have it,” he continued, “this is the time that it aligned, and we’re thrilled that it did.”

Kirk has been one of the most outspoken and unashamed followers of Christ throughout his lengthy career. He’s been a guest numerous times on the Sports Spectrum Podcast, has been featured in Sports Spectrum Magazine, publicly shared his testimony of faith, and even delivered a Gospel presentation at the Super Bowl Breakfast in 2020.

He was also honored at that same Super Bowl Breakfast in 2023, which intersects football and faith, and he has been heavily involved in supporting the child-development ministry Compassion International. He knows it’s God, not himself, who is directing his career and who is worthy of all glory.

He leaned on his faith last year when he suffered a season ending Achilles injury. He reiterated Proverbs 3:5 and 6, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t lean on your understanding.' My understanding said that I couldn’t play college football, but don’t lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, trust Him, walk with Him, and He will direct your steps. And so, my job was to trust and obey, and it was God’s job to steer the ship.

Click Here To Watch The

Focus On The Family Interview

Author

MAX LUCADO

"What Happens Next"

(Best Selling Christian Author Max Lucado's "What Happens Next" A Traveler's Guide Through The End Of This Age"

entered the Christian Booksellers' Top 50 list this month at #1.).

"Overall, the suicide rate is the highest it's been since World War II. We feel like we're trapped. We don't have a clear understanding. And my experience has been that clarity about the future grants courage for today." 

This is why he's written his newest book, "What Happens Next" — and he revealed its deeper premise and the actions that all people can take, including those of faith, no matter their particular phase of life or situation.  

"All my life, I've been fascinated with what the Bible has to say about the end times," said Lucado. 

Yet "only in recent years have I become obsessed with understanding what is about to happen. And I think there are two reasons."

He said his next birthday — coming up in January — "will require 70 candles on the birthday cake. And I don't know if I'll have a fire extinguisher that will blow them all out or not," he added with a smile.

Yet "as you get older," he said, "to be quite honest, you just start wondering. And I have many more friends in heaven than I do on Earth. So I began thinking, Where do we go when we die? What is it? What is God's plan for how this world gets wrapped up?"

Common questions such as these among older people, he said, have been "accelerated by all the things going on in the world today."

He said the study of the "end times" can be "intimidating and frightening for many people. I've had so many people say, 'I don't even want to talk about end times because I'm afraid of it.'"

Click Here To Watch Full Conversation

Christian Booksellers'

Top Christian Books 

#1 - Max Lucado

“What Happens Next”

A Traveler’s Guide Through the

End of This Age

#2 - John Mark Comer

"“Practicing The Way"

Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as He did

#4 - Gary Chapman

“The 5 Love Languages”

The Secret To Love That Lasts

(New Edition)

#4 - Demi-Leigh Tebow

“A Crown That Lasts”

You Are Not Your Label

#5 - David C. Cook Publishing

“KJV Standard Lesson Commentary ®

Large Print Edition 2024-2025” More in Standard Lesson Commentary Series

Click Here For The Full List of This Month's Best Selling Christian Books

Author DEMI-LEIGH TEBOW Talks With Matthew West

About Her #3 Christian Book, “A Crown That Lasts”

You Are Not Your Label

(Christian Author Demi-Leigh Tebow's "A Crown That Lasts" entered the Christian Booksellers' Top 50 list this month at #3.).

My guest today is former Miss Universe and now an incredible author and speaker with a powerful story to tell! She and her husband Tim Tebow are true world changers and I’m so excited for today’s conversation talking about her brand new book "A Crown that Lasts." Let’s go to the Story House with Demi-Leigh Tebow!

Matthew: The last time you and I got to run into each other, we were at a pretty random location backstage at the ACM Country Music Awards. You started to tell me that you fell in love with the craft of writing and you had just finished writing the manuscript for your very first book, "A Crown That Lasts."

Demi: A lot of people can tell you how to chase your dreams, but not a lot can tell you what comes after achieving that dream. Maybe it doesn't come out the way you had planned. Proverbs 69 tells us that men plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. I'm so grateful for all the times in my life when my plans got wrecked because I know that He had such a bigger plan for my life.

This book was borne out of a time in my life when I couldn't see that plan. It felt like I was wasting time. That "what's next" question was terrifying. I started writing and I realized I wasn't in the right space. I had so many life experiences. But, I wasn't going to write a book of substance because I had to learn what the purpose was.

Click Here For The Full Conversation

The 55th Annual GMA

Dove Awards Reveals First Round of Performers

For October 1 Event

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has revealed the first round of performing artists for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

Performers include CeCe Winans, Crowder, Forrest Frank, Joseph Habedank, Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, and Tauren Wells. Performers were announced earlier Tuesday morning on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells.

Brandon Lake leads the pack with sixteen nominations. Artists like Jeff Pardo (eleven nominations), Chris Brown (ten nominations), Chandler Moore (ten nominations) and Jonathan Smith (ten nominations) are not too far behind. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine tie in leading the female nominees with five nominations each.

The event will be an evening of music and celebration held at Allen Arena on Tuesday, October 1.

The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, Friday, October 4th at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (ch. 65) and on the SiriusXM App.

Prior to the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards broadcast, tune in to watch the Red Carpet with Kristin Adams, Friday, October 4, 2024, only on TBN+.

An encore presentation of the broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ October 11th, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET.

Click Here For The Full Story

SGN Scoops Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel Music Charts

#1 (LM5) -

The Whisnants -

"He Made A Way”

(from He Made A Way)

#2 (LM3) - The Inspirations -

“He Sent Him For Me"

(from The Legacy Continues)

#3 (LM9) - The Nelons -

“There's A Hole In My Heart”

(from I'm Free:

Songs That Wrote My Story)

#4 (LM3) -

Southbound -

“Middle of Nowhere”

(from Lost & Found)

#5 (LM16) -

Mark Trammell Quartet -

“After All”

(from Classics)

Click Here For This Week's Top

Southern Gospel Songs

3 Doors Down lead singer stops concert to share the Gospel with thousands: 'Jesus Christ loves you' - Click Here

Georgia Baptist churches offer support and healing in wake of school shooting - Click Here

Milton's Touch-a-Truck Event Draws Thousands for Day of Family Fun at Stonecreek Church  - Click Here

Tara-Leigh Cobble, from the number one podcast on the Apple charts with 400 million downloads, joins the 700 Club live - Click Here

‘The Forge’ Takes ‘Accessible’ Approach To Bringing Faith And Discipleship Back To Hollywood - Click Here

8 Christian Football Players to Watch This NFL Season - Click Here

How Does Lady A Singer Balance Music and Family? Only

By God’s Grace - Click Here

Denzell Washington: How Prayer Strengthens This Hollywood Power Couple’s Marriage - Click Here

Oregon city to pay $400K after after restricting church's homeless feeding ministry - Click Here

Creed's Scott Stapp issues call for unity, reminds fans US is 'built upon the Bible and the Word of God' 

- Click Here

13 Pastors and Attorneys Associated with Texas-Based Church Released from Nicaraguan Prison - Click Here

3 Reasons ‘God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust’ Will Inspire Christians to Vote this Election - Click Here

Actor Dean Cain Encourages 40 Million Christians in America Who Don’t Vote to 'Get Involved' - Click Here

The Faith of J.D. Vance, Tim Walz, and the New Christian Politics - Click Here

Atheist who set out to prove the Shroud of Turin was fake reveals why he's now 'convinced' it's the cloth Jesus was buried in - Click Here

More Christian Colleges Will Close. Can They Finish Well? - Click Here

Shorter University football team sees 48 decisions, 17 baptisms before

start of season - Click Here

Orlando Bloom Just Reminded Christian Music Fans of Katy Perry’s Forgotten Musical Past - Click Here

Contemporary Christian Among the Fastest-Growing Genres In the U.S.

- Click Here

Listen To The Podcast with Kevin & Taylor from 104.7 The Fish - Click Here

Matthew West releases powerful new song “Last Page of the Bible” featuring Anne Wilson - Click Here

Steven Curtis Chapman To Be Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry November 1, 2024

- Click Here

Tamela Mann Releases New Single ‘Hand On Me’ - Click Here



Atlanta's Passion Introduces Passion Kids Worship With New Album

‘Sing Praise’ - Click Here

Amy Grant & Vince Gill Release New Christmas Album ‘When I Think Of Christmas’ - Click Here

Yolanda Adams Returns with First Album in 13 Years - Click Here

for KING + COUNTRY

Featured In Forbes - Click Here

Lakewood Music Performing On

Fox & Friends - Click Here

Tasha Cobbs Leonard Performs At Kansas City Chiefs vs Baltimore Ravens Game - Click Here

George Strait Releases Beautiful Song About Jesus, “The Book” - Click Here

"Jekalyn Carr Presents…The Inspiration Project" is available now

- Click Here

Hulvey Drops Sophomore Album ‘CRY’

- Click Here

Blessing Offor Releases New Single, "Jordans" - Click Here

Kristyn Getty: Joni Eareckson Tada

Got Me Singing - Click Here

Matthew West’s ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ Campaign Turns Yard Signs into a National Movement - Click Here

Newsboys Release Powerful 'How Many Times' Official Music Video

- Click Here

From Musician To Worship Pastor: Embracing The Call To Shepherd Your Congregation - Click Here

Michael W. Smith Welcomes Newest Member To The Family - Click Here

Christian/Gospel Music -

This Month's New Releases

- Click Here