Christian Artist Brandon Lake Finds Synergy With Country Music Crossovers
Brandon Lake has been a leader in contemporary Christian music since he signed with Bethel Music in 2019. In the years since, he has earned three Billboard Music Awards, 15 Dove Awards, and six Grammy Awards, among others.
However, his music and his message reached a new audience when he teamed up with Jelly Roll to release a duet version of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” in early 2025. Together, the pair has performed the motivational tune on major stages, including the Grand Ole Opry, American Idol, Stagecoach, CMA Fest, and more.
Since then, Lake’s list of country music collaborators has grown. He released “As For Me And My Home,” with Gabby Barrett, “Just Believe,” with Bailey Zimmerman, and “When A Cowboy Prays,” with Cody Johnson.
Additionally, the musician hosted a songwriter’s retreat with dozens of artists, including Lainey Wilson, HARDY, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson, Dan + Shay, Tyler Hubbard, and Bailey Zimmerman. He shared that more than 40 songs were written over the course of five days.
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Lainey Wilson and Brandon Lake To Release “The Jesus I Know Now”
On Wednesday, March 25th, Brandon Lake revealed that he is preparing to release “The Jesus I Know Now” with reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson. Lake and Wilson wrote the song with Nashville-based songwriters Emily Weisband and Luke Laird.
The faith-based tune was born from a conversation about “people’s experience getting taught a different Jesus than the one we know now.” The lyrics recite:
“The Jesus I know now ain’t shaking a fist, ain’t raising a brow. The Jesus I know know ain’t running away from a party crowd. Found a friend who hangs with the misfits, listens, forgives, then forgives again. Can’t believe I was missing out on the Jesus I know now.”
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Lake first shared a preview of the song in November 2025, shortly after it was written. Now, the official release date has been set, and “The Jesus I Know Now” will be released on all platforms on Friday, April 3rd! Fans can presave it here.
In a new video teaser, Lake can be heard reflecting on how many people “have a bad taste in their mouth” around church and God himself. Wilson agrees and adds:
“People who don’t follow God anymore, they all have a story.”
Watch the teaser clip of “The Jesus I Know Now” by Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson below!
