FOR THE THIRD TIME, Chris Tomlin returned to Highlands College as Artist-in-Residence. As a world-renowned artist and songwriter with a staggering 21 number-one singles and 12 million albums sold, Tomlin speaks of worship leading as a man compelled by a deeper mission—a desire to pass the baton, to pour into the next generation, and to remind them that worship isn’t about performance, it’s about presence.

This year, Chris Tomlin recorded his new album at Highlands College. With students as the live audience, they were the first in the world to hear and worship through this collection of songs.

“I’ve never done anything like this,” Tomlin shared. “But every time I come to play here at Highlands College, and I leave, I call my manager and my team and say, ‘Someday I want to record whatever happens there because it’s so special every time.’ I tell everybody I can about this place because of how special it is with what God is doing with the next generation of leaders.”

With every visit, his connection to the students, the mission, and the culture of the College has only grown deeper.

“Jesus broke all of our chains and came to free the captives—this is the message students have heard that they share with the world. It’s the best news ever told, and people long for it. People still need to know it. I’m so hopeful for the future of the church because of this College existing to share that news.”

Tomlin’s day with students included worship, storytelling, teaching, and honest encouragement from his decades of experience. “I’ve been looking for ways to impart and share my journey with the next wave of leaders,” he said. “God doesn’t bless us so we can hoard it—it’s about giving it away. Everyone needs someone to believe in them, and I want to help these students believe in what God’s placed in them.”

Two of the most powerful moments of Tomlin’s time were him leading the student body in communion and unveiling a transcendent new worship song inspired by a 1,800-year-old hymn found in Egypt—the oldest Christian hymn with musical notations ever discovered.

His posture of humility, reverence, and spiritual depth makes Tomlin’s presence at Highlands College deeply impactful. “God is looking for hearts available to Him—not the most talented person in the room, just the most surrendered.”

This focus on relationship, authenticity, and spiritual formation drew Tomlin to Highlands College before his time as an Artist-in-Residence. “Lauren, my wife, and I came to tour HC, and the facilities floored us—this place is first class. Everywhere you turn, you can see the mission—it’s written on the walls, it’s written everywhere. The mission is to preach the Gospel worldwide, and I believe this generation can do it. Seeing Highlands College raising leaders in real, practical training—all students working audio production, camera equipment, setting up the lyrics, the band—that is how you do it! Not many colleges are doing that.”

As Tomlin wrapped up his time at Highlands College, he left behind more than new songs and recorded worship moments. He left a legacy of worship that will echo through every graduate of Highlands College. “This is the charge,” he told them. “I want to take the Word and shine it all around. But first, help me to live it, Lord. And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown—for my reward is giving glory to You.” ■