Phil Wickham’s “What An Awesome God” – Story Behind the Song & Its Meaning
In the ever-evolving world of worship music, sometimes a new song emerges that bridges generations. Phil Wickham’s latest single “What An Awesome God” is one such anthem – a modern worship song with a timeless twist. Released in April 2025, this track isn’t just another new release; it’s a revival of an iconic chorus loved by millions, now reimagined for today’s church. With a journalistic yet heartfelt approach, let’s explore the story behind “What An Awesome God”, the inspiration and meaning Wickham infused into it, and how this song is resonating with listeners.
- Release Date: April 11, 2025 (debuted to wide acclaim)
- Songwriters: Phil Wickham & Jonathan Smith (co-writers)
- Inspiration: Rich Mullins’ classic “Awesome God” (1988) chorus as the foundation
- Sound: Modern production, big choir vocals, and powerful new verses added to the famous chorus
- Reception: Debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart (Phil’s 14th top-10 hit), with millions of streams in the first week
A Classic Reimagined: Rich Mullins’ “Awesome God” Inspires a New Anthem
A Classic Reimagined: Rich Mullins’ “Awesome God” Inspires a New Anthem
Phil Wickham’s “What An Awesome God” single cover art – a visual nod to the song’s global message of God’s greatness.
Few worship choruses are as instantly recognizable as “Awesome God” by the late Rich Mullins. Originally released in 1988, Mullins’ song (famous for the line “Our God is an awesome God”) became a cornerstone of modern worship music. In fact, CCM Magazine once ranked “Awesome God” as the #1 greatest Christian song of all time. Fast-forward to 2025 – Phil Wickham has “resurrected” this classic anthem in a bold yet reverent way. Rather than a straight cover, Wickham built an entirely new worship song around the unforgettable chorus of “Awesome God,” offering a loving nod to the past while infusing fresh life into it.
Wickham’s version, aptly titled “What An Awesome God,” retains the heartbeat of Mullins’ original chorus but places it in a new frame The song opens with modern, pulsing production and a gospel choir swell, immediately setting a tone of grandeur. When that familiar refrain – “Our God is an awesome God” – kicks in, long-time believers feel a wave of nostalgia, and a new generation gets to experience its power for the first time. It’s a creative way of bridging generations in worship, uniting young and old in declaring God’s greatness. By pairing Mullins’ iconic chorus with newly written verses and contemporary arrangements, Phil Wickham has created a “new anthem built on one of Christian music’s most iconic refrains”. In essence, “What An Awesome God” is a tribute and an update all at once – honoring a classic song’s legacy while introducing a fresh expression of praise.
The Story Behind “What An Awesome God” by Phil Wickham
Every song has a story, and the journey of “What An Awesome God” began with a spark of inspiration in the studio. Phil Wickham has shared that the idea started off playfully: “What started as a fun idea in the studio grew into an unexpected new take on the ‘Awesome God’ story,” he said. Initially, Wickham and his co-writer Jonathan Smith were simply riffing on the beloved “Awesome God” chorus. But as they experimented, they felt something special taking shape – a new song that could carry the legacy of the original into the present day.
Wickham didn’t take reinventing a classic lightly. In a press statement, he expressed both honor and reverence for building on Mullins’ work: “It’s hard to even describe what it means to me to share a small part of the legacy of this song… I’m honored to share this song with you all”. Recognizing the emotional and spiritual weight of Awesome God in the church, Wickham approached the project with humility. He wrote new verses to complement Mullins’ famous chorus – verses that magnify the same message of God’s power and majesty, but in Phil’s own words.
Those who have heard Wickham talk about the song’s creation say he was “so pumped” to release it and continue the song’s story. The timing was meaningful too: 2025 would have been Rich Mullins’ 70th birthday, a fitting moment to celebrate his legacy. Phil’s enthusiasm comes through each time he performs “What An Awesome God” live. He first tested it out during worship nights, and the audience reaction confirmed that this reimagined chorus struck a chord. What began as a casual jam in the studio quickly became “one of my favorite songs to sing with the church, proudly declaring each night how awesome our God is”, Wickham shared.
In true press-release fashion, Wickham’s team announced the song with excitement: “Multi-platinum-selling artist Phil Wickham releases ‘What An Awesome God,’ featuring fresh verses added to the world-renowned chorus we all love”. It was clear that Phil saw this as more than just another single – it was a ministry opportunity. “I pray that in the midst of your day, it helps you recognize ‘What An Awesome God’ we serve,” he said, encapsulating the heart behind the music. This genuine desire – to point people back to the awe of God – is at the core of the song’s story and Wickham’s motivation for releasing it.
Meaning and Inspiration Behind “What An Awesome God”
So, what is the meaning of Phil Wickham’s “What An Awesome God”, and why is it striking such a chord with listeners? At its core, the song is a celebration of God’s majesty and power – a theme as old as Christianity itself, yet ever new for each generation. By reviving the “Our God is an awesome God” chorus, Wickham roots the song in a simple, profound truth that every believer can proclaim. The inspiration from Rich Mullins’ original gave Wickham a strong foundation, but he built upon it with his own creative and spiritual input to make the message resonate today.
One notable aspect of “What An Awesome God” is its new verses, penned by Wickham (with Jonathan Smith) to complement the famous chorus. These verses paint a vivid picture of God’s wonders. For example, Wickham sings of how “the stars were hung at His command” and how God “spoke and life began to be”, imagery that echoes the creation account. Through this poetic language, the song links the God of creation with the God we worship now, emphasizing that the Lord who hung the stars and breathed life into dust is the same awesome God we meet in worship each day. This broad, biblical imagery remains broadly evangelical in tone – accessible and inspiring to any Christian listener, without delving into complex theology or denominational specifics. It’s worshipful and awe-struck, inviting everyone to join in admiration of God.
Musically, “What An Awesome God” carries a tone of celebration and reverence. The choice to include a choir and up-tempo beat wasn’t just for dramatic effect; it reinforces the song’s message. A choir gives the feeling of a church united in praise, as if to say: this isn’t a solo performance, it’s all of us together declaring God’s awesomeness. The modern pop-worship production (uplifting drums, stirring builds, Wickham’s soaring vocals) brings a sense of energy and joy. Yet, when the chorus hits, many listeners find themselves truly moved – it’s a moment where nostalgia meets fresh fire. As one worship reviewer noted, Wickham’s decision to keep the original chorus “unaltered” allows the timeless message to land with “fresh impact” when combined with today’s sound. In other words, the meaning of the song lies in reconnecting our hearts with a simple truth: God was awesome yesterday, He’s awesome today, and He will be awesome forever.
Ultimately, Phil Wickham’s “What An Awesome God” is meant to inspire worship. The artist himself sees it as more than a song – it’s almost a devotional moment set to music. In a culture quick to move on to the next trend, this track calls believers to pause and remember the foundational truth of our faith: our God reigns with wisdom, power, and love. It’s no wonder that many describe the song as having a “heartfelt, Ray Comfort-style” press release quality – it delivers news (the Good News, implicitly) with both clarity and passion. The meaning and inspiration behind the song are straightforward: to stir up awe for God and to unite the church in praising His name.
Reception and Impact of “What An Awesome God”
Since its debut, “What An Awesome God” has made waves across the Christian music scene. Fans and worship leaders alike have embraced the song, not only for its familiar chorus but also for its fresh and powerful delivery. In terms of chart performance and reach, the single’s impact was immediate. It debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, an impressive feat that marked Phil Wickham’s 14th career top-10 hit on that chart. In its opening week alone, the song garnered over 2.1 million streams in the U.S. and topped the Christian Digital Song Sales chart at #1 – clear evidence that listeners were eager and excited to hear this rejuvenated anthem.
Beyond numbers, the listener response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many long-time Christian music fans expressed how hearing the classic “Awesome God” chorus again – in a new context – brought back deep memories of earlier days in church or youth group. At the same time, younger listeners (who maybe didn’t grow up singing Rich Mullins’ songs) have been drawn to the track’s infectious energy and easy-to-sing chorus. On social media and YouTube comments, you’ll find testimonies of people who say “What An Awesome God” has quickly become their new favorite worship song, often evoking goosebumps or even tears of joy during the bridge into that thunderous chorus.
Churches across the country have begun adding “What An Awesome God” to their worship sets, especially after seeing Phil Wickham lead it on his tours. During the Singalong Tour and the summer Worship Nights Tour with Brandon Lake, this song often becomes a highlight of the evening – a moment when the entire crowd joins in one voice to declare God’s greatness. Worship pastors appreciate that the song is both fresh and familiar: it introduces new lyrics and arrangements but comes with a built-in congregational hook (“Our God is an awesome God”) that everyone can latch onto. As a result, the song’s impact is not just commercial; it’s ministry. It’s rekindling a spirit of worship and awe in gatherings large and small.
Critically, Phil Wickham has been lauded for the respect and creativity he showed in reimagining a classic. By “offering a nod to the past” while crafting something new, he hit a sweet spot that honors Rich Mullins’ legacy instead of trying to replace it. This trend of refreshing classic worship songs is growing (as seen with other artists reviving older hits), and Wickham’s success with “What An Awesome God” might inspire more such projects. But for now, Wickham is simply grateful. He says each time he sings the song, he feels the truth in it strongly, and he loves seeing people respond. In his own words, “each night [we] proudly declare how awesome our God is” – and that is the true measure of the song’s impact.
Where to Listen to “What An Awesome God”
If you haven’t heard “What An Awesome God” yet (or if you’re already a fan and want to experience it again), you can easily find Phil Wickham’s powerful rendition on all major music platforms. Here are direct links to listen or watch the song:
Listen to “What An Awesome God”
Ready to experience the song for yourself?
▶️ Listen on YouTube
🎧 Stream on Spotify
🍎 Hear it on Apple Music
The song is also available on other platforms like Amazon Music, Deezer, and Pandora – wherever you get your music. Phil Wickham’s “What An Awesome God” is just a click away, ready to uplift and inspire you with its triumphant declaration of God’s greatness.
About Phil Wickham (Brief Biography)
Phil Wickham is a Grammy®-nominated, Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian artist and worship leader, known for penning many of the church’s most beloved modern worship songs. Born in San Diego, California in 1984, Wickham grew up in a musical ministry family and began leading worship as a young teen. Over the years, he has released numerous albums (including ten full-length worship projects to date) and written songs that are sung in churches around the world. Some of his biggest hits – like “This Is Amazing Grace” and “Living Hope” – have each been certified Gold or Platinum and have collectively amassed billions of streams, reflecting how widely his music has spread.
With a passionate tenor voice and a gift for vertical, inspiring lyrics, Phil Wickham has become a leading voice in the modern worship movement. He continues to innovate and inspire; his 2021 album Hymn of Heaven and 2023 album I Believe both topped the charts and earned critical acclaim. In 2024, he was the most awarded artist at the GMA Dove Awards, signifying his impact in Christian music. Despite the accolades, Phil remains grounded in his purpose: crafting songs that help people connect with God. From intimate acoustic “Singalong” recordings to full-band anthems like “What An Awesome God,” Wickham’s music carries a heart for authentic worship. He is a devoted husband and father, and when he’s not touring or recording, he often serves in his local church. In all he does, Phil Wickham’s mission is clear – to declare the glory of an awesome God through music and invite others to sing along.
