Christopher Dwayne Tomlin was born on May 4, 1972, in Grand Saline, Texas, to Connie and Donna Tomlin. He grew up immersed in music, learning guitar—his first instrument—from his father and writing his first worship song at age 14. By 13, he was already leading worship at his church and youth group, marking the start of a lifelong calling.
After graduating high school, Tomlin attended Tyler Junior College
and then earned a psychology degree from Texas A&M University in
1994. During this time, he became involved with Breakaway - a campus
ministry - discovering his gift for worship leadership.
Passion Conferences
& Early Career
In 1997, Tomlin partnered with Louie Giglio to launch the now
globally recognized Passion Conferences. His debut solo album, The
Noise We Make (2001), introduced songs like “Forever” that became
widely sung in churches.
Worship Leadership
& Hit Songs
Chris's third studio album, Arriving (2004), propelled him to international acclaim with worship standards including “How Great Is Our God,” “Holy Is the Lord,” and “Indescribable.” Arriving went platinum and charted high across Christian music rankings.
He continued to produce influential albums—See the Morning (2006),
Hello Love (2008), And If Our God Is for Us… (2010), Burning
Lights (2013), and several more—amassing a catalog filled with
congregational staples.
Awards &
Records
Tomlin’s accolades include:
- Multiple Grammy wins and nominations - including Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (2012)
- Over 20 Billboard No. 1 singles, 30 top-ten hits, and 158+ weeks at No. 1
- 31 GMA Dove Awards, Billboard Music Awards, BMI Songwriter of the Year, ASCAP honors
- Named by Time as “the most often sung artist in the world”
He’s sold over 12 million albums, garnered 7+ billion streams,
and notably became the first Christian artist to reach 1 billion Pandora
streams, earning their prestigious Billionaire Award .
Ministry &
Humanitarian Work
Beyond music, Tomlin has founded the Angel Armies Foundation,
supporting foster care, orphan care, and at-risk youth. He co-authored books
like Holy Roar and Good Good Father, and is involved with
CompassionArt and CURE International.
Recent Projects
& Influence
Chris produced the upcoming film The Last Supper (2025),
inspired by his worship experiences in Israel.
His 2022 album Always, featuring tracks like “Holy Forever,”
debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Christian Albums and earned Grammy nods.
He continues to tour globally, selling out major venues like Madison
Square Garden, Red Rocks, and Bridgestone Arena.
Personal Life
Chris is married to Lauren Bricken (since November 9, 2010), and they have three daughters: Ashlyn, Madison, and Elle, living on a peaceful estate in Franklin, Tennessee.
Discography
Highlights
- The Noise We Make (2001)
- Arriving (2004) – includes “How Great Is
Our God”
- Burning Lights (2013) – #1 Billboard 200
- Holy Roar (2018) – worship album &
book
- Chris Tomlin & Friends (2020) – country crossover
- Always (2022) – Grammy-nominated,
gospel collaboration
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