Write a Love Letter

Josh Baldwin on worship to the King of Kings

For Josh Baldwin, worship leader and songwriter, songwriting is deeply connected to his own spiritual journey. Josh talked to us about how he approaches songwriting with strong emphasis on authenticity, intentionality, and a heartfelt connection to God.

Josh emphasizes the importance of creating worship music that is deeply heartfelt, spiritually meaningful, something that flows from a genuine relationship with God. “If it’s going to move me, it’ll probably move other people,” Josh explains.

Balancing Personal Expression with Congregational Worship

One of the unique challenges Josh faces as a worship songwriter is balancing personal expression with the congregation’s needs. He often writes songs that are deeply personal, yet he also considers how these songs will be received and used in a corporate worship setting. Josh shared, “I find myself [thinking]; I want my mom to be able to sing it…you know, I just want the normal church going person to grab on to those. But then on the other side, [asking myself] what’s the Lord been doing in me in a personal way that I can let this spring up from my own wells that is relatable and grabs other people.”

This consideration leads Josh to create songs that are both accessible and spiritually rich. He acknowledges that while it’s important for worship songs to be singable and engaging for a congregation, it’s equally crucial that these songs emerge from a place of genuine worship and personal devotion. Josh’s ability to strike this balance is what makes his music resonate so deeply with both worshippers and fellow worship leaders.

The Journey of “My King Forever”

A prime example of Josh’s approach to songwriting is the creation of “My King Forever.” Josh describes this song as one that embodies both personal devotion and corporate worship. “I wrote that thinking, I just want to write a love letter—a love song to the King of kings, just this high praise love song. And,  that one felt like a good balance.” Josh continued, “It felt very personal. I wrote it with my friend Ethan. I remember it got so vivid, just talking through each line, each chorus and just what we wanted it to be.”

Evolving as a Songwriter

Over time, Josh’s approach to songwriting has evolved as he has learned to navigate the balance between creating for himself and for others. He reflects on how, in different seasons, his writing has been influenced by the specific needs of the moment. “I’m definitely like seasonal at times…if I’m working towards something, I’ll definitely tend to like write more and just…zone in a little more.”

Josh’s seasonal approach allows him to be fully present in whatever God is leading him to do, whether it’s creating new music, leading worship, or focusing on family and ministry. He shares that during certain times, he steps back from writing to focus on leading worship and performing songs that have already been released.

It’s important to be sensitive to God’s leading and recognize we experience different seasons for different aspects of our lives.

Josh also shares that some of his most meaningful songs have come from unexpected places. “I’ve done that recently…said yes to writes that were kind of for other people or my buddies…and then like songs come out of it that I’m like, ‘oh I love that song. I want to record that song too.’”

Josh’s openness to collaboration and God’s unexpected inspiration reflects his humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Writing from a Place of Personal Connection

Throughout his songwriting journey, Josh has found that the most impactful worship songs often come from a place of personal connection with God. He shares how important it is to allow the “worship and adoration just out of my own life” to influence the music he creates.

He believes that when worship music is rooted in genuine faith and personal experience, it has the power to touch hearts and lead others into a deeper relationship with God. The music remains authentic and meaningful, serving as a bridge between personal worship and communal praise.

The best worship flows from the heart. When we enter in, it allows our personal faith to inspire others for a deep love for the God we serve.

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