“God Bless Country & Christian Music,” Brandon Lake Says After Hosting Songwriting Retreat with 25 Country Artists
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17
From its earliest days, country music has always drawn from the same spiritual well as Christian music. Old hymns, gospel themes, and faith-based storytelling have long shaped the genre’s heart. And while those traditions remain timeless, Psalm 96 reminds us to “sing to the Lord a new song.”
That call for something new may be exactly what’s unfolding now.
On Wednesday, January 21, chart-topping Christian artist Brandon Lake revealed that he recently hosted an intimate songwriters retreat bringing together more than 25 major country artists and songwriters, alongside close friends from the Christian music world.
“God put a dream in my heart to start loving on and encouraging those leading in the country music space,” Lake wrote on social media. “And shortly after, He just started flinging wide the doors.”
According to Lake, the five-day retreat resulted in more than 43 songs written—an unexpected outpouring of creativity fueled by faith, friendship, and collaboration.
A Big Year — and a Bigger Vision
The retreat follows a massive year for Brandon Lake. In 2025, he crossed into the country music space in a major way—making his Grand Ole Opry debut, leading worship at CMA Fest, releasing a new album, touring extensively, and even earning his first CMA Award nomination.
He kicked off 2026 by releasing a reimagined version of “When A Cowboy Prays” as a duet with Cody Johnson, further cementing his growing presence in country music.
Now, Lake appears to be pushing that bridge even further.
Who Attended the Retreat?
Among the country artists and songwriters in attendance were:
Lainey Wilson
HARDY
Thomas Rhett
Russell Dickerson
Dan + Shay
Bailey Zimmerman
Also present were influential voices from the Christian music world, including Benjamin William Hastings (Hillsong UNITED), producers Micah Nichols, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, and hit songwriter Trannie S. Anderson, co-writer of Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck.”
Footage from the retreat shows Lainey Wilson in the recording booth, while Bailey Zimmerman sings as Brandon Lake plays piano, capturing the organic, collaborative spirit of the gathering.
“I knew we’d get something special,” Lake shared, “but I never would’ve thought we’d get over 43 songs in five days.”
What Comes Next?
None of the songs have been released yet—but a video montage shared by Lake ends with the words “to be continued,” hinting that what was created may soon see the light of day.
“I don’t know what this next chapter looks like,” Lake admitted, “but I know it’s gonna be special—because it was birthed from genuine love and friendship.”
He closed his post with gratitude and a blessing that summed up the moment perfectly:
“Thank you to everyone who poured out your heart and poured into me over those special five days. God bless Country & Christian Music.”
If the walls between genres are thinning, this retreat may prove that faith and country music aren’t just intersecting—they’re sharpening each other once again.