Jesus Culture
Jesus Culture joins the show for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the tension between success and purity in worship music. Visibility and God’s favor can align—but they don’t always.
So today, they open up about resisting the idol of output, discipling creatives without feeding egos, and what it really takes to build a healthy songwriting culture.
Listen Now! This conversation could refine what ‘fruitful’ really means for your church.
About Jesus Culture
Jesus Culture is a vibrant global movement dedicated to awakening hearts to worship and demonstrating God’s transformative love and power. Originating in 1999 within the youth group of Bethel Church in Redding, California, under the leadership of Banning Liebscher, Jesus Culture has blossomed into a community passionate about seeing campuses, cities, and nations changed through encounters with Jesus. Their mission centers on raising, equipping, and mobilizing individuals to fulfill God’s call on their lives, utilizing avenues such as conferences, events, worship, campus ministries, curricula, resources, and their local church. Through a heart for revival and a call to the nations, Jesus Culture continues to grow, bringing young people into deep, lasting encounters with Jesus.
Early Days and Formation
The story begins in the summer of 1999 when Bethel Church’s youth group hosted its first Jesus Culture conference. About 500 attendees, including staff, gathered for a powerful weekend of worship, teaching, and ministry. Encouraged by the impact, the team began holding annual conferences that quickly gained traction across the region. Worship was led by passionate youth members like Kim Walker-Smith, Chris Quilala, and Melissa How, whose authentic expression laid the foundation for Jesus Culture’s unique sound and identity. What began as a youth-led initiative started to stir hearts across the nation.
Naming the Movement
The name “Jesus Culture” came from a moment of inspiration when Banning saw a hat branded with the phrase “Counter Culture.” While the idea resonated, he felt the focus shouldn’t be on opposing culture, but on creating a culture centered around Jesus. Thus, the name “Jesus Culture” was born—bold, direct, and rooted in the heart of their mission. It has since become a recognizable name within global worship movements, symbolizing a lifestyle of radical love, worship, and mission.
Music That Marks the Church
As Jesus Culture’s gatherings gained momentum, so did the worship that flowed from them. In 2008, they released their debut album “Your Love Never Fails,” capturing the raw, spontaneous, Spirit-led worship of their events. That same passion birthed global anthems like “Set A Fire,” “How He Loves,” and “Holy Spirit,” which have become Sunday morning mainstays in churches worldwide. Songs like “Break Every Chain,” “Miracles” and others have inspired moments of freedom, healing, and deep personal encounters. Jesus Culture’s music continues to be one of their most powerful tools for stirring revival.
Expanding the Vision
In 2005, Jesus Culture hosted their first out-of-state conference in Atlanta, followed by events in Orange County, Dallas, and eventually, cities across the globe. Internationally, they’ve ministered in places like England, Australia, Germany, Brazil, France, New Zealand, and South Africa. By 2008, it became clear the ministry was stepping into its own, and Jesus Culture officially transitioned from Bethel’s youth group into an independent ministry under Bethel’s covering. The growth wasn’t just numerical—it was generational, as they began mentoring young leaders and creating resources to multiply their impact.
Establishing Church and Community
In 2013, the ministry relocated to Sacramento, California, to plant a local church expression of the movement. The church officially launched in September 2014 and quickly became a hub for revival, outreach, and worship. Jesus Culture Church reflects the same DNA of hunger, authenticity, and supernatural ministry found in their conferences and albums. Their commitment to the local church remains strong, serving both their Sacramento community and global family.
Looking Ahead
Jesus Culture continues to raise up revivalists who carry the heart of Jesus into every sphere of society. Through initiatives like Campus Awakening, leadership training, and discipleship-focused resources, they are empowering the next generation to live fully alive in God. With worship at the center and mission in their bones, Jesus Culture stands as a reminder that God is not done with this generation. If anything, He’s just getting started.
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Mentioned in the Episode
The New Album from Jesus Culture
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The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.
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