Brandon Lake Sent Shockwaves Through Both Christian and Country Music Circles After Debuting a Surprise Ballad Written With Lainey Wilson.

Brandon Lake & Lainey Wilson Unite for a Soulful New Song, “The Jesus I Know Now”

Christian music powerhouse Brandon Lake has teamed up with reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson for an emotional new ballad titled “The Jesus I Know Now.” The collaboration, revealed on November 5th, marks one of Lake’s most anticipated cross-genre partnerships to date — blending heartfelt worship with Wilson’s signature country storytelling.

A Collaboration Rooted in Faith and Redemption

Lake shared that the song was born out of a deep conversation about how people often grow up being taught a version of Jesus that doesn’t fully reflect grace and compassion.

“It’s about people’s experience getting taught a different Jesus than the one we know now,” Lake explained.

The lyrics paint a moving picture of rediscovering faith through love and acceptance:

“The Jesus I know now ain’t shaking a fist, ain’t raising a brow.
The Jesus I know now ain’t running away from a party crowd.
Found a friend who hangs with the misfits, listens, forgives, then forgives again.
Can’t believe I was missing out on the Jesus I know now.”

The track was co-written by Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, and Luke Laird — a powerhouse team with deep Nashville roots. Weisband has written for Keith Urban, Lady A, and Lauren Alaina, while Laird’s credits include hits for Carrie Underwood (“So Small”) and Eric Church (“Drink In My Hand”).

Brandon Lake’s Growing Country Connections

This isn’t Lake’s first foray into country collaborations. His duet with Jelly Roll, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” became one of 2025’s biggest crossover hits — debuting at No. 1 on the Christian/Gospel Songs Chart and later certified Platinum by the RIAA. The powerful track won Song of the Year at both the K-LOVE Fan Awards and GMA Dove Awards, and it even earned Lake his first-ever CMA Award nomination for Musical Event of the Year.

Lake also recently confirmed he has recorded a special version of “When A Cowboy Prays” with Cody Johnson, telling fans at a show last month that the duet will officially be released in 2026.

The Heart Behind the Message

With “The Jesus I Know Now,” Lake and Wilson deliver a message that bridges genres — uniting country grit and spiritual truth. The song challenges old perceptions of faith while celebrating the compassion and forgiveness that define the real Jesus.

Fans can already hear a clip of the song online, and based on early reactions, “The Jesus I Know Now” is shaping up to be another major milestone for both artists — one that beautifully blends worship and country storytelling into a single, soul-stirring anthem.

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