Virtual Performance of Gaithers’ ‘The Church Triumphant’ Crosses Racial, Geographic Divides

The church is about as silent as God is. And believers whose hope is in the living Lord of lords know that even when we can’t see or hear Him, He is still moving and speaking.

In this spirit, renowned musicians Bill and Gloria Gaither have teamed up with Michael W. Smith and the likes of Francesca Battistelli, for King and Country’s Joel Smallbone, Newsboys’ Michael Tait and many others, including Sandi Patty and Kathie Lee Gifford, to record a reimagined virtual version of “The Church Triumphant.”

The Gaithers originally wrote “The Church Triumphant” in 1973, and since the time of its release, the moving lyrics have served to unite believers of congregations and walks of life everywhere.

“The past year has not been easy on the church,” Smith said in a news release.

“While not all of us suffered from the virus, we all suffered from a lack of community. It can be challenging in these times of isolation, but the truth is that Christ’s church is alive and well.”

The message of hope rings just as true today as it did over 35 years ago. Renowned singer-songwriter and minister Wintley Phipps performs the dramatic spoken word segment of the new version, which includes the words:

“But God has always had a people. The powerful current of a rushing river is not diminished because it is forced to flow underground. No, the purest water is the stream that bursts crystal clear into the sunlight after it has forced its way through solid rock.”

Watch this video. Be encouraged that the church, like God, is alive, well and ready to bring unity to the kingdom. {eoa}