Christian musician Brandon Lake has teamed up with Nick Jonas to release a new worship single titled “The Author.”
The collaboration marks the latest high-profile crossover for Lake, who has increasingly worked with mainstream artists. Earlier this year, he partnered with country singer Jelly Roll on “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which earned the pair a Grammy Award for best contemporary Christian music performance. The song also won Song of the Year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards and the Dove Awards, according to Church Leaders.
Lake’s collaboration with Jonas follows the April release of “The Jesus I Know Now” with country artist Lainey Wilson. Jonas also recently released a remix of his song “Hope” featuring Lake from his album “Sunday Best.”
While some fans may be surprised by the collaboration, Jonas has longstanding ties to the church. The Jonas Brothers singer grew up as a pastor’s son before his father resigned from ministry after the band signed with Columbia Records in 2005.
“Our dad was at that church for 10 years. It was a real safety net for us and a place where we felt a part of a community,” Jonas shared during an interview on the "Jay Shetty Podcast."
Jonas said some members of the congregation opposed his father and pushed him out of the church after the band secured its record deal.
“So effectively, he lost his job while also funding this dream of ours.”
The family was forced to leave the church parsonage and move into a small home in Little Falls, New Jersey. Jonas said the owners allowed them to rent the property at a reduced rate during the transition.
The band was later dropped by its label after its album failed to meet expectations. Jonas said the experience, combined with health struggles, caused him to question his faith.
“Throughout those years following our exit from the church, I really questioned faith and what relationship I would have to organized religion at all,” said Jonas. “[It’s] something that I can say now knowing that my relationship with my God is totally intact and that my belief is totally intact.”