“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)
This Scripture found in the Gospel of John teaches us what it means to abide in Christ. On his new song, aptly titled “Abide,” worship leader Aaron Williams fleshes out this idea. With an assist from folk-worship duo Mission House, the Dallas, Texas, native explores what it looks like to rely on God for our every need — big and small. Whether it’s daily bread or a miraculous answer to prayer we’re waiting on, Williams insists God is faithful to provide everything we need as we remain in His presence.
On “Abide,” cascading drums and layered guitars crash onto a steadfast shore where Williams and Mission House deftly exchange vocals and intertwine harmonies. Yet, beyond the comfortable collaboration and the majestic production, “Abide” is ultimately a song about dependence and staying tethered to Jesus.
“This has been a special song for me, and this is my favorite version yet,” Williams says of the recording. “Massive thanks to Mission House for featuring on the song. If you haven’t listened to their music yet, what are you waiting on?! I’ve loved their music long before this collab, so having them be a part of this song was really fun!”
It was the anchoring heartbeat behind the single that immediately made the female-fronted duo want to be a part of the anthem. “If there’s any theme Mission House sings about most, it’s being Jesus-dependent. That’s why we said absolutely ‘yes’ to singing on this,” the group’s Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt collectively share about joining forces with Williams. “We hope you’ll listen and sing along! And worship leaders, consider leading this one with your church as well.”
A seasoned worship leader himself, Williams also encourages fellow worship leaders to add “Abide” to their setlists. With a passion for mentorship, the father of three has launched The Way of Worship, “a community of trusted leaders committed to discipling worship leaders, songwriters and musicians in the way of Jesus.” In the months and years ahead, The Way of Worship will offer cohorts, retreats and online resources to equip, educate and encourage faith-centered creatives.
In the same vein, Williams continues to create his own tools to help Christians in creative fields better live out their calling. His book, “Whole,” which he co-authored with Kathryn Maack, teaches readers how to unite seemingly contrasting aspects of the human experience to become everything they were meant to be. Additionally, the independent artist has crafted companion material for his latest radio single called “Teach Me to Abide,” a simple, straightforward guide that points readers toward living and leading from a place of abiding in Jesus.
