Matt Papa

Matt Papa
BornGainesville, Georgia, U.S.
GenresChristian rock, worship, Reformed worship music
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active2005–present
LabelsMaranatha, Centricity Music, 2 Cities Music, The Summit Church, Independent, TheReward.org
Websitemattpapa.com

Matt Papa is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, hymn writer, author, and worship leader. In 2009, his album Your Kingdom Come charted #46 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and #33 on the Top Heatseekers chart.[1] He released "Church Songs", an EP, in October 2016. He has worked extensively with Keith & Kristyn Getty as well as Matt Boswell, a singer and songwriter, on several songs.

Early life

Since he was a child, Papa has always been interested in music.[2] When he was in his teen years, his youth pastor entered his life, which led the way to him becoming a Christian.[3]

Career

Papa began as a worship leader at Summit Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was on their staff for four years before entering Southeastern Seminary.[4] For a time, he was also the worship and arts director at Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta.[5]

In 2009, Papa and Matt Boswell, the pastor of The Trails Church, began writing hymns together, including “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” and “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor”.[5] Boswell would be in charge of the lyrics, while Papa would come up with the melodies.[6] By 2016, Papa had released nine albums.[7]

In 2019, Papa and Boswell released their first album together: His Mercy Is More –The Hymns Of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.[5] The album debuted at #1 on the Nielsen’s Christian Praise and Worship Chart and #3 on the Billboard Christian Contemporary Chart.[8] The album was nominated at the 2020 Dove Awards for best inspirational album, while their song "His Mercy Is More" was nominated for best inspirational song. Both lost in their respective categories to the vocal group Selah. On October 23, 2020, Papa and Boswell released a new song, "Psalm 150".[5]

In 2021, Papa and his wife wrote a song together "Almost Home".[2] Later that year, it was announced that Papa would serve as artist-in-residence at Cedarville University for the 2021–22 academic year. As artist-in-residence, he gave lectures, led university worship, and promoted the university at his concerts and conferences.[9] He was also the artist-in-residence that year for Marco Presbyterian Church. Papa and Boswell then released their second album together Almost Home – The Hymns Of Matt Boswell And Matt Papa (Vol. 2).[2]

Artistry

Papa writes worship music as it allows him to combine his two passions: Christian theology and music.[4] According to him, a good hymn "has a lyrical and theological density, an aesthetic and melodic beauty, and a congregational singability".[10] Keith Getty and Keith Green have been influences on his songwriting.[11][12]

Personal life

Papa and his wife Lauren and their five children live in Marco Island, Florida after moving in from Atlanta, Georgia.[2] They had also previously lived in Raleigh, North Carolina.[13]

Awards and nominations

Award Year Recipient Category Result Ref.
Dove Awards 2020 "His Mercy Is More" Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year Nominated [5]
His Mercy Is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa Inspirational Album of the Year Nominated
2024 Our God Will Go Before Us – The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, Vol 3 Inspirational Album of the Year Nominated [14]

Discography

  • You Are Good (2006)
  • Worship Vol. 1 (2007)
  • Your Kingdom Come (2008)
  • Scripture Songs & Hymns 1 (2009)
  • Your Kingdom Come (2009)
  • Scripture Songs & Hymns 2 (2010)
  • This Changes Everything (2011)
  • Look & Live (2 Cities Music/The Summit Church) (2013)
  • Church Songs (2016)
  • Songs From The Wilderness (2019)
  • His Mercy Is More (2019)

Singles

Year Title Peak Chart Positions Album
2009 Open Hands – Your Kingdom Come
2010 To The Least of These – Your Kingdom Come
2011 It Is Finished – This Changes Everything
2012 The Reward of His Suffering – The Reward of His Suffering (single)
2013 Show Me Your Glory – Look & Live
2013 A Pilgrim's Progress (Keep Runnin') – Look & Live

Bibliography

In 2014, Papa published his book Look and Live.[15]

  • Look and Live. Bethany House Publishers. 2014. ISBN 9780764212512.

References

  1. ^ Matt Papa (September 12, 2009). "Your Kingdom Come – Matt Papa". Billboard. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d Manley, Don (2021-09-30). "Making A Joyful Noise". Coastal Breeze News. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  3. ^ Gump, Sarah (2022-02-16). "S6:E7 | Matt Papa". Cedarville Stories. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  4. ^ a b Bettis, Kara (2015-03-19). "Weaving Songs into the Soul: An Interview with Matt Papa". Christ and Pop Culture. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  5. ^ a b c d e Rodgers, Jane (November 4, 2020). "North Texas pastor nominated for Dove Awards • Biblical Recorder". Biblical Recorder. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  6. ^ Schoonhoven, Tess (2020-11-10). "Matt Papa, Matt Boswell Share Process Behind a 10-year Hymn Songwriting Collaboration". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  7. ^ Conner, Matt (2016-12-15). "Matt Papa - 'Church Songs EP' album review". CCM Magazine. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  8. ^ "Hymns of Matt Boswell & Matt Papa Debuts at #1 Praise and Worship, #4 Billboard Overall Christian Contemporary". Wortman Works. 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  9. ^ Boyd, Clem (July 13, 2021). "Dove-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Is Cedarville Artist-in-Residence". Cedarville University. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  10. ^ Apuela, Freddy Sinarahua (2018-11-21). "Three Questions with Matt Papa". Southern Equip. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  11. ^ Carr, Kimberly. "First-time Dove Nominated Duo Transforms Old Truths into New Hymns". CBN. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  12. ^ Wax, Trevin (2013-05-15). "The Legacy of Keith Green: A Conversation with Matt Papa". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  13. ^ Wax, Trevin (2012-02-22). "A Renaissance of Gospel-Centered Music: A Conversation with Matt Papa". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  14. ^ Longs, Herb (2024-10-05). "55th Annual GMA Dove Awards Winners List". TCB. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
  15. ^ "Authors | Matt Papa | Baker Publishing Group". bakerpublishinggroup.com. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
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