There's a little, white church in Georgia
With the steeple still attached
When all those cars drive by
They don't know what they just passed
No fancy signs, one service time
And the doors always unlocked
It's the first place that I saw the hand of God
You couldn't tell me there wasn't healing in those walls
You couldn't tell me angels didn't walk those halls
On a Wednesday night or Sunday morning
We didn't have much, but Jesus loved it
If you wanna know why I am the way I am
It's the church I grew up in
There's tear stains still in the carpet
Communion in the back
And none of us were perfect
But we all tried our best
The mothers' prayers still in the air
For the ones who've walked away
And the only thing that kept us
Was God's grace
You couldn't tell me there wasn't healing in those walls
You couldn't tell me angels didn't walk those halls
On a Wednesday night or Sunday morning
We didn't have much, but Jesus loved it
If you wanna know why I am the way I am
It's the church I grew up in
From wedding vows to funerals
The church bells, they still ring
It's where l learned the gospel
And my mom taught me to sing
And you can try to tell me
The church isn't alive today
But I know that it is
So I'll tell my kids
There's still healing in these walls
There's angels dancing down these halls
If it's Wednesday night or Sunday morning
We don't need much 'cause Jesus loves it
If you wanna know where my history began
If you wanna know why I am the way I am
It's the church I grew up in
God's church is still alive today, oh
His power is still here
His power is still here
And you can try to tell me
The church isn't alive today
But I know that it is
And I'll keep telling my kids
There is healing in these walls
There's angels dancing down these halls
If it's Wednesday night or Sunday morning
You don't need much 'cause Jesus Loves it
If you wanna know where our history began
If you wanna know why we are the way we are
It's the church that we're all in
The Church I Grew Up In
The Church I Grew Up In Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Tasha Cobbs Leonard delivered a poignant reflection on September 2, 2022, with the release of her song "The Church I Grew Up In." This track isn't merely a nostalgic look back at a physical building; it's a soulful tribute to the spiritual foundation and community that shaped her early faith journey. It speaks to the indelible mark left by that initial spiritual home, the place where the seeds of conviction were first sown, and where the understanding of God began to take root. The song captures the essence of a formative experience, acknowledging the pastors, the saints, the worship, and the simple truths that provided an essential bedrock for a life built on faith. It’s a recognition that who she is today is inextricably linked to the lessons learned and the presence encountered within those walls, a spiritual lineage passed down through generations of believers.
Musically, the song offers a warm, reflective landscape, allowing Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s powerful and expressive voice to convey the deep emotion tied to this spiritual memoir. Her delivery is steeped in sincerity, carrying the weight of personal history while simultaneously offering a relatable narrative for anyone whose faith was nurtured in a specific community. The instrumentation supports the reflective mood, building subtly to emphasize moments of profound gratitude and enduring connection. It’s a sound that feels both grounded in tradition and alive with contemporary praise, mirroring the enduring nature of the church’s message across time. The arrangement thoughtfully provides space for the message to breathe, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the story and the spiritual significance it holds.
The true power of "The Church I Grew Up In" lies in its unpacking of what that "church" represents – not just bricks and mortar, but the living, breathing body of Christ in a specific time and place. It speaks to the biblical truth that the church is God’s household, "the pillar and ground of the truth," as described in 1 Timothy 3:15. The song resonates with the concept of building our lives on a solid foundation, mirroring the wisdom found in 1 Corinthians 3:11 which states that "no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." That early church experience laid the foundational truths of the gospel, teaching reliance on Christ and the power of gathered worship, aligning with Hebrews 10:25 which exhorts us not to neglect meeting together. It highlights the critical role of those who guided her in faith, fulfilling the charge given in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples and teach them. The song becomes a celebration of this spiritual heritage, acknowledging the faithfulness of God expressed through the community that nurtured her, echoing Psalm 78:4-7 which speaks of teaching the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord and His might. Ultimately, "The Church I Grew Up In" serves as a beautiful reminder that the roots of faith, planted in the soil of a devoted community, are foundational and lasting, a testament to God's ongoing work through His people across the years.