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 are 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 and 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 in the carpet
Communion in the back
No one there was perfect, but we all tried our best
Mothers' prayers still in the air for the ones who’ve walked away
The only thing that always kept us was God’s grace
From wedding vows to funerals
The church bells they still ring
It’s where I learned the gospel
And my mom taught me to sing
You can try to tell me that the church isn’t alive today
But I know it is
So I’ll tell my kids
There is 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
Tasha Cobbs Leonard - The Church I Grew Up In (Performance Video)
The Church I Grew Up In Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The performance video for Tasha Cobbs Leonard's stirring song, "The Church I Grew Up In," arrived on September 2, 2022, offering a powerful visual accompaniment to a message that resonates deeply with anyone whose faith journey began in the formative walls of a spiritual home. This song isn't merely a nostalgic look back at brick and mortar; it delves into the profound impact of the place and people that introduced a soul to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the fundamentals of walking with God. It speaks to the spiritual roots that were planted, nourished by worship, prayer, and the teaching of God's Word, creating a foundation that remains long after one physically leaves those initial surroundings.
At its core, "The Church I Grew Up In" captures the sacred memory of a spiritual birthplace. It's about remembering the simplicity and sincerity of early faith – learning to pray, understanding the power of praise, and grasping the foundational truths of Scripture. For many, this 'church' represents the community that first demonstrated God's love and provided a safe harbor in a chaotic world. It’s where the seeds of identity in Christ were sown, watered by hymns, testimonies, and sermons that pointed consistently to the Cross and the hope of resurrection. This reflection isn't just sentimentality; it's an acknowledgment of the spiritual heritage that shapes a believer's life and calls them to remember the source of that initial spark.
Musically, Tasha Cobbs Leonard delivers this message with a voice full of conviction and soul. The performance video showcases her commanding presence and genuine emotion, enhancing the song's powerful simplicity. The melody carries a sense of journey and reflection, building intensity as it moves from quiet contemplation to a more expansive declaration. The instrumentation supports the vocal narrative without overpowering it, creating a space for the message to land with weight and clarity. There’s an authenticity in her delivery that makes the song feel less like a performance and more like a shared testimony, inviting those who encounter it to reflect on their own spiritual beginnings.
The message of remembering and holding onto those early truths is deeply biblical. Just as the Apostle John urged the church in Ephesus to "remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:4-5), this song serves as a spiritual reminder. It prompts a return to the foundational principles learned in that initial spiritual home – the unwavering belief in God's promises, the habit of seeking Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), and the joy found in communal worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). The spiritual house built on the rock of Christ's teachings, as described in Matthew 7:24-27, is analogous to the enduring strength imparted by a sound spiritual foundation. The church, as the body of Christ, is meant to be a place where believers are nurtured in faith, growing in the knowledge of God's Word (Psalm 1:2) and finding refuge under His wings (Psalm 91:4). The song echoes the enduring nature of God's truth, which remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), regardless of how much the world or even the physical church building may change. It’s a call to draw strength from those initial encounters with God and the community that facilitated them, affirming that the essential elements of faith—grace, redemption, hope—are timeless and powerful.
The performance video itself adds layers to the experience, capturing the raw emotion and spiritual energy Tasha Cobbs Leonard brings. The setting and atmosphere create a sense of reverence and power, allowing the viewer to focus on the depth of the lyrics and the sincerity of the worship. Her interaction with the music and the message conveys a profound connection to the spiritual journey the song describes. It’s more than just a performance; it feels like an offering, a testament to the enduring impact of faith nurtured in a specific, foundational place.
Ultimately, "The Church I Grew Up In" transcends mere nostalgia; it's an anthem about the vital importance of spiritual roots and the enduring power of foundational faith. It encourages reflection on the places and experiences that first introduced us to the reality of God and reminds us that the truths learned there are the bedrock upon which our lives in Christ are built. It’s a powerful reminder for anyone who has walked with God to cherish that spiritual history and to lean into the timeless truths that were first revealed in the place they call their spiritual home.
