For lead singer Chris Llewellyn, the Rend Collective’s newest song, “Evergreen,” marks a return to that place of simple, joyful worship. After writing songs that reflected seasons of struggle including Hallelujah Anyway and Fight of My Life, inspired by Chris’s personal battle with depression—Evergreen feels different.
“It’s just really nice, honestly, to finally be in a very uncomplicated place… This is a song that is about God. It’s about how good He is. It’s not about my struggle. It’s just about His consistency in my life.”
Chris described this season as “springtime” after a long winter, a reminder that while every season has its purpose, joy eventually returns.
A World Desperate for Hope
One of the most thought-provoking moments of our conversation came when Chris shared what he’s been noticing in today’s music. As someone who regularly listens to popular music to understand the culture, he recently spent several hours exploring today’s biggest streaming songs. While he admired the artistry, one thing stood out.
“There’s a real absence of hope.”
That observation has stayed with him.
For Chris, hope isn’t just another emotion it’s essential.
“Hope is kind of everything. It’s the whole engine that keeps us going.”
As believers, we’re called to be people who continue speaking hope into a world that desperately needs it.
“The requirement is to keep speaking hope and trying to breathe hope into people.”
It’s a powerful reminder of why Christian music matters. Songs rooted in the promises of God don’t just entertain they encourage hearts that may be struggling to believe tomorrow can be better.
Music That’s Inspiring Him
When asked what music has been encouraging him lately, Chris pointed to Anne Wilson’s album Stars. He appreciates that it isn’t simply a Christian version of country music.
“It’s a country album about Jesus.”
Chris loves seeing artists embrace their unique creative voice while boldly pointing people to Christ.
Life Beyond the Stage
Away from touring and recording, Chris has found an unexpected creative outlet—CrossFit. He laughed about the stereotype that CrossFit enthusiasts love talking about CrossFit, but admitted his backyard gym has become his “safe space.” Interestingly, many of his songwriting ideas come immediately after a workout.
“I’ll finish up, and my mind just starts moving really fast,” he shared.
Chris previously coached CrossFit but now, as a father, family comes first.
“The kids are at this age where I feel like every second I’m away from them, I’m missing something amazing.”
By building a gym on his back porch, he can fit in a quick 45-minute workout without sacrificing precious family time.
Wisdom for Everyone
When we asked Chris what he’d add to every school curriculum, his answer wasn’t a math class or financial literacy course.
Instead, he pointed to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5–7, better known as the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount.
“I just think it’s such wise, beautiful advice for how to live.”
Even beyond faith, Chris believes Jesus’ teaching offers timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to live with humility, mercy, integrity, and compassion.
(Though he joked his second choice would be teaching Americans how to understand a Northern Irish accent!)
An Encouragement for Today
Our conversation with Chris Llewellyn was a refreshing reminder that every believer walks through different seasons. Sometimes we’re celebrating God’s faithfulness after the storm. And sometimes, like Evergreen, we’re simply standing in awe of who God is.
Don’t lose hope. Keep your eyes on the God who remains faithful in every season.
