News
Jonathan McReynolds’ New Year Music Will Inspire Your 2017 Journey
Written by Tatianah Green, @tfortrendsetta
We all bring in the New Year in different ways. From house parties, cooking a traditional meal to attending church service, there may be things that you did to welcome 2017 with open arms and even an open heart. Gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds shared a snippet of a song on Instagram on New Year’s Day that he had in mind to kick off 2017.
Watch The Song Snippet Here:
“I HAD to start my year off with this statement. I am excited,” he wrote in his post’s caption. The one minute clip starts with him singing: “I am excited and hopeful, ecstatic for what You will do…”
It reminds me of the Psalms of David, including Psalm 98:1: “O Sing unto the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gotten Him the victory.” It’s a beautiful form of expression to sing a new song from your heart. It doesn’t have to be overproduced or sound like anyone else, it should come from your heart. Jonathan was singing praise to God in advance for what the Lord will do this year and beyond. His post included that he’ll have new music, new blogs, new mercies and a new tour alongside artists Travis Greene and Anthony Brown.
Jonathan has a lot to look forward to in 2017, so what about you?
You may not have a desire to sing, but what are you thanking God for in your new year? I for one am feeling empowered and grateful to be loved by God. His mercies were new for me each morning in 2016, even when I took advantage of them or didn’t deserve them. I’m grateful to be loved and kept by God, to be able to find peace in Christ Jesus. Letting the Lord know in prayer, writing, song or however you express yourself to God about your feelings for the New Year open up an opportunity to worship Him. It’s letting God know that you trust Him, just as Jonathan continued to sing:
“I am embracing, anticipating, the next thing that I’ll see from You…”
Embracing and anticipating the next thing that God will do in your life keeps you hopeful in His plans for your life’s journey. Embracing God’s next thing for you includes leaning not to your own understanding, which is what I’m learning to do each season. Be open to what He has for you. Be expectant that it’s good and will be for your good and for His glory.
“For you’ve got great plans for my future and I am excited…I am excited.”
Jonathan concluded the video with that last line of trust and confidence in the Lord’s plans for his future. God has amazing plans for all of us, so let’s not limit Him but be open and excited for what He has in mind to do for us and through us.
In 2016 I made this verse priority when it came to my goals for the year and He surely came through for me: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3). You may have made resolutions, plans, or goals to your 2017, but will you submit them to God in faith knowing that He has your best interests at heart? Let’s be thankful and confident that He has us in 2017, just as He has before.
Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.
Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.
👉 Watch the live performance here.
Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥
Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.
Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.
The Vibe
With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.
Culture
ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.
Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:
- A private link to the full panel replay
- Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
- Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2
Why This Event Matters
Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.
About Churchy
After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.
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