Chris Clayton: Writing Worship Songs That Shape the Church

What does it really mean to write songs for the Church—not just for a moment, but for generations?

In this episode of The Walk, Chris Clayton shares his journey from a dream in Texas to becoming a trusted voice in worship songwriting and production in Nashville. With honesty and depth, Chris opens up about family, faith, discipline, and the responsibility of writing songs that don’t just sound good—but actually form people.

Guest Bio

Chris Clayton is a Nashville-based worship and CCM producer and songwriter signed to Story House Publishing, a creative venture led by Matthew West in partnership with Essential Music Publishing (Sony Music Entertainment).

Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Chris has worked with artists including Chris Tomlin, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Shane & Shane, Bethel Music, Meredith Andrews, and more. He is passionate about helping churches and artists create songs that are theologically grounded, musically strong, and built to serve the Church for generations.

Chris lives in the Nashville area with his wife Kara and their five children.

Episode Highlights
What does it mean to write a “legacy” worship song?
Chris explains the difference between songs that trend and songs that endure.
How do you balance calling, creativity, and family?
A real look at discipline, boundaries, and staying faithful in every season.
Are we writing for the Church—or for platforms?
A needed challenge to refocus on shepherding people through song.
Why does Scripture have to be the foundation of songwriting?
“Songwriting doesn’t start with vibes—it starts with Scripture.”
What is the Church missing in worship music today?
Chris shares why we need more songs about God’s character, the cross, and His faithfulness.

Pull Quote

“Songwriting doesn’t start with vibes—it starts with Scripture.”

Helpful Links

Website: https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/chrisclaytonmusic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=thewalk&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wlm

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Chris Clayton: Writing Worship Songs That Shape the Church
What does it really mean to write songs for the Church&mdash;not just for a moment, but for generations?
In this episode of The Walk, Chris Clayton shares his journey from a dream in Texas to becoming a trusted voice in worship songwriting and production in Nashville. With honesty and depth, Chris opens up about family, faith, discipline, and the responsibility of writing songs that don&rsquo;t just sound good&mdash;but actually form people.
<hr data-start="702" data-end="705">
Guest Bio
Chris Clayton is a Nashville-based worship and CCM producer and songwriter signed to Story House Publishing, a creative venture led by Matthew West in partnership with Essential Music Publishing (Sony Music Entertainment).
Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Chris has worked with artists including Chris Tomlin, Keith &amp; Kristyn Getty, Shane &amp; Shane, Bethel Music, Meredith Andrews, and more. He is passionate about helping churches and artists create songs that are theologically grounded, musically strong, and built to serve the Church for generations.
Chris lives in the Nashville area with his wife Kara and their five children.
<hr data-start="1359" data-end="1362">
Episode Highlights
<ul data-start="1392" data-end="2087">
<li data-section-id="5dr7v0" data-start="1392" data-end="1531">What does it mean to write a &ldquo;legacy&rdquo; worship song? Chris explains the difference between songs that trend and songs that endure.</li>
<li data-section-id="1yku2nn" data-start="1533" data-end="1671">How do you balance calling, creativity, and family? A real look at discipline, boundaries, and staying faithful in every season.</li>
<li data-section-id="15zcp8k" data-start="1673" data-end="1796">Are we writing for the Church&mdash;or for platforms? A needed challenge to refocus on shepherding people through song.</li>
<li data-section-id="1ji4jkr" data-start="1798" data-end="1933">Why does Scripture have to be the foundation of songwriting? &ldquo;Songwriting doesn&rsquo;t start with vibes&mdash;it starts with Scripture.&rdquo;</li>
<li data-section-id="1sd7nbe" data-start="1935" data-end="2087">What is the Church missing in worship music today? Chris shares why we need more songs about God&rsquo;s character, the cross, and His faithfulness.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2089" data-end="2092">
Pull Quote
&ldquo;Songwriting doesn&rsquo;t start with vibes&mdash;it starts with Scripture.&rdquo;
<hr data-start="2179" data-end="2182">
Helpful Links
Website: <a href="https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/" data-start="2215" data-end="2249">https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/</a> Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/chrisclaytonmusic" data-start="2263" data-end="2301">http://instagram.com/chrisclaytonmusic</a> Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78" data-start="2314" data-end="2353">http://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78</a>
<hr data-start="2357" data-end="2360">
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at <a data-start="2550" data-end="2636">https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=thewalk&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=wlm</a>
<hr data-start="2638" data-end="2641">
Listen
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<hr data-start="2701" data-end="2704">

Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network, The Walk is a weekly devotional podcast where faith meets story in powerful, personal ways.

Each episode features a first-person devotional from a worship leader, pastor, artist, or creative—believers who don’t just lead worship, but live it. These aren’t interviews; they’re heartfelt testimonies about walking with God in the highs and lows, the mundane and miraculous.

Produced by Worship Leader Magazine, a trusted resource in worship ministry for over 30 years, The Walk equips and encourages worshipers to cultivate a lifestyle of Spirit-led worship beyond the platform.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, these stories will help you walk closer with Jesus.

Explore every episode:worshipleader.com/podcasts

Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network, The Walk is a weekly devotional podcast where faith meets story in powerful, personal ways.
Each episode features a first-person devotional from a worship leader, pastor, artist, or creative&mdash;believers who don&rsquo;t just lead worship, but live it. These aren&rsquo;t interviews; they&rsquo;re heartfelt testimonies about walking with God in the highs and lows, the mundane and miraculous.
Produced by Worship Leader Magazine, a trusted resource in worship ministry for over 30 years, The Walk equips and encourages worshipers to cultivate a lifestyle of Spirit-led worship beyond the platform.
Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, these stories will help you walk closer with Jesus.
Explore every episode: <a href="https://worshipleader.com/podcasts/" data-start="1072" data-end="1137">worshipleader.com/podcasts</a>

Worship Leaders are more than just musicians and performers. These leaders and creatives walk with God daily and can bring a good word to the Body of Christ.

The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

The Walk Podcast shares real conversations with worshippers—moments when faith was tested, obedience cost something, and God showed up.

You’ll hear the struggle.
You’ll hear the choice.
You’ll hear what God did.

Because faith isn’t just a moment—it’s a walk. And you don’t have to walk it alone.

Hosted by Bay Turner
Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network

Explore every episode: worshipleader.com/podcasts
Learn more: worshipleader.com/podcast/the-walk
Subscribe on your favorite platform: pod.link/1631583177

The Walk Podcast shares real conversations with worshippers&mdash;moments when faith was tested, obedience cost something, and God showed up.
You&rsquo;ll hear the struggle. You&rsquo;ll hear the choice. You&rsquo;ll hear what God did.
Because faith isn&rsquo;t just a moment&mdash;it&rsquo;s a walk. And you don&rsquo;t have to walk it alone.
Hosted by <a href="https://www.bayturner.com/">Bay Turner</a> Part of the <a href="https://worshipleader.com/podcasts/">Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network</a>
Explore every episode: <a href="https://www.worshipleader.com/podcasts" data-start="773" data-end="841">worshipleader.com/podcasts</a> Learn more: <a href="https://worshipleader.com/podcast/the-walk" data-start="856" data-end="936">worshipleader.com/podcast/the-walk</a> Subscribe on your favorite platform: <a href="https://pod.link/1631583177" data-start="976" data-end="1026">pod.link/1631583177</a>

The Walk Podcast: Faith in the Real World

Chris Clayton: Writing Worship Songs That Shape the Church

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/970e0f01-f8b0-4810-8034-b418013bd87f/transcript