Matt Papa | |
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| Born | Gainesville, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2005–present |
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| Website | mattpapa.com |
Matt Papa is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, hymn writer, author, and worship leader. In 2009, his album Your Kingdom Come charted #46 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and #33 on the Top Heatseekers chart.[1] He released "Church Songs", an EP, in October 2016. He has worked extensively with Keith & Kristyn Getty and written several songs with Matt Boswell, a singer and songwriter.
Early life
Since he was a child, Papa has always been interested in music.[2] He met his youth minister when he was in his teen years, led to him becoming a Christian.[3]
Career
Papa began as a worship leader at The Summit Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was on their staff for four years and then began studying at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest (for a master's degree).[4] For a time, he was also the worship and arts director at Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta.[5]
In 2009, Papa and Matt Boswell, pastor of The Trails Church in Celina, Texas north of Dallas, began writing hymns together including “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” and “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor”.[5] Boswell wrote the lyrics, while Papa came up with the melodies.[6] By 2016, Papa had released nine albums.[7] In 2019, Papa and Boswell released their first album together: His Mercy Is More –The Hymns Of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.[5] The album debuted at No. 1 on Nielsen's Christian Praise and Worship Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Christian Contemporary Chart.[8] The album was nominated for a 2020 Dove Award (best inspirational album) and their song "His Mercy Is More" was nominated for best inspirational song. The vocal group Selah won in both categories. On October 23, 2020, Papa and Boswell released a new song, "Psalm 150".[5]
In 2021, Papa and his wife, Lauren wrote a song together, "Almost Home".[2] Later in 2021, it was announced that Papa would serve as artist-in-residence at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, southwest of Columbus for the 2021–22 academic year. As artist-in-residence, he gave lectures, led worship at the university, and promoted the university at his concerts and conferences.[9] He was the artist-in-residence that year for Marco Presbyterian Church in Marco Island, Florida. Papa and Boswell then released their second album together Almost Home – The Hymns Of Matt Boswell And Matt Papa (Vol. 2).[2]
Artistry
Papa writes worship music as it allows him to combine his two passions: Christian theology and music.[4] According to him, a good hymn "has a lyrical and theological density, an aesthetic and melodic beauty, and a congregational singability".[10] Keith Getty and Keith Green have been influences for his songwriting.[11][12]
Personal life
Papa and his wife Lauren have five children and live in Marco Island after moving in from Atlanta.[2] Previously they lived in Raleigh, North Carolina.[13]
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Recipient | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dove Awards | 2020 | "His Mercy Is More" | Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year | Nominated | [5] |
| His Mercy Is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa | Inspirational Album of the Year | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | Our God Will Go Before Us – The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, Vol 3 | Inspirational Album of the Year | Nominated | [14] |
Discography
- You Are Good (2006)
- Worship Vol. 1 (2007)
- Your Kingdom Come (2008)
- Scripture Songs & Hymns 1 (2009)
- Your Kingdom Come (2009)
- Scripture Songs & Hymns 2 (2010)
- This Changes Everything (2011)
- Look & Live (2 Cities Music/The Summit Church) (2013)
- Church Songs (2016)
- Songs From The Wilderness (2019)
- His Mercy Is More (2019)
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak Chart Positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Open Hands | – | Your Kingdom Come |
| 2010 | To The Least of These | – | Your Kingdom Come |
| 2011 | It Is Finished | – | This Changes Everything |
| 2012 | The Reward of His Suffering | – | The Reward of His Suffering (single) |
| 2013 | Show Me Your Glory | – | Look & Live |
| 2013 | A Pilgrim's Progress (Keep Runnin') | – | Look & Live |
Bibliography
In 2014, Papa published a book, Look and Live.[15]
- Look and Live. Bethany House Publishers. 2014. ISBN 9780764212512.
References
- ^ Matt Papa (September 12, 2009). "Your Kingdom Come – Matt Papa". Billboard. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Manley, Don (2021-09-30). "Making A Joyful Noise". Coastal Breeze News. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Gump, Sarah (2022-02-16). "S6:E7 | Matt Papa". Cedarville Stories. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ a b Bettis, Kara (2015-03-19). "Weaving Songs into the Soul: An Interview with Matt Papa". Christ and Pop Culture. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ a b c d e Rodgers, Jane (November 4, 2020). "North Texas pastor nominated for Dove Awards • Biblical Recorder". Biblical Recorder. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Schoonhoven, Tess (2020-11-10). "Matt Papa, Matt Boswell Share Process Behind a 10-year Hymn Songwriting Collaboration". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Conner, Matt (2016-12-15). "Matt Papa - 'Church Songs EP' album review". CCM Magazine. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ "Hymns of Matt Boswell & Matt Papa Debuts at #1 Praise and Worship, #4 Billboard Overall Christian Contemporary". Wortman Works. 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Boyd, Clem (July 13, 2021). "Dove-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Is Cedarville Artist-in-Residence". Cedarville University. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Apuela, Freddy Sinarahua (2018-11-21). "Three Questions with Matt Papa". Southern Equip. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Carr, Kimberly. "First-time Dove Nominated Duo Transforms Old Truths into New Hymns". CBN. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Wax, Trevin (2013-05-15). "The Legacy of Keith Green: A Conversation with Matt Papa". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Wax, Trevin (2012-02-22). "A Renaissance of Gospel-Centered Music: A Conversation with Matt Papa". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ Longs, Herb (2024-10-05). "55th Annual GMA Dove Awards Winners List". TCB. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
- ^ "Authors | Matt Papa | Baker Publishing Group". bakerpublishinggroup.com. Retrieved 2025-02-17.
