Christian Music Is Taking Over CMA Fest

For years, Christian music artists have existed on the edges of CMA Fest. They’d pop up at songwriter rounds, make surprise appearances, or be spotted backstage hanging out with country stars. That has changed in recent years and this year it’s growing. If the 2026 CMA Fest schedule is proof of the boom in the Read More

For years, Christian music artists have existed on the edges of CMA Fest. They’d pop up at songwriter rounds, make surprise appearances, or be spotted backstage hanging out with country stars. That has changed in recent years and this year it’s growing.

If the 2026 CMA Fest schedule is proof of the boom in the ever expanding crossover between Christian and Country music.

Leading the charge is Brandon Lake, who is bringing something completely unique to downtown Nashville: a Sunday morning worship gathering called Cowboy Church.

Set for Sunday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. on the Chevy Riverfront Stage, the event is open to the public and promises to be one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.

Lake first played the Riverfront Stage during last year’s festival and apparently left with something bigger on his mind.

Announcing the gathering on Instagram, he wrote:

“Something special happened at the riverfront during CMA Fest last year, and I knew we had to do it again.”

“We’re calling it ‘Cowboy Church.’ Not the kind of church with suits and pews… the kind for the wanderers, the worn-out, the misfits, the ones who aren’t sure they belong anywhere. If that’s you — you’re welcome here. Come as you are.”

It’s a fitting vision from an artist who has spent the last several years breaking down walls between worship music, country audiences, and mainstream listeners. Instead of asking fans to leave CMA Fest and head to church, he’s bringing church directly into the heart of CMA Fest.

And he’s not stopping there.

Later that day, Lake will appear for an intimate conversation during Up Close With Brandon Lake at the CMA Close Up Stage, giving fans another opportunity to hear from one of Christian music’s biggest stars.

He’s also not the only CCM favorite making an appearance.

Jamie MacDonald is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage, while Leanna Crawford will take the Dr Pepper Amp Stage on Sunday afternoon. Together, the artists represent a growing wave of Christian performers finding audiences far beyond traditional Christian radio.

But perhaps the most intentional faith-focused gathering of the weekend happens just a few blocks away from the festival grounds.

North Chapel Records is launching a special CMA Fest activation called I BELIEVE on Saturday, June 6, at Pinnacle Courtyard’s “The Lawn” in downtown Nashville.

Part worship gathering, part acoustic concert, part hospitality space, the event is designed to give attendees a place to slow down during one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Guests can expect live acoustic music, prayer opportunities, coffee, donuts, devotional moments, and conversations centered around faith and community.

The centerpiece of the event will be hosted by award-winning songwriter Nathan Woodard, whose song “I BELIEVE” inspired the gathering. Rising country and faith-based artists including Lakelin Lemmings, Joyanna McDonald, Adam Sanders, 2 Lane Summer, and others will also participate throughout the morning.

“Our goal is simple, to create a welcoming place where people can experience encouragement, prayer, and authentic music,” said Wendy Buckner of North Chapel Records. “In the middle of the excitement and chaos of CMA Fest, we wanted to offer something peaceful and meaningful.”

That sentiment seems to be becoming a theme across CMA Fest itself.

Whether it’s Brandon Lake turning a riverfront stage into a church service, Leanna Crawford sharing her music with country audiences, or North Chapel creating a prayer-filled oasis in the middle of downtown Nashville, faith is becoming increasingly visible during country music’s biggest week.

Country music is about real life, broken people, redemption, hope, and finding your way, then it shouldn’t be not hard to see why Christian artists are finding themselves right at home at CMA Fest.