Pepperdine’s Inaugural Artist and Worship Ambassador Chris Tomlin Engages Campus Community in Worship and Conversation
GRAMMY Award–winning singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin, Pepperdine University’s inaugural artist and worship ambassador, spent Wednesday, March 12, 2025, on the Malibu campus collaborating with the Waves Worship group, engaging students in meaningful discussions about faith and calling, and performing his iconic songs at the Well, the University’s weekly worship event.
“Having Chris come and join us was such a sweet time to reflect on how God is moving through worship at Pepperdine,” says Kolomona Ku, Pepperdine University’s worship director. “Our hearts are dedicated to sewing into the kingdom of Heaven and advancing it in the way that God has designed us. If we can discern how to do that in our college years and then live it out for the decades to come, like Chris has, I think what we'll find is an increase of faith and understanding on the other side.”
Chris Tomlin engages with Seaver College students
Tomlin began his day by meeting with the Waves Worship team, a group of Seaver College undergraduate students passionate about writing Christian music. He shared his insights into his career journey and highlighted how God guided him toward his calling in the music industry. Following their discussion, the Waves Worship team collaborated with the renowned worship artist to refine a developing song. Using Tomlin’s guidance, the students worked together to bring the project one step closer to completion.
“It's a blessing our campus has received the chance to host someone who the Lord uses so mightily,” says Jonas Hamilton, a Seaver College student who participated in the day of activities. “He works hard for the Lord, and receiving mentorship from someone who has spent a long time serving God is really powerful, but especially Chris Tomlin—a musician, who the Lord has used mightily in such an evident way to reach so many different people around the world.”
In the afternoon, Tomlin engaged with a broader student audience at a Q-and-A-style interview where he spoke about the role of a worship leader, emphasizing how one should be less concerned with style and personal glory and more concerned with the Holy Spirit and God’s glory. Tomlin shared with students that his primary goal with each of his projects is not just to create songs about God but to help people truly see him—to open their eyes to his goodness in their lives.
Attendees had the chance to engage directly with Tomlin and ask him questions about his personal faith, how he has navigated fame as a Christian, and how to discern God’s calling in their own lives. Drawing from the wisdom gained over his 30-year, 32-album career, Tomlin shared his unique perspective and gave meaningful insight into his decision to partner with Pepperdine as its first artist and worship ambassador and his vision for the role.
Chris Tomlin performing at The Well
“I’m excited about everything happening with Pepperdine worship and how God is moving in the students,” he said. “I want to help the next generation. I want to pass the baton forward. For me, I don’t care about titles; I don’t even know what the title is. I just want to help you all grab the baton and watch you guys go.”
The day culminated at Pepperdine’s weekly worship service, the Well. Performing in a sold-out Elkins Auditorium, Tomlin played eight of his worship songs, including “Good Good Father,” “Holy Forever,” “How Great is Our God,” and “Amazing Grace.”
For one hour, more than 500 students, faculty, and staff members joined together in song and praise. The experience resonated with the campus community, many of whom were visibly moved by the power of the music and Tomlin’s Christ-centered lyrics.
“It's really awesome to just have Chris Tomlin here and to get to see how the fruits of his life have blessed other people” says Amelia Morden, a Seaver College student who participated in the Well. “Personally, I connect 100 percent with God through music. That's how I found the Lord. So much of Chris Tomlin’s music has been fundamental to my experience and to my testimony. It's really cool to get to see that connect full circle live.”