Phil Wickham Leads Christian Airplay Chart With ‘What an Awesome God’

Phil Wickham banks his sixth leader on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart as “What an Awesome God” ascends 2-1 on the list dated Aug. 16. During the Aug. 1-7 tracking week, the song increased by 10% to 5.1 million audience impressions.

On Billboard’s Christian AC Airplay chart, the track reigns for a second frame, having upped Wickham’s career count to eight No. 1s.

“What an Awesome God” has become a popular worship anthem, especially in churches. It was written and originally recorded by Rich Mullins, who released it on his album Winds of Heaven, Stuff on Earth, which hit the Top Christian Albums top 10 in April 1989.

For Wickham’s update, released in April, he and Jonathan Smith wrote new verses, combined with Mullins’ original chorus.

On Christian Airplay, “What an Awesome God” follows “The King Is in the Room,” which hit No. 4 in July. Wickham had last led with “Angels (Glory to God)” for two weeks over the 2024 holidays. He earned his first No. 1 with “This Amazing Grace,” which dominated for 10 weeks starting in March 2014.

Words About ‘Words’

Donald Lawrence earns his seventh Gospel Airplay No. 1 as “Words” rises 2-1 (up 6% in plays).

The song is billed as by Donald Lawrence Presents Music + Arts Global featuring Blanche (last name McAllister). Music + Arts Global is a three-day seminar that includes classes and discussions on gospel music, held this past May in Stockholm.

Lawrence last topped the chart with “In Him There Is No Sorrow,” with Twinkie Clark and Yolanda Adams, in April 2024.