Holy Roar | Holy Roar

Meet the Authors

Chris Tomlin

With 12 albums, 16 #1 radio singles, a Grammy award, 21 Dove awards, and two platinum and five gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in music. His songs include "How Great Is Our God," "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)," "Our God," and most recently "Good Good Father," to name a few. It is estimated that each week 20-30 million people sing one of Tomlin's songs in worship. More than anything, Chris loves being a husband to Lauren and a dad to Ashlyn and Madison.

Darren Whitehead

In 2013 with a small team, Darren and Brandy Whitehead founded Church of the City. They had a vision to plant a family of churches that live in the way of Jesus for the renewal of global cities. Every weekend more than 6000 people attend one of six church congregations across Nashville and New York City.

Originally from Australia, Darren has lived in the United States for 20 years. He holds both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Ministry, with his dissertation focus on Millennials and the future of the Western church. He recently released his second book, Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship, co-authored with worship leader Chris Tomlin.

Darren lives with his wife, Brandy, and their three daughters in Nashville, Tennessee.

"While many of us firmly grasp the importance of praise, its historical context and multiple facets remain largely undiscovered. With a blend of personal stories and fresh instruction, HOLY ROAR unpacks the many aspects of biblical praise while challenging us to expand our views, escape our comfort zones and purposefully employ the various ways we can offer praises to our King!"

Benjamin Watson

"I can't think of two more powerful voices to call us to a vibrant life of worship than Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead. Holy Roar is just that...a soul igniting resource for churches and for people everywhere. "

Louie Giglio

"Wow, this book is amazing. I feel like I have gone back to worship school and been enlightened all over again."

Martin Smith

"It's so exciting to think about the people of God getting a hold of this book! What an amazing invitation to uncover the transforming language of our personal praise to God."

Nathan and Christy Nockels

"In this book Chris and Darren will open your eyes to all that you have at your disposal when it comes to worship."

Levi Lusko

"I believe this book will play a major role in the church's understanding of worship in years to come."

Banning Liebscher

"I will be reading this one over and over again. What a great tool for all of us."

Brian Johnson

"I believe this book will help the greater church become rich in understanding, as the Holy Spirit leads us to live authentic, purposed and worshipful lives."

Darlene Zschech

"It’s essential that we worship God with understanding, and therefore this is an important book. Read it - it’s time to join the Holy Roar!"

Matt Redman

"As I turned each page, my heart was freshly inspired again to worship our great God with everything I have."

Michael W. Smith

"In a world that is struggling to retain its wonder and sense of awe, I highly recommend this book to the church leader and churchgoer alike."

Matt Maher

"Chris and Darren have written an inspiring, insightful and practical book on worship. Their teaching will activate within you a desire to turn your heart toward God more frequently and passionately."

Max Lucado

What does it mean to praise God?

In the ancient world something extraordinary happened when God’s people gathered to worship him. It was more than just singing; it was a declaration, a proclamation, a time to fully embody praise to God for who he is, and what he has done. In fact, in the Psalms, there are seven Hebrew words that are translated into the English word “praise,” each of which represents a different aspect of what it means to truly praise God.

In Holy Roar, Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead share a fresh perspective from the worship practices of the ancient world. Grow in your understanding of praise as Darren offers unique insights. Be inspired as Chris shares how those insights take shape in the stories behind some of your favorite worship songs, including “How Great is Our God,” “We Fall Down,” and “Good Good Father.”

Whether for your own personal use or for use in your church small group, Holy Roar provides insight and encouragement to deepen your practice of praise. Follow along as Chris and Darren lead you to the throne room of God. Join their invitation. Become a part of the Holy Roar.