One of the most iconic songs in Christian music history, “Rise Again,” has been reimagined by 11:21 Worship, the multigenerational music expression of World Challenge. In celebration of World Challenge’s renowned ministry, which spans five decades and counting, 11:21 Worship’s impassioned arrangement of “Rise Again” was recorded and produced by group leaders Kelly Wilkerson and Jared Anderson and co-produced by James Guerra. The track is now available on streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Intrinsically tied to the history of World Challenge, “Rise Again” was written in 1977 by Christian music pioneer and Gospel Music Hall of Famer Dallas Holm during his 10-year tenure serving alongside ministry founder David Wilkerson. The resurrection anthem is featured on Dallas Holm & Praise LIVE, which was the first-ever RIAA Gold certified album by a contemporary Christian band. Named the Gospel Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1978, “Rise Again” became a bellwether of the genre helping define the new sound of Christian music in the late 1970s. Now, 47 years after its initial release, the groundbreaking song is being embraced once more by worshippers around the world.
“I believe 11:21 Worship enhances the ministry by holding with honor the message and mission of World Challenge,” shares World Challenge vice president and 11:21 Worship founder Kelly Wilkerson of the collective’s purpose. “It’s in our DNA to proclaim the glorious message of the cross, and though our mission field may be domestic in the practical and physical sense, music travels around the world on streaming platforms. We are thankful World Challenge believes in us and in proclaiming the Gospel through song. We pray that those who hear ‘Rise Again’ will understand the deeper song of love God is singing to them.”
“We have such a rich connection with Dallas Holm’s music that we wanted to revisit this song,” shares acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader Jared Anderson of 11:21 Worship. “World Challenge is about the Gospel mission, choosing a path that’s different from mainstream culture, and following Jesus at any cost. ‘Rise Again’ resonates with the disruption of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection, and it’s a chance to engage a timeless story in a fresh way. We hope this new recording reaches audiences who weren’t even alive when the original was a chart-topper.”