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Jeremy Riddle

Jeremy Riddle is an American Christian worship leader, songwriter, and pastor renowned for his contributions to contemporary worship music, including hit songs such as "One Thing Remains," "Fall Afresh," and "This Is Amazing Grace," as well as his long-standing role in the Bethel Music collective. Born in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, in 1977, Riddle developed an early interest in worship music and ministry. He released his debut album, Full Attention, in 2007, featuring the popular track "Sweetly Broken." In 2009, he relocated to Redding, California, joining Bethel Church in 2011 as Worship Community Pastor under Brian and Jenn Johnson, where he led a team of over 200 worshippers and co-wrote numerous anthems for Bethel Music albums like For the Sake of the World (2012) and Have It All (2016). Riddle's songwriting emphasizes hymn-like reverence, authenticity, and a profound sense of God's "furious love," drawing inspiration from figures like , and has resulted in releases such as his third studio album Furious (2011) with singles "Love Came Down" and "One Thing Remains," as well as later projects including More (2017), Live in the Prayer Room (2022), and Holy Ground (Live Around the World) (2020). In recent years, he has faced controversies, including 2024 allegations of spiritual abuse and 2025 criticism of the . Married to Katie since 2006, he and his five children reside in , as of 2023, where he serves as Worship, Prayer, and Creativity Pastor, prioritizing local church ministry over extensive touring while continuing to influence global worship through his passion for purity, prayer, and adoration.

Early Life

Family and Childhood

Jeremy Riddle was born on October 18, 1977, in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, U.S. He grew up in a Christian family as one of seven children, with his parents instilling a strong foundation in through their involvement in . The family participated in the Vineyard worship movement during the 1980s and 1990s, exposing Riddle to and devotional practices from an early age. Riddle spent the first 12 years of his childhood in , where his family's commitment to shaped his early worldview. In 1989, his parents relocated the family to work at the (YWAM) base in , , for a year, before settling in —an experience that marked a pivotal transition in his education and early development. He was homeschooled through high school, allowing flexibility amid these moves while reinforcing the family's emphasis on spiritual growth. During this period, Riddle's initial musical experiences emerged in church settings, beginning with his introduction to at age 12 through YWAM activities. By age 13, he learned to play guitar on a classical nylon-string instrument and began , fostering his passion for within youth-oriented environments.

Education and Early Musical Interests

Following a year in , his family relocated to around age 13, where he spent his teenage years attending the Anaheim Vineyard Church. He was homeschooled through high school, which allowed flexibility for involvement in church activities. His family's emphasis on faith fostered an early interest in worship music, particularly influenced by his father's daily routine of playing guitar and singing praises to God at dawn during Riddle's childhood. During his teenage years at Anaheim , Riddle developed his musical skills, learning to play guitar and participating in youth settings, including leading junior high students in song as he transitioned into roles. He was shaped by the movement of the and , drawing inspiration from contemporary Christian artists associated with that tradition, such as those emphasizing intimate, spontaneous expressions of faith. These experiences sparked his initial attempts at songwriting, focusing on themes of and divine presence, as he began crafting simple songs within the church's youth community. After high school, Riddle pursued higher education at , earning a in , though his informal musical training remained centered on worship contexts rather than formal programs. This period solidified his passion for integrating music with , setting the foundation for his later contributions to .

Professional Career

Early Recordings and Vineyard Association (2003–2011)

Riddle began his recording career with the independent release of his first album, Beautiful Jesus, in 2003 under Recon Records. The album featured nine tracks, including "Because of You," "There's a Light," and "The Creed," and was produced in collaboration with songwriter Andrea Hunter, emphasizing intimate worship themes. Around 2006, Riddle signed with Vineyard Music's Varietal label, marking his entry into the broader scene. His first release with the label, Full Attention in 2007, was produced by Bob Hartry and included the hit single "Sweetly Broken," which peaked at No. 19 on the . The album itself reached No. 47 on the Christian Albums , establishing Riddle as an emerging voice in music. Riddle continued his output with Vineyard through several subsequent albums, including The Now and Not Yet in 2009, which peaked at No. 15 on the Christian Albums chart and featured tracks like "Christ Is Risen." This was followed by the live recording Prepare the Way: Live in 2010, capturing performances from services, and Furious in 2011, his third studio album with the label, highlighting his evolving songwriting in a context. During this period, Riddle served as a worship leader at Vineyard Anaheim, where he had been involved since his teenage years, contributing original songs to church services and leading live performances that influenced his recorded material.

Bethel Music Era (2011–2019)

In 2011, Jeremy Riddle joined Bethel Church in Redding, California, as Worship Community Pastor, where he led worship services and mentored a community of over 200 worship leaders under pastors Brian and . His role emphasized fostering a culture of worship within the church, transitioning from his prior touring schedule to focus on local ministry alongside his wife, . During this period, Riddle co-wrote the song "" with and , featured on Bethel Music's live album For the Sake of the World released in 2012. The track, performed live by Riddle, became a cornerstone of , topping the Christian Airplay chart for 10 weeks in 2014 and earning nominations for Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year at the 2015 . Riddle contributed significantly to subsequent Bethel Music releases, writing and performing songs such as "Fall Afresh" on The Loft Sessions (2012), "Breaking Through" on Tides (2013), and "Be Enthroned" on Have It All (2016). These tracks, often captured in live settings at Bethel Church, highlighted themes of spiritual renewal and , resonating deeply in worship settings. Riddle also participated in Bethel Music's performance tours, including the Worship Nights and Victory Tour, where live recordings amplified the songs' reach to global worship communities, inspiring churches worldwide through accessible digital platforms and events. His tenure concluded in 2019 as he transitioned to new ministry opportunities.

Independent Work and Recent Activities (2019–present)

In 2019, Jeremy Riddle relocated to , to serve as worship pastor at Dwelling Place Anaheim, formerly known as Vineyard Anaheim, where he led worship services and contributed to the church's music ministry alongside his wife, Katie Riddle. He held this position until his in January 2024, describing the departure as a "season of consecration" and a step toward personal rather than a complete break from the church community. Following his time with Bethel Music, Riddle transitioned to independent releases, beginning with the Joy to the World - EP in late 2018, which featured live worship recordings emphasizing themes of and . This was followed by Holy Ground: Live Around the World in 2020, a collection of live performances captured during global tours that highlighted intimate, congregational styles. In 2022, he released Live in the Prayer Room, an album of spontaneous worship sessions recorded in extended prayer environments, focusing on unscripted encounters with God. These projects reflect Riddle's evolving artistry, drawing on his Bethel-era songwriting legacy to prioritize raw, Spirit-led expression over structured production. In April 2024, Riddle was removed from the lineup of the Arise Shine Conference, a prayer event hosted by Radiant Church in Michigan, following allegations of spiritual abuse during his tenure at Dwelling Place Anaheim. The claims, voiced by former staff members including drummer Noah DeBolt and ex-pastor Cynthia Andrews, included accusations of manipulation, emotional coercion, and dismissing concerns about leadership issues under senior pastor Alan Scott. Conference organizers stated that after discussions with Riddle and his wife, they decided to prioritize the event's focus on prayer and unity, while expressing prayers for all parties involved. Riddle did not issue a public response to the specific allegations at the time, and no formal resolution process was detailed in available reports, though the church had faced prior lawsuits related to leadership practices since 2022. As of late 2025, no formal resolution to the allegations has been publicly reported. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Riddle continued his independent , speaking at the THRON 2024 conference in in November and December, where he addressed topics such as biblical standards for church life and the centrality of family in God's design for community. In October 2025, he publicly critiqued the system via , arguing that its emphasis on sales and popularity undermines Christian values of humility and Kingdom priorities. He has sustained ongoing leading at various churches and conferences, alongside a family-focused that integrates personal with teachings on relational and .

Songwriting and Musical Contributions

Notable Songs and Collaborations

One of Jeremy Riddle's most prominent compositions is "This Is Amazing Grace," co-written with Josh Farro and Phil Wickham. The song originated from an initial draft by Wickham and Farro, who explored themes of God's grace during a collaborative session, producing a rough acoustic demo. Riddle later encountered the demo while at Bethel Church and, recognizing its potential, rewrote portions of the verses and lyrics in partnership with Farro to enhance its lyrical depth and flow. Thematically, the song emphasizes redemption through Christ's sacrifice, portraying divine grace as a transformative force that breaks chains and offers freedom, as evident in lines like "Who the Son sets free / Oh is free indeed." It was first recorded by Riddle on Bethel Music's live album For the Sake of the World in 2012, contributing to its widespread adoption in contemporary worship settings. Other key songs in Riddle's catalog include "Sweetly Broken," from his 2007 debut album Full Attention, which delves into themes of personal surrender and healing at the . The lyrics invite listeners to embrace brokenness as a pathway to wholeness, with the chorus declaring, "I'm sweetly broken, wholly surrendered," reflecting a of yielding to 's restorative work amid . "Fall Afresh," featured on Bethel Music's 2012 album The Loft Sessions, serves as a for , calling for the to awaken dormant faith and ignite hunger for , as in the plea, "Spirit of the living , fall afresh on me." Similarly, "His Name Is Jesus," from Riddle's 2022 live album Live in the Prayer Room, centers on Christological themes, exalting as the victorious Savior who conquered death, with verses affirming His singular authority and worthiness of praise. Riddle has engaged in extensive collaborations, particularly with Bethel Music artists like Brian Johnson, co-writing tracks such as "One Thing Remains" and contributing to albums like Furious (2011), where Johnson served as . His partnerships with worship teams, stemming from his early association with Vineyard Anaheim, include co-authoring songs for releases like Prepare the Way (2010). Overall, Riddle holds co-writing credits on more than 20 worship tracks across various projects, blending his introspective style with collective creative input. Riddle's songwriting has evolved from the hymn-like reverence of his early Vineyard-era work, characterized by intimate, reflective structures in songs like "Sweetly Broken," to more anthemic, congregational forms in his Bethel contributions, such as the soaring choruses of "This Is Amazing Grace," designed for broader communal exaltation. This progression mirrors his transition across worship movements while maintaining a focus on scriptural depth. "This Is Amazing Grace" achieved significant chart success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart and earning ASCAP Christian Music Song of the Year honors.

Impact on Contemporary Worship Music

Jeremy Riddle has significantly contributed to the modern worship movement by emphasizing themes of intimacy with in his songwriting, often blending energetic rock-influenced instrumentation with reverent, theologically rich lyrics that foster a sense of personal connection to the divine. This approach, evident in songs like "," has helped shape practices toward greater emotional and spiritual depth, moving beyond performance to relational encounter. His work with during the 2010s amplified this style, influencing a generation of worship leaders to prioritize authenticity and vulnerability in congregational singing. Riddle's songs have permeated churches globally, with "This Is Amazing Grace"—co-written with and —becoming a staple in services due to its widespread and enduring popularity. According to data, the song has ranked consistently in the Top 100 most-sung songs in U.S. churches for over a decade, reflecting its use in thousands of congregations worldwide as a declaration of grace and redemption. This global reach underscores Riddle's role in standardizing accessible, anthemic that unites diverse communities in shared expression. Beyond songwriting, Riddle has actively engaged in teaching and mentoring aspiring worship leaders through workshops and instructional content focused on songwriting and leading. During his time at Bethel Church, he contributed to WorshipU, an online training platform offering lessons on crafting lyrics aligned with Scripture, developing melodic hooks, and structuring worship sets to cultivate intimacy with God. Post-Bethel, he has continued this mentorship via conference sessions and video teachings, such as those on writing church-focused lyrics and pursuing presence over performance, equipping leaders to integrate theological depth into contemporary settings. In 2024, however, Riddle resigned from Dwelling Place Anaheim amid allegations of spiritual abuse by former staff, resulting in his removal from the Arise Shine Conference. In 2025, Riddle emerged as a veteran influencer in discussions surrounding the , publicly critiquing the system's alignment with and calling for a return to authentic amid industry shifts. His outspoken perspective, shared through and interviews, highlighted concerns over versus spiritual integrity, resonating with peers and sparking broader conversations on the evolution of music practices. This recognition affirms his longstanding impact as a guiding voice in the genre.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Jeremy Riddle has been married to his wife, , since the early 2000s. The couple met during their teenage years through shared experiences. Together, they are parents to five children: Rebekah, , , Claire, and . remains a cornerstone of Riddle's personal life, providing stability amid his demanding schedule, and he has described his children as his greatest legacy. Riddle often draws inspiration from his experiences as a husband and father, which inform the themes of and in his songwriting. Riddle integrates into his public ministry statements, highlighting how his home life reinforces his commitment to authentic relationships.

Religious Beliefs and Ministry Involvement

Jeremy Riddle's religious beliefs are deeply rooted in , emphasizing a -led approach to worship that prioritizes authenticity, reverence, and alignment with heavenly standards. In his 2024 THRON Conference talk, he advocated for worship that mirrors the purity of , guided by the Holy Spirit without deception or performance, stating, "God is restoring the true biblical standard of what it means to be His worshipers." This perspective underscores his commitment to biblical fidelity, urging believers to immerse themselves deeply in Scripture and reject personal or cultural standards in favor of God's unchanging Word. Central to Riddle's theology is the call for personal transformation through repentance and self-examination, enabling believers to emulate in heart and action. He has expressed that true discipleship involves judging oneself to avoid divine judgment, as reflected in his exhortation: "If we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment," drawing from 1 Corinthians 11:31 to promote a life of ongoing renewal. Influenced by his experiences in the Vineyard movement and Bethel Church, Riddle's views on revival and prayer highlight the church's role in fostering intimate encounters with God, where prayer serves as a foundation for spiritual awakening and communal breakthrough. These ties to charismatic traditions shape his emphasis on the Holy Spirit's empowering presence in corporate prayer and revival efforts. In January 2024, Riddle resigned from his role at Dwelling Place Anaheim amid allegations of spiritual abuse toward staff members. In April 2024, he was removed from the lineup of the Arise Shine Conference due to these allegations. In July 2024, Riddle shared a reflective message on personal and compromise, , and the need for in ministry, describing it as evidence of God's fatherly love leading to a "harvest of righteousness" in the church ( 12:5-11). Beyond worship leading, following his resignation, Riddle and his wife serve in pastoral roles as Worship, Prayer, and Creativity Pastors in Anaheim, where they provide guidance and counseling to cultivate growth among believers and partner on initiatives to re-birth regional and global and movements. His extends to speaking engagements and leading the Wholehearted school, equipping leaders with tools for balanced, Jesus-centered .

Discography

Early and Vineyard Releases

Jeremy Riddle's early discography began with his independent debut album Beautiful Jesus, released in 2003 on Recon Records. This self-produced worship project emphasized themes of adoration and intimacy with Christ, featuring introspective lyrics centered on personal encounters with Jesus' beauty and grace. Key tracks included "Because of You," an upbeat opener expressing gratitude for divine redemption; "There's a Light," a hymn-like reflection on God's illuminating presence; "The Creed," affirming core Christian doctrines; "Here Is My Heart," a surrender anthem; and "To Bow and to Kiss," evoking humble worship. The full tracklist comprised 9 songs, blending acoustic elements with soaring vocals to create an atmosphere of reverence, though initial reception was modest within niche Christian music circles due to limited distribution. Riddle's association with Vineyard Music marked a significant phase, starting with his first major-label release, Full Attention, in 2007. Produced by Bob Hartry and distributed by , the album captured 12 original songs recorded in a studio setting, focusing on themes of undivided and God's . Highlights included "Sweetly Broken," a poignant track on spiritual surrender that became an early signature of Riddle's melodic, emotive style; "Stand in Awe," praising divine holiness. The production featured polished arrangements with strings and , earning positive reviews for its accessibility in contexts, though it did not achieve notable chart positions. For The Now and Not Yet (2009, Vineyard Music//Vineyard Publishing), Riddle explored eschatological and communal worship themes across 11 tracks, produced with a focus on anthemic builds suitable for corporate settings. Notable songs were "," a celebration; "Prepare the Way of the Lord," calling for readiness; and "Among the Poor," addressing and . The debuted at #1 on the Christian/Gospel chart, reflecting growing recognition in worship communities, with production notes highlighting collaborative songwriting under Vineyard's banner. In 2010, Prepare the Way: Live was recorded live at a Student Venture conference, showcasing Riddle's dynamic performance style with a band and audience participation. This 10-track included extended versions of favorites like "" (a David Crowder cover, stretching to over seven minutes with improvisational worship moments) and "Full Attention," emphasizing raw energy and spontaneous elements typical of live recordings. Production captured the event's atmosphere through minimal overdubs, prioritizing congregational engagement over studio polish. Riddle's Vineyard tenure culminated with Furious in 2011, produced by Dove Award-winner and featuring 11 songs that delved into God's passionate love and redemption. Tracks such as the title song "Furious," depicting divine pursuit; "Fall Afresh," invoking renewal; and "Love Came Down," a modern on , highlighted orchestral swells and intimate ballads. The album's production incorporated live-room recordings for organic feel, and it received acclaim for deepening worship intimacy, though specific chart data remains undocumented in primary sources.

Bethel Music Contributions

Jeremy Riddle joined Bethel Music in 2011, contributing as a songwriter, worship leader, and performer on several collaborative albums during his tenure, which emphasized live worship recordings captured at Bethel Church in Redding, California. His work focused on ensemble performances, helping to shape the collective's sound through heartfelt, spontaneous worship elements. In 2017, he released his solo album More under Bethel Music, featuring 13 tracks such as "Holy Ground," "All Hail King Jesus," and "Only Gets Stronger," exploring themes of divine love and surrender with a mix of anthemic and intimate songs. One of his most prominent contributions came on the 2012 live album For the Sake of the World, where he co-wrote and performed the lead single "," a powerful celebrating that became a cornerstone of and topped Billboard's National Christian Audience Chart. The song, co-authored with and , exemplified Riddle's ability to blend scriptural themes of grace with anthemic melodies, resonating widely in church settings. Riddle's involvement continued on The Loft Sessions (2012), a stripped-down acoustic project, where he led and co-wrote tracks like "Fall Afresh," inviting listeners to renew their passion for through intimate, prayerful . In 2013, he featured on Bethel Music's debut studio Tides, contributing "," a song depicting divine love piercing darkness, performed in a live context that highlighted spontaneous moments of adoration. By 2016, Riddle appeared on Have It All, delivering "Be Enthroned," which he wrote to exalt God's eternal worthiness, capturing a live session's communal with soaring choruses and reflective verses. Throughout these projects, his roles extended beyond lead vocals to include collaborative songwriting and on-stage leadership, fostering Music's emphasis on authentic, Spirit-led worship.

Independent and Live Recordings

Following his tenure with Bethel Music, Jeremy Riddle transitioned to independent projects, partnering with Watershed Music Group to release his first solo EP, Joy to the World (Live), on November 23, 2018. This five-track holiday collection features live renditions of Christmas hymns and carols, including "Joy to the World," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "O Holy Night," captured in a worshipful atmosphere that emphasizes reverence and celebration during the Advent season. The EP marked Riddle's inaugural independent endeavor, allowing him to explore seasonal themes with greater artistic autonomy while maintaining the intimate, congregational style reminiscent of his earlier Bethel contributions. In 2020, Riddle released Holy Ground (Live Around the World) on March 13, a dynamic 11-track live album recorded across multiple international locations, including Paris, Buenos Aires, and Anaheim. The project captures spontaneous worship moments in stadiums and churches, featuring collaborations with artists such as Steffany Gretzinger, Elyssa Smith, and Priscilla Alcantara on tracks like "Way Maker." Central to its theme is the concept of sacred space, with songs like "Holy Ground / Spontaneous" and "Love on Fire" inviting listeners into an encounter with divine presence, underscoring Riddle's global touring and emphasis on immersive, location-specific performances. Riddle's 2022 album, Live in the Prayer Room, released on November 11 under Watershed Music Group, consists of 12 intimate tracks recorded in a room setting. This project highlights unscripted, heartfelt sessions focused on adoration and surrender, with standout songs such as "His Name is " and "We Crown You" fostering a sense of personal and communal . Produced to evoke raw vulnerability, the reflects Riddle's commitment to stripped-down experiences that prioritize spiritual depth over production polish. In the years following, Riddle has continued issuing standalone singles through Watershed, including "Show Me (I Pray Thee) Thy Glory" in 2024, which extends the prayerful of his live works into fresh expressions of seeking God's presence. As of 2025, additional singles include "Revelation" (October 15, 2025), "Oh the Cross" (October 15, 2025), "His Name Is (Live)" (2025), and "All Hail King /Gloria A Cristo (En Vivo)" (2025). These releases demonstrate his ongoing autonomy in crafting worship music that bridges his Bethel-era songwriting with broader, self-directed global outreach.