The Modern Psalmist Writing Worship from His Living Room

The Worshiper Behind the Anthems

Cody Carnes, is one of the most influential songwriters in contemporary worship music. A worship pastor, singer-songwriter, and recording artist with Capitol CMG, Cody has helped write some of the most beloved worship songs of this generation. If you've sung The Blessing, Firm Foundation (He Won't), or Run To The Father, you've experienced the impact of Cody Carnes' songwriting and ministry.

From Dallas to Arenas Around the World

1. Early Years
Born on March 15, 1989, in Dallas, Texas, Cody began leading worship in his local church at 16 years old.

2. Gateway Church (2010–2014)
He served as a worship pastor at Gateway Church in Dallas, where he met worship leader Kari Jobe. The two married in 2014 and have since become one of worship music's most influential couples.

3. Solo Debut (2017)
Cody released his first solo album, The Darker the Night / The Brighter the Morning. Songs like Til the End of Time introduced his signature style of honest worship and deeply personal lyrics.

4. Global Impact (2020)
He co-wrote The Blessing alongside Kari Jobe, Elevation Worship, and other songwriters. The song became a worldwide worship anthem during the COVID-19 pandemic, accumulating hundreds of millions of streams and being translated into numerous languages.

5. Continued Growth (2022–2026)
With projects such as God Is Good! and Firm Foundation, Cody earned Grammy recognition and continued touring globally through The Blessing Tour and collaborations with Elevation Worship and other leading worship ministries.

Musical Style & Ministry DNA

1. Sound
Cody's music blends modern worship, atmospheric guitars, and contemporary production. Many of his songs begin as simple acoustic worship moments before reaching churches and arenas worldwide.

2. Themes
His lyrics focus on God's faithfulness, the Father's love, Christ as our firm foundation, prayer, and generational blessing. His songwriting is rooted in Scripture and often reflects the simplicity and repetition found in the Psalms.

3. Signature Songs

The Blessing | Firm Foundation (He Won't) | Run To The Father | Ain't Nobody | Take You At Your Word

Five Essential Cody Carnes Songs for 940 Gospel Radio

1. "The Blessing" (2020)
Recorded with Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship, this powerful declaration is inspired by Numbers 6 and has become a global worship anthem.

2. "Firm Foundation (He Won't)" (2022)
A chart-topping worship song proclaiming God's unchanging faithfulness.
"I've still got joy in chaos."

3. "Run To The Father" (2020)
A heartfelt invitation to return to God's embrace and find healing and peace.

4. "Ain't Nobody" (2022)
A joyful declaration celebrating the greatness of God.
"Ain't nobody like our God."

5. "Take You At Your Word" (2023)
A faith-filled anthem declaring trust in God's promises.

Mission 2026: Local Church and Family First

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Cody and Kari continue to raise their two sons while serving at The Belonging Co. Despite international success, Cody remains deeply committed to the local church.

He often says: "The songs I sing on Sunday morning are more important than the songs I sing in arenas."

As a co-founder of Worship Together, he also equips worship leaders around the world. Cody has openly shared his experiences with anxiety and mental health challenges, encouraging believers to find hope in Christ. His song Run To The Father was born out of one of those personal struggles.