Shelly E. Johnson Shares Details Behind Her New EP "Measureless"

Lifeway Worship's 2012 Songwriter of the Year and nationally known worship leader Shelly E. Johnson releases "Loved Me First" to Christian radio today. The song, the first off Johnson's upcoming EP, "Measureless," releasing January 22, is shipping to Christian INSPO, Soft AC and Christian AC radio stations. 

Hallels:  Thanks so much for your time.  Many of our readers know you because of the worship song you wrote "The Power of the Cross."  What inspired you to write this song?  

SEJ:  When I lived in Nashville, I used to volunteer at a women's shelter leading worship for morning chapel.  The women in the shelter had battled various things like drug addiction, prison & homelessness, and the shelter was a place for them to start over. It was through hearing their stories and seeing them walk from darkness into light that I was inspired to write Power of the Cross. You can watch the full story here:

Hallels:  You are also a worship leader at a local church.  Tell us more about your ministry as a worship leader.     

SEJ:  I love the local church, and I love serving in the local church.  My favorite part is planning the worship services. Every Sunday, people walk through the doors carrying all kinds of heavy burdens. As a worship leader, we have the opportunity to lead them to the One who makes those burdens lighter. By singing songs that speak the truth of who God is, we are able to encourage our people with that truth, to give them strength to keep fighting the good fight, to keep running after Jesus.   

Hallels:  How often do you lead worship?  And besides your own songs, what other songs do you include in a typical worship set?  

SEJ:  Almost every week. I am passionate about singing songs people know. It's tough for people to engage in worship if they don't know the songs. So I try to stay mainly in the top 25 CCLI songs, with the hymns and choruses that have been around a while and have become known by the majority of churches. Occasionally we'll throw in something new, but I like to do that intentionally and present it well so people can still engage.  

Hallels:  "Measureless" is your first release since 2014 "Your Kingdom Come."  What were some of your goals in making this EP?  

SEJ:  We didn't really have any big goals in making this EP.  We've just been writing so many songs and felt convicted by God to be faithful stewards of the songs He's breathed on us. My career journey these past few years has involved lots and lots of waiting.  Lots of time wasted waiting on other people to do what they'd promised they were going to do.  I felt this overwhelming need to stop letting these songs continue to sit on a shelf, to stop waiting around for my publisher or potential record label to make a decision, and to just move forward in obedience to what God was asking me to do. These songs on "Measureless" are some of my most favorite songs I've EVER been a part of, and definitely some of the most powerful and theologically rich lyrics I've ever written. I'm so excited to finally be sharing them with everyone!    

Hallels:  What's the story behind "Loved Me First"?  

SEJ:  I've always loved that old hymn, "Oh, How I Love Jesus". But unfortunately the melody and feel of that song sounds a bit outdated, so many churches are no longer singing it. Which is a shame because the lyrics and concept are beautiful. So, some friends and I took the original hymn, re-crafted some of the lyrics and wrote all new music, and it morphed into this fun, uplifting song!    

Hallels:  My current favorite off the EP is "Jesus the Anthem."  What's the inspiration behind this one?  

SEJ:  I actually wrote this song while I was out on tour with the Gettys two years ago.  I remember sitting in my bunk on the tour bus texting with my co-writer Sean, arguing over lyrics haha :)  We wanted to write an uplifting song that painted a picture of Jesus being the one resounding song all of creation has been singing for all eternity, and then connect that with the song humanity has been singing generation after generation.  Everything points to Jesus.  He is the beginning and the end - He is THE Story that matters.  We wanted a song that helped paint that picture.  

Hallels:  You talk about God's love being measureless on the EP, can you tell us a story from your own life that illustrates this truth for you personally?  

SEJ:  My world was turned upside down six months ago when I became a mom.  There is nothing that teaches you to give true SELFLESS love like becoming a mother.  Your life is no longer your own.  Your schedule, your plans, your days - nothing is your own anymore.  You all the sudden have this little life completely dependent on you for absolutely everything.  There are no breaks and no days off.  But with that comes this unexplainable level of love that is unlike any other kind of love.  Real love is not easy.  It requires sacrifice every single day.  The love I have for my precious daughter has given me a tiny glimpse into the limitless love God has for me.  Blows my mind.    

Hallels:  What's next?  Do you plan on following up this EP with a full length album?  A live record?   

SEJ:  Yes!!!  As I sit here writing this, it is Wednesday morning January 20, and just last night we recorded a LIVE EP at a studio here in Atlanta.  It was probably the coolest thing I've EVER been a part of.  We invited 20-25 friends to come worship with us while the band and I recorded and filmed six new songs for the first time.  I am so excited about this album!  It will be coming out in the next few months - release date to be announced soon - be on the lookout!!!!!!

Tags : shelly e johnson interview shelly e. johnson mesureless shelly e. johnson news shelly e. johnson news shelly e. johnson power of the cross shelly e. johnson album review shelly e. johnson measureless shelley e. johnson measureless review