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Bethel Music announces the addition of worship leader and songwriter Joel Barber to its distinguished collective. As part of Bethel Music’s ever-expanding community, Barber joins a roster of artists that have shaped the global worship landscape.
Based in Leicester, UK, Barber is a worship leader, songwriter, and pastor with a deep devotion to the presence of God and the local church. He currently serves as Worship Pastor and one of the senior leaders at Chroma Church, where he leads a growing worship movement.
Raised in a church-planting family, Barber’s passion for worship was formed from a young age. Over the years, he has developed a heart to raise up a generation of worshippers who prioritize the presence of God, carrying a strong conviction that what is cultivated in the secret place shapes everything else.
Says Barber, “This feels like a full circle moment for me. Almost 10 years ago, I came out to Bethel Church in a really bad way, needing an encounter with God. That first weekend in the church was one of the most marking weekends of my life.” He continues, “I’m amazed and humbled at how the Lord writes our stories. To be 10 years on and be part of Bethel Music is an absolute honour, and a privilege. I can’t wait to worship Jesus with friends and write songs that honour Him.”
Dom Shahbon of Bethel Music adds, “Joel is marked by God. He carries a rare purity, hunger, and genuine abandonment in his pursuit of Jesus. He’s not only a gifted writer and worship leader, but someone who consistently carries the presence of God – something this generation is deeply longing for. There’s a clear anointing on his life to lead people back to what matters most, and we believe he will be a significant voice for our generation in this hour. We’re incredibly expectant and honored to come alongside him and serve what God is doing through his life in this season.”
As part of his partnership with Bethel Music, Barber is currently working on new music slated for release in the near future and will be participating in upcoming worship events. Follow Joel on IG @joelbarber.
About Joel Barber
Joel Barber is a worship leader, songwriter, and pastor based in Leicester, UK. Born in Southend, Essex, he was raised in a church-planting family and grew up immersed in worship from an early age. He began his musical journey on drums before studying electric guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music in London. At 19, Barber released his first solo EP, and by 20, he stepped into the role of Worship Pastor at Chroma Church, where he now serves as both Worship Pastor and a senior leader. His leadership has helped shape Chroma Worship into a growing movement with a focus on raising up modern-day Levites who prioritize the presence of God. Barber’s ministry is marked by a deep passion for intimacy with God, a love for the Holy Spirit, and a desire to write and lead songs that move His heart. He continues to live in Leicester, investing in the local church and mentoring worshippers, while also engaging in the broader global worship community.
About Bethel Music
Bethel Music is a worship movement based in Redding, California, dedicated to pursuing the presence of God and cultivating fresh expressions of worship. What began as a local church music ministry has grown into an internationally recognized collective of songwriters, artists, and musicians. Founded in 2001 by Brian and Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music exists to raise up worshippers, help them walk in their true identity, and pursue intimacy with God above all else.
Since its founding, Bethel Music has released 27 albums, including We Must Respond (Live) (2025), Moments: Wait (Live) (2024), Come Up Here (2023), Simple (2022), and Homecoming (Live) (2021). The collective has received more than 30 career Dove Award nominations, earning 11 wins across multiple categories, and received a 2025 GRAMMY® nomination for “Holy Forever,” featuring Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans.
Bethel Music songs consistently rank among CCLI’s Top 25, impacting churches worldwide. “Goodness of God” held the No. 1 position for more than three consecutive years, while “This Is Amazing Grace,” “Living Hope,” “Reckless Love,” “Raise A Hallelujah,” and “No Longer Slaves” have remained fixtures on CCLI charts for multiple years.
With national TV appearances on programs including Fox & Friends and The Kelly Clarkson Show, along with a sustained Top 10 radio presence, Bethel Music continues to carry the message of worship beyond the local church, leading people into God’s presence around the world. See more at https://bethelmusic.com/.
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