Worship leaders used to be (and still are) those folks on Sunday morning who tirelessly lead the songs--your friendly neighborhood musician who was as familiar to you as the church secretary. 

Now, thanks to the Internet and a veritable explosion of worship music coming out of the church and spreading to all corners of the globe, individual worship leaders are no longer just confined to their own churches; their influence is going far beyond that of their Sunday morning roles. 

The new category of Worship Leader of the Year has been added to the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS this year to reflect that trend, and we're taking a look at those individuals who have inspired countless thousands--perhaps millions--in their pursuit to bring God's glory wherever they go. 
 
Chris Quilala (Jesus Culture)
Chris Quilala, best known for his place on the Jesus Culture team, is one of the best worship leaders you'll find. You may recognize him as the steady voice behind fan favorites "Your Love Never Fails" and "You Won't Relent." A greatly anointed leader and songwriter, the church is better for having Chris.

Why he could win: Chris's constant passion for music has made him a sought-after worship leader around the world, and the meteoric rise of Jesus Culture as a worship songs engine doesn't hurt, either. Many lives have been changed because of his dedication to the Gospel, earning him a well-deserved nomination as Worship Leader of the Year.
 
Kari Jobe (Gateway Worship)
Even if you've only been a Christian music fan for a short time, you've probably heard of Kari Jobe. The angelic voice behind "Revelation Song", Kari has been gracefully leading people into the presence of God for several years now. With her bold spirit and unrivaled passion for seeing people come to know Christ better, Kari is one of the most loved worship leaders across the globe.

Why she could win: There are many factors that make Kari a great contender for Worship Leader of the Year. Her genuine and authentic love of God mixed with one of the most powerful female vocals in the whole industry definitely make her a deserving nominee.
 
Matt Maher
There are few people in the music industry like "Lord I Need You" writer/singer Matt Maher. His signature voice and deep lyrics of praise lead rooms of people in powerful worship like few others. In addition to many other songs over the years, his latest hit "Because He Lives (Amen)" has become a staple for many churches as Matt continues to supply listeners with memorable moments of worship.

Why he could win: Maher is an indispensable part of the worship community. His dedication to leading people into the presence of God only makes him better at what he does and his songwriting continues to improve with every new album released. Maher seems to be the perfect candidate for Worship Leader of the Year.
 
Matt Redman
What introduction could possibly be given to sum up Matt Redman's highly successful career thus far? The internationally acclaimed worship leader is the writer and voice behind many songs you hear each week in church. Matt works closely with the Passion conference and leads often at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He's also a multiple time GRAMMY Award winner and the author of several books.

Why he could win: Matt is one of the biggest voices in our generation. His ministry stretches across continents as he continues to write songs that lead the church into passionate praise, making a strong case for why he could be considered Worship Leader of the Year.
 
Taya Smith (Hillsong United)
For any Christian music fan, it can be assumed that you've heard the incredibly popular hit "Oceans" at least a hundred times over the past few years... and that while listening, you've marveled in awe at the powerhouse vocals of Taya Smith. The female lead of worship champions Hillsong United, Taya is the delicate yet bold voice behind many of the songs that bring you to your feet in worship. Taya is passionate about authentic, honest worship and does an amazing job of bringing that to the table every time she leads.

Why she could win: Taya's deep passion for worship is perhaps her greatest strength. Combining that with one of the most remarkable voices in the world, it's only natural that Taya would be a nominee for Worship Leader of the Year. Whether by herself or with United, Taya continues to up the game for worship leaders everywhere. 

Who do you think will win? VOTE HERE and then comment below!