With her debut EP, Out to Get Me, emerging artist Jenn Chenoweth offers more than just catchy melodies—she presents a deeply personal testimony of freedom, healing, and rediscovering the true heart of God. Influenced by periods of chronic pain, fear, and distorted views of faith, her journey led to a powerful realization: God is indeed “out to get us,” but not in judgment—rather, in love, pursuit, and restoration. Combining vibrant synth-pop anthems with reflective, worshipful ballads, the project encourages listeners to trade fear for freedom, drawing inspiration from Scripture and honest storytelling. At its core, Out to Get Me is a reminder that God’s relentless pursuit is always for our good.
Out To Get Me carries a potent twist on expectation. You’ve said, “God is out to get me…but not like you may think.” Can you unpack what inspired you to frame God’s pursuit of us in this way, and how you hope listeners will receive that message?
I was inspired to write this album because of the freedom I discovered after living so long in crippling fear. I found truth in God’s Word that brought peace to my frustrations, which were caused by feeling led astray by false ideas about God that distorted my thinking.
The truth is, no matter how long we’ve been walking with the Lord—two minutes, two years, or two decades—we can still hold onto an incomplete or distorted view of who He truly is. I aimed to communicate the album's message in a way that not only draws attention but also encourages listeners to see God and His nature more clearly, helping them experience the freedom God has called them to. God is out to get you, but not in the way you might think. He is out to find you, get you, and bring you back.
You drew on Galatians 5 and Psalm 23 as foundational influences for this project. How did these Scriptures shape both the themes and the musical feel of songs like “Truth Comes Running” and “Light as a Feather (Good Shepherd)”?
“Truth Comes Running”
Galatians 5:7-8 (AMP): “You were running [the race] well; who has interfered and prevented you from obeying the truth? This [deceptive] persuasion is not from Him who called you [to freedom in Christ].”
These Scriptures had a profound impact on “Truth Comes Running.” The song reflects how easily we can drift or even run from the heart of who God truly is, just as the chorus says. Yet the good news is that God’s truth never wavers. When we seek Him, we find that His truth comes running to meet us. These Scriptures teach that while we may be cut off or sidetracked in our faith, it is never by God’s hand. He is the one who calls us—and keeps calling us—into freedom.
This song also echoes the vision of Psalm 23, the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one. His truth comes running, not to hunt us down in fear, but to seek us out in love. When we wander or get lost in our own confusion, He comes to find us and bring us safely back home.
The music is pop and vibrant, featuring synth sounds that lend to a hopeful expectation. This matches the feelings of coming out of fear and walking in freedom. There is also an acoustic version of this song on the album, and it brings a different feel to the music—more calming and relaxing, with swells and some country-inspired sounds. “Truth Comes Running” is the heartbeat of the album.
“Light as a Feather (Good Shepherd)”
Lyrics: “Good Shepherd, I’ll walk with you through the weather. You lead me to greener pastures. I know there is nothing better. Good Shepherd, I’m letting go of the pressure to bear the weight of another. I’m feeling light as a feather, Good Shepherd.”
This song was inspired by seeing Psalm 23, a passage I had read countless times, with fresh eyes and a renewed mind. It’s surrendering to the freedom and rest that only the Good Shepherd can bring. It’s a sincere song, especially in the first verse: Is it your voice or is it mine? Would you please just give me a sign? I want my independence, but my life is in your hands. Journeying through life can get confusing, and it's hard to know where life is going. Psalm 23 brings a peace that’s hard to put into words. I read it every night during the darkest season of my life, struggling through anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
The music is a synth-driven pop anthem. It is meant to feel carefree in the chorus, with tension in the verses and bridge that lends to the meaning. It is very upbeat and easy to sing along with.
“Truth Comes Running,” co-written with Hannah Cheshire and Nirva Ready, highlights God’s kindness leading to repentance. What was it like crafting that song together, and what personal reflections did it spark for you?
Writing this song with Hannah and Nirva was a beautiful experience. After I shared what I wanted the heart of this project to be (Out to Get Me), Hannah sang: If I mess it up, will you be disappointed? I felt that question was profound for so many of us who have lived in fear of God or in fear of people.
We want to include what God’s Word says about repentance—that it’s His kindness that leads us there, not His anger, manipulation tactics, or shame. It aligns with the truth that God is for us, not against us.
This song was the first one we wrote for the album, and it set the tone for the whole project. Hannah, Nirva, and I were so in sync, and I am extremely grateful and excited about how it turned out. Hannah led that songwriting session with grace, asking great questions after I shared my heart, which helped open everything up. Writing it with her and one of my role models, Nirva Ready, was a memory I will always cherish. That session also pushed me as a writer. I had many ideas during the session that came to life in the song, and it was a trusting, safe, and creative space to collaborate with two amazing women.
Your journey through chronic pain and TMJ disorder in 2019 was both painful and pivotal—you’ve called it a season that “broke your spirit” yet led to healing. How has that chapter reshaped your ministry and creative vision, especially on this debut release?
From 2019 to 2021, I was honestly just a shell of myself. Chronic pain doesn’t let up, and I felt overwhelmed all the time. TMJ disorder stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. Long story short, it caused my jaw to malfunction and brought intense pain. I was so broken. I had seen countless doctors, gone to many consultations, MRIs, CT scans, surgeries, physical therapy, braces (again, lol), and worn every kind of splint and mouth guard you can imagine. I sank into a deep depression. My husband, John, was by my side every step of the way, reminding me of God’s Word and His plan for us. I’m so grateful I married a man of God and a man of true character.
I believe God wanted to heal my jaw, but He had something more in mind. That season, as dark as it was, forced me to confront the anger I had suppressed for years, the hurt I had buried deep from betrayal, fear, shame, and deep disappointment. Through God’s Word, His relentless pursuit of my heart, patience, therapy, and making some significant life changes, I was able to get through it, but I am not the same person. God refined me. I still have my days, but I walk with a new sense of purpose, a deeper love for the Lord, newfound creativity, and hope for the future.
I always think of a bow and arrow—when you've been pulled back so far and pushed to your limit, you'll soar when that arrow is released. I wouldn't have had the courage to launch this debut project without that challenging and lengthy season. I want to help those who need to hear this message. My story is just one, but every story has a bigger impact than we will ever realize while we are here on this earth.
You collaborated with a talented team—including JJ Hasulube, Nirva Ready, Seth Ready, Clarence Monestime, Hannah Cheshire, and more. What did those collaborative sessions bring to the project, both musically and spiritually?
Collaboration is one of my favorite things about creating. I am thankful for my producer, Seth Ready, and every single person who had a hand in this project. This album is the fruit of collaboration, and every session in the writing room or the studio breathed something new into the project. Each person brought their own artistry and talent to the table, and it was an experience I will never forget.
Spiritually, it was the conversations we were all having through the process that made everything grounded. All of us were encouraged in our faith and felt free to bring our questions. There were times of exhaustion and perseverance, which only deepened the experience and challenged us. I am amazed by the grace of God on this project and the grace that everyone brought to it.
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter while battling anxiety, low self-esteem, and a distorted view of God, your story is very personal. How have these challenges shaped the honesty and emotional depth of your songwriting on Out to Get Me?
I've always been an open book—I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. Partly because, as a pastor’s kid, people in my community knew a lot about me because of my family. I felt I owed everyone an answer to any question they had about me. Now, I have a better sense of boundaries and discernment, but I’m still fairly open, and I’m not afraid to talk or sing about my fears, doubts, and insecurities. God has truly walked with me through it all, so I can live in freedom from what He has brought me through. He calls all of us to find liberty in Him.
Through this project, songwriting taught me a lot about balance. Working with such incredible writers pushed me to grow both as a person and as a songwriter—not just creatively, but also in clarity. Honesty and authenticity come naturally to me, but I’ve also learned how to tell the difference between oversharing and compelling storytelling. Oversharing can become messy and even unrelatable to the listener. Good storytelling guides us on a better path for the song.
The EP combines synth-pop anthems, reflective ballads, and worshipful moments. Can you share how you approached such a diverse sound, and what your vision was for the musical journey this EP offers to listeners?
My producer, Seth, asked me for references, and I sent a variety of artists, including worship, pop anthems, indie, and country. We wanted to try blending some different styles, which seemed like a risk, but it turned out great. We managed to keep the album cohesive while still allowing the diversity of the project to shine. I wanted the listener to experience an honest, intimate, and worshipful journey through the album, which is also why I arranged the songs in the order they are.
Out to Get Me is out now. What do you most hope listeners—especially those wrestling with fear, brokenness, or misunderstandings about God—will walk away with after hearing these songs?
I hope that listeners are drawn to the Lord—their Father, their shepherd, and their (closest) friend. My prayer for those walking with the kind of fears I’ve walked with is that they know no matter how far they’ve wandered off, God leaves the ninety-nine for them. He is out to get them, to find them, and set them free. He is for them, not against them.
Through their darkest night, their most significant breakthrough, or the most mundane season of life, I hope these songs draw listeners closer to the greatest love they will ever know. I want listeners to understand that God has called us to a narrow road, not a tightrope. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. Walking in the freedom the Lord has called us to is possible. Never give up. Stay in good company and trust the Lord with your life.
How can we be praying for you?
Thank you so much! Please pray that I always honor God with my life and music, and for my complete healing from TMJ disorder. I’m much better, but I still have tough days sometimes. I really appreciate that.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with 20 years of experience in writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He enjoys music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus. OpenAI's ChatGPT helped with the creation of this article.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1281 - Riley Clemmons
The artist talks about God's love, family roots, and staying grounded
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Eli Gable
Artist talks with Eli about trading a country dream for a higher calling
NEW!NRT STAFF VOICES
Ghosts vs Holy Ghosts
Spirit-filled songs reminding believers that God's presence is the true light
NEW!EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE
Heart Of Worship
NRT'S Felicia Holt shares what she believes worship is all about
NEW!EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL
Twenty One Pilots
How TOP's latest album carries powerful themes of faith, redemption
