New Centricity recording artist Rachel Purcell began writing songs as a teenager. She played in the high school marching band and always loved a good pop melody, but at the time, her dreams were limited to singing in her church choir.
“I came to know God in a real way during college,” Purcell shares. College was also where she began to seriously develop her craft—writing and performing her original music locally. “I also experienced my heart getting broken a few times,” she says, “and those heartbreak songs ended up helping me secure my first record deal.”
When Purcell’s time with the major label ended, she felt the start of a new chapter. As an independent artist, she began writing songs centered on her faith, which are included on her Live From Muscle Shoals EP.
She exhibits the passion and confidence of an experienced artist. Her songwriting is heartfelt, uplifting, and honest, featuring energetic tracks that praise our freedom in Christ. Rachel acts as an empowering role model for girls. Her biblically inspired lyrics highlight that genuine happiness and her sense of identity stem from her relationship with God.
I had the opportunity to discuss her new song “Have Church” from her EP, Mercy & Me, with her.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Have Church” illustrates that worship and connection with a higher power can happen anywhere, not just in traditional church buildings.
Growing up, we attended church on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights. I loved church. It was just one of my favorite places. Having the opportunity to grow up in that kind of environment, I don’t take it for granted. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Seeing where I am now is not a reflection of my own doing; it’s the Lord. He has led me here, and I trust Him and His wisdom to guide me toward the next best step. A few years ago, God began guiding me in a new musical direction.
Since coming to faith in Jesus, I am no longer a slave to the enemy’s tricks and temptations, for I have been given a new name and a new identity in Christ. What an incredible gift. Looking back at how I poured myself into writing these songs, I see that the theme of salvation is present in every lyric.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): "We are confident that God can orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV): "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV): "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
James 5:16 (NASB): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.”
John 8:12 (NKJV): "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'"
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV): "For it is the God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV): "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, most gladly, I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (NIV): "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we no longer do so. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, and the new is here. All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Romans 8:17 (NIV): “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings so that we may also share in His glory.”
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV): “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
What is the takeaway message of your song?
I just want to stay on a path that continues to honor the Lord. One of the most common themes in my life has been that God works in mysterious ways. I look back and think, “You were working with this girl,” and He’s carried me through it all. And I’m just grateful.
I feel like God had bigger plans for me than I had for myself. I don’t know why God has given me the opportunities He has or the platform He has provided, but I really want to honor Him and do my best to be faithful to the calling He has placed on my life.
This EP reflects on the miracle of salvation, and the final track, “Mercy & Me,” captures the beautiful moment when Christ opened my eyes and filled me with belief, awe, and repentance. Every time I’ve tried to quit or give up, God’s like, “No, I’m keeping you in music.”
I pray that wherever you are on your journey, God gives you exactly what you need from these songs.
Lyrics
Some are having quiet time with God and a coffee cup Some are under midnight stars, amazed as they’re lookin’ up Some are under a steeple, breaking bread with kingdom people Or singing along with this song on the way home from work
We about to have church Raise a hallelujah Tell the good news Wherever we are is a front row pew (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church Give Him all the glory Praise it on up Wherever we are He’s alive in us (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church
Right now, a church in a little town’s having big revival And somewhere, a wayward man’s opening a hotel Bible A brand new mother is singing, Praise the Lord, thank You Jesus We’re all just joining in with all creation’s song
We about to have church Raise a hallelujah Tell the good news Wherever we are is a front row pew (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church Give Him all the glory Praise it on up Wherever we are He’s alive in us (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church
(Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world
Can I get an amen Can I get a witness
We about to have church Raise a hallelujah Tell the good news Wherever we are is a front row pew (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church Give Him all the glory Praise it on up Wherever we are, He’s alive in us (Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah) All around the world We about to have church
Oh, can I get a witness?
Closing Thoughts
“Have Church” reminds listeners that God often uses trials to bring us back to Him, teaching us to rely on His strength rather than our own. The song encourages us to be honest about our struggles, rather than pretending to have everything under control, and urges us to confess our sins and openly acknowledge our need for God. There’s no need to hide our weaknesses.
Our weaknesses reveal God's grace and strength. These powerful lyrics deeply convict me, and I find great comfort in this song. While we can't know or control everything, trusting God assures us we have no cause for fear.
The song prompts us to reflect on our doubts and recognize how Jesus invites us to rely on Him and the power of His resurrection. It also reminds us that He has overcome death and fear. If you have complete hope and trust in Jesus, nothing can separate you from His love.
This song is filled with truths believers can hold on to, reminding us to spend time with God so He can redeem and restore us. Our story isn’t finished—God is still writing chapters of redemption, and He is faithful to complete the work He began in everyone who trusts in Jesus for salvation.
Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This powerful verse reminds us that we are God’s beloved children despite our shortcomings. Embracing this truth, “Have Church” celebrates the freedom God promised.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” “Have Church” embodies a biblical truth that resonates with all listeners. It affirms that Christians are fundamentally renewed inwardly and that the Holy Spirit grants us new life. We no longer need to carry guilt, fears, perfectionism, or worries.
This song serves as a personal testimony to the transformative power of stepping out of darkness and into God's glorious light. Sing along and pray these words: “We about to have church/Raise a hallelujah/Tell the good news/Wherever we are/Is a front row pew.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes that the message of Christian music has helped him gain a deeper understanding of Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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