Christian artist Estella Kirk has quickly made a mark on the Christian contemporary music (CCM) scene with her standout debut singles. I have three daughters, and her entire catalog of songs ministers to them, as well as to my wife and me. Estella has a talent for encouragement, and every single song lifts me up. She has a reflective musical style, layering her distinctive vocals over one catchy melody after another.
Kirk’s songwriting is genuine, positive, and vulnerable, and her upbeat songs are a fantastic way to celebrate our freedom in Christ. Her biblically inspired lyrics demonstrate how genuine joy and her identity stem from her relationship with God.
She has delivered the perfect EP, Growing Pains, to help anyone struggling with fear and self-doubt, and every song is a strong showcase of Estella’s introspective songwriting. The layered, well-produced musical arrangements on this album perfectly highlight Estella’s powerful, passionate songs. I spoke with Estella about one of those songs: "Same Jesus, Different Pew."
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
In “Same Jesus, Different Pew,” I explore the emotional and sometimes difficult experience of navigating change. This song was inspired by the loneliness I felt moving to a new state and attending a new church where I knew no one. The song highlights the contrast between my familiar home church and the discomfort of unfamiliar surroundings, emphasizing that while the setting changed, Jesus remained consistent. I had gone from a place where everything was familiar, even the seat I always sat in, to asking a stranger if a seat was taken. It reminded me that even though the people and surroundings changed, Jesus hadn’t. This song is personal, reflective, and hopefully relatable.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
James 1:2-4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Psalm 28:7 (NLT): "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV): "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 30:11-12 (VOICE): “You did it: You turned my deepest pains into joyful dancing; You stripped off my dark clothing and covered me with joyful light. You have restored my honor. My heart is ready to explode and erupt in new songs. It's impossible to keep quiet! Eternal One, my God, my Life-Giver, I will thank You forever.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Philippians 1:6 (NIV): “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What is the takeaway message?
“Same Jesus, Different Pew” focuses on finding comfort in Christ's consistency, even when the people, the building, and the "pew" are different. I hope the song resonates with anyone feeling lonely in a new environment, reminding them that Jesus is with them wherever they are.
There are so many incredible churches, but nothing will ever replace the memories of one I grew up in, and I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to. Living in Tennessee now, I’ve found a creative community and opportunities I never could have imagined, but I’ve also realized how much I miss the simplicity of Oklahoma—the slower pace, the familiarity of home, even my hometown church.
Lyrics
Smell the fresh coffee, the creak of that old wood floor Red paint on the walls, familiar voices singing Hallelujah Had always sat in the same seat Nobody had to save it for me Now I'm in a new place Asking a stranger if this one's taken
But I'm still lifting my hands to amazing grace Singing your praise, what a beautiful name Homesick for the place that I outgrew And I'm still finding you here when I seek you first In my Sunday best when I'm at my worst Never on my own, ‘cause I'm with you Same Jesus, different pew
I'm starting to notice now it's not too long The placе and the people I let them drown you out When I feel like an island in the sand You're walking on the waves to get to me
But I'm still lifting my hands to amazing grace Singing your praise, what a beautiful name Homesick for the place that I outgrew And I'm still finding you here when I seek you first In my Sunday best when I'm at my worst Never on my own, ‘cause I'm with you Same Jesus, different pew
But I'm still lifting my hands to amazing grace Singing your praise, what a beautiful name Homesick for the place that I outgrew And I'm still finding you here when I seek you first In my Sunday best when I'm at my worst Never on my own, ‘cause I'm with you Same Jesus, different pew
Closing Thoughts
“Same Jesus, Different Pew” reminds us that we can overcome hardships because there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. God’s love is never-ending, and He is our refuge and strength. His resurrection power is available to those who believe in Him—the same power that defeated death and raised Jesus from the grave.
The Bible teaches us to trust what God says about us, no matter how we feel or when doubts and uncertainties arise. Bring your doubts and struggles to Jesus, and He will take them from you, releasing you from those burdens.
God wants to hear from you. Trust in the freedom granted through Jesus' cross, which allows us to truly live in Him. Although we can't see everything clearly in our fallen world, where grace and truth are obscured, our best option is to trust in His son, Jesus. His ways are beyond our understanding.
This song reinforces the idea that we shouldn't feel worthless or afraid. In many aspects of life, we spend too much time worrying. It's essential to let go of our worries and trust the Lord to redeem us.
If you’re struggling with depression and loneliness, please hold onto these life-giving words: “But I'm still lifting my hands to amazing grace/Singing Your praise, what a beautiful name/Homesick for the place that I outgrew/And I'm still finding you here when I seek You first/In my Sunday best when I'm at my worst/Never on my own, ‘cause I'm with You/Same Jesus, different pew.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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