George Case Calls a Generation Back to Humble Discipleship as He Shares New Music

Q: For listeners who may be discovering you for the first time, how would you describe who you are as a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, and what drives your calling to make music rooted in faith?

My prayer is that not only as a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, but also as a father, friend, husband, and in every aspect of my life, my focus is first and foremost my relationship with Christ. If my relationship is where it needs to be in Christ, the love, hope, faith, forgiveness, encouragement, and comfort I find in Him will shine through in all that He does through me, including my lyrics and music.

Q: "Jesus Wanna Be" grew out of a long friendship with Dennis McCall that goes back to high school. What did it mean to return to a song from your shared past and reshape it for this season of your lives?

Dennis McCall is not only a great friend, but also a great songwriter who is strong in his faith. It was an honor for me to record this song. I also greatly appreciate him allowing me to help with some rewriting of the melody and some of the lyrics. That's just who Dennis is, though-a very humble and selfless person.

Q: The song draws inspiration from both 1 John 2:6 and the classic hymn tradition of Fannie Crosby. How do Scripture and hymns inform the way you write modern worship songs?

My goal as a songwriter is to present the teachings of Christ through lyrics and music. Again, I believe my songs should reflect my relationship with Him. The Scripture 1 John 2:6 says, "Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked." If I am following the teaching in this Scripture, I believe the music I am creating will reflect those things. I believe this is what was behind the lyrics written by the great Fannie Crosby.

Q: The lyrics are honest about falling short while still striving to live like Christ. Why was it important for you to frame discipleship as a daily pursuit rather than spiritual perfection?

The truth is that we all fall short of His glory, and the only truly good thing in us is Jesus Christ. My prayer for this song is that it reaches the ears of those who are struggling in their daily walk-those who feel that no matter how hard they try, they are failing because of their struggle with sin. Even Paul, who wrote thirteen books of the New Testament, says in Romans 7:18, "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out." As believers, this is our struggle and the cross we carry.

Q: Your life has included military service, church leadership, and global outreach through music. How have those different chapters shaped your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus authentically?

I believe the one common theme I have learned the most from during my military service, church leadership, and music ministry is that we have to maintain a servant's heart in all we do. It's not about us; it's about serving others. In truth, we don't do anything for God-He does things through us when our relationship is where it needs to be and our hearts are focused on finding and doing His will. For example, Moses did not lead the Israelites out of Egypt; God did it through him. Our walk with Him is no different.

Q: As "Jesus Wanna Be" goes out to Christian radio, what do you hope listeners walk away with after hearing the song for the first time?

My hope is twofold for this song. First, for the believers who hear "Jesus Wanna Be," I hope it will be a reminder that we are called to be like Him, and that should be our daily goal. But in reality, the best we will ever be is just a "wanna be." However, that is at the very center of why Christ had to do for us what we were incapable of doing ourselves. That's what is so wonderful about His grace, mercy, and unmerited favor. It's also at the center of what gives us peace, joy, and hope-because it's not up to our efforts, but the work He did on the cross for us.

Secondly, for the seekers who hear this song, I pray it will provide hope that they too can become a "Jesus Wanna Be." And the best part is, they don't have to wait until they are good enough. I pray that as they hear this song, they will realize they can never be good enough to become a Christian, and that they can come to Him just as they are and give their lives-failures and flaws included-over to Him. Then we will transform by the renewing of our minds and our desires change in our heart.

Lastly, I believe we are all searching for that one thing in life that brings fulfillment. The sad truth is that it can't be found in the things of this world, but only in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Most people are looking for the right thing-they just don't know where to look. Let us show them the way by reflecting Christ and His teachings. It's not about us; it's about Him.