GRAMMY Award-winning Christian artist Brandon Lake has revealed that gospel music icon CeCe Winans will join him as a special guest during his highly anticipated Cowboy Church gathering at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville.
Lake shared the news on social media, describing Winans as "a legend, a mentor, a friend, and an absolute powerhouse of the faith." The worship leader expressed his excitement about welcoming the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time to what is shaping up to be one of CMA Fest's most anticipated events.
Cowboy Church will take place on Sunday, June 7, at 9:30 a.m. at the Chevy Riverfront Stage in downtown Nashville as part of CMA Fest 2026. The event is free and open to the public, with organizers encouraging attendees to arrive early due to expected large crowds.
Originally launched during last year's festival, Cowboy Church has quickly become a unique intersection of faith and country music. Lake has described the gathering as a place for "the wanderers, the worn-out, the misfits, the ones who aren't sure they belong anywhere," inviting attendees to come as they are and experience a message of hope and encouragement.
The event has already generated significant buzz following the announcement that country superstars Dan + Shay will also participate in the service. With the addition of CeCe Winans, Cowboy Church now brings together some of the biggest names in both Christian and country music for a morning of worship, testimony, and community.
Winans continues to enjoy remarkable success in her career, recently earning multiple Dove Awards and chart-topping hits including "That's My King." Her appearance alongside Lake underscores the growing collaboration between the Christian and country music worlds.
Lake, whose recent country-influenced music and faith-driven performances have resonated with audiences across genres, has become one of Christian music's most influential voices. The worship leader has consistently emphasized reaching people beyond traditional church walls, a vision reflected in the growing popularity of Cowboy Church.
Additional guest announcements are expected in the coming days as anticipation continues to build for CMA Fest, which runs June 4-7 throughout downtown Nashville.
