Music: Elevation Worship's 'So Be It,' 'A Great Awakening' Film, and 'Discipology' Book — A Christian Media Roundup
By Dr. Layne McDonald
The best Christian media releases of 2026 so far are Elevation Worship’s album So Be It, Sight & Sound’s film A Great Awakening, and Peyton Jones’s book Discipology. Each of these works excels by moving beyond mere entertainment, offering believers deep spiritual grounding, historical wisdom, and practical tools for modern discipleship.
Why is it so hard to find high-quality Christian media today?
Have you ever scrolled through your feed or walked through a bookstore and felt like everything was just a slightly thinner version of something you’ve already seen? (I’ve been there, too.) We live in an era of high-speed content, but high-impact substance can feel rare. As a musician and filmmaker, I’m always on the hunt for media that doesn't just fill space but actually fuels the soul.
When we engage with stories, songs, and studies that are rooted in Truth, we aren't just "consuming", we are being formed. This month, three distinct pieces of media have caught my attention for their depth, their craftsmanship, and their ability to help us find our "True North."
Music: Is Elevation Worship’s ‘So Be It’ their most powerful album yet?
Released on February 20, 2026, So Be It is a masterclass in corporate worship that focuses entirely on the authority of the Name of Jesus. As a worship leader, I look for songs that don't just sound good in a car but actually lead a congregation into the presence of God. This album (which I’m giving a 5/5) does exactly that.
The standout track, "I Know A Name," has already garnered over 25 million plays, and for good reason. It’s a rhythmic, bold declaration of faith that feels like a spiritual anchor. The title track, "So Be It," is the perfect Easter worship song, capturing the finality of the resurrection with a cinematic, building arrangement that reminds us when God speaks, the matter is settled.
The biblical heart of the melody
The lyrics are biblically sound and grounded in the reality of God’s sovereignty. It brings to mind Psalm 148:13: "Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens." When we sing these songs, we aren't just reciting lyrics; we are agreeing with the authority of Heaven.
Film: Can a movie about the 1700s change how we see faith today?
Sight & Sound Films released A Great Awakening on April 3, 2026, and it is a stunning piece of historical storytelling. The film explores the unlikely friendship between the evangelical firebrand George Whitefield and the Enlightenment rationalist Benjamin Franklin, set against the high-stakes backdrop of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
The cinematic tension reaches its peak in a pivotal scene where a dying Whitefield calls on Franklin to look toward Christ for "the New Birth" rather than relying on human virtue alone. It’s a powerful reminder that while virtue makes a good citizen, only Christ makes a new creation. This moment is what eventually inspires Franklin to call for prayer during a deadlock in the convention, a historically grounded moment that reminds us of the necessity of divine guidance in leadership.
A cinematic lesson in heart-centered leadership
With a 97% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film succeeds because it treats its subjects as humans, not icons. It echoes the principles of heart-centered leadership that I often discuss in my coaching: the idea that our internal spiritual condition dictates our external impact.
Books: How do we move from 'church-goers' to 'disciple-makers'?
Peyton Jones’s Discipology: The Art and Science of Making Disciples (Zondervan, 2026) is the practical guide the modern church has been waiting for. It is biblically solid, pastorally accessible, and ruthlessly practical.
Jones distinguishes between multiplication (reproducing disciples) and mobilization (sending them out). His framework, Time (relationship-building), Teaching (gospel instruction), and Tactics (deployment), is a brilliant roadmap for any leader or layperson. It’s a call to move away from the "performance" of church and back to the "mission" of the Kingdom.
The science of the Great Commission
Jones reminds us that discipleship isn't a program; it's a lifestyle. This aligns deeply with my belief that excellence vs. performance is the defining struggle for worship teams and ministry leaders today. If we aren't making disciples, we are just putting on a show.
What this means for you today
Media is never neutral. Every song you listen to, every film you watch, and every book you read is planting seeds in the soil of your heart. In 2026, we have the opportunity to steward our "digital intake" with intentionality.
Whether it’s letting the authority of Jesus’ name wash over you through Elevation's music, reflecting on the roots of our faith through Sight & Sound's storytelling, or equipping yourself for the Great Commission with Peyton Jones, these resources are here to help you upgrade your spiritual life.
Your 2026 Media Toolkit: Steps, Tips, and Tricks
Audit Your Ears: Spend one week listening only to worship music that focuses on the attributes of God (like So Be It) and see how it shifts your anxiety levels.
Family Movie Night with a Purpose: Watch A Great Awakening and use the reflection questions below to talk with your kids about the difference between being "good" and being "new."
The 3T Discipleship Check: Look at your calendar. Are you spending Time with someone you can mentor? Are you Teaching them the Word? Are you giving them Tactics to serve?
Reflection Question
Which of these three areas, Worship, History, or Discipleship, do you feel the Holy Spirit is inviting you to go deeper into this season?
Small Action Step
Choose one song from the So Be It album, I recommend "I Know A Name", and pray through the lyrics as a personal declaration of faith this morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elevation Worship's 'So Be It' appropriate for small church worship teams? Yes. While the album features grand, cinematic arrangements, songs like "Jesus Be The Name" and "Thank You" are incredibly melodic and can be easily adapted for acoustic or smaller band settings.
Is 'A Great Awakening' historically accurate? For the most part, yes. While it takes some cinematic liberties to heighten the drama of the 1787 convention, the core of the relationship between Whitefield and Franklin and Franklin’s famous call for prayer are well-documented historical realities.
Who is 'Discipology' written for? It is written for everyone. While pastors will find the "Tactics" section invaluable for church renewal, the book is designed to be accessible to laypeople who want to take the Great Commission seriously in their neighborhoods and workplaces.
If you are looking for more ways to find your True North through music, film, or personal coaching, reach out to me on the site www.laynemcdonald.com.
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