Labelmates Joe L. Barnes and Seph Schlueter are taking the narrow way on “Road Less Traveled.” The folk-pop offering brings together two of worship music’s emerging voices for a long-drive, windows-down anthem about doing the hard, but rewarding, work of intentionally choosing to follow Jesus each and every day.
“‘Road Less Traveled’ is an invitation to become more like Jesus. It invites us to embrace His heart for those who are lost, that we may become His hands and feet. To go out to all the world and make disciples, to welcome them into His Kingdom and His family,” Barnes explains. “I hope the song encourages us all to go share His heart and advance His Kingdom.”
Barnes penned the convicting track alongside Ben Tan, Anna Golden, Joel Houston and his wife, Lauren Scott Barnes. He helms the first verse, while Schlueter steers the second verse, inspired by Matthew 9:37-38, which reads, “He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.’”
Best known for his collaboration with Maverick City Music on “Promises,” as well as prominent features on recordings from Elevation Worship, Barnes launched his solo career with 2024’s “The Good Shepherd.” This spring, he completed a co-headline run with DOE.
Meanwhile, Schlueter initially introduced his introspective lyricism to audiences with the release of his debut single, “Counting My Blessings,” which summited the Christian radio charts and swiftly began to trend across social media as fans created reels using his powerful song of gratitude. He’s slated to be a part of the lineup for this fall’s “Air1 Worship Now Tour,” which will also include Tauren Wells, Gateway Worship and more.
