Fear can be defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” In the uncertain times in which we now live, behind the smiles that we may see, there exists for many, a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

Having to face the unknowns of life causes even more feelings of anxiety for some people. To help calm their fears and anxieties, they may find themselves echoing the lyrics from the single, “Fear Is Not Welcome,” by multiple Grammy and Dove awards nominee, contemporary Motown gospel singer Brian Courtney Wilson.

Let me begin and confess
I need your healing
I made a friend of the fear
I have been feeling
And I believe the lies it spoke
That led me into doubt
But I’m calling on your angel armies now

Wilson released “Fear Is Not Welcome” in October 2020, and as of early March 2021, the video has garnered more than 44, 000 views on his YouTube channel. He recently traveled to June Audio Recording Studios in Provo, Utah, to record a newly arranged version of the song with Brigham Young University’s male a cappella group, BYU Vocal Point for their upcoming inspirational album, Grace.

Fans of BYU Vocal Point will recall that six years ago they released a stirring rendition of “Nearer My God to Thee,” which has been viewed over 29 million times on YouTube. In August 2020, they joined with a worldwide virtual choir and orchestra comprised of 800 musicians from 55 countries to create an awe-inspiring virtual music video of “Nearer, My God to Thee.” That video has been viewed more than 748,000 times on YouTube.

This is the first time in BYU Vocal Point’s history (founded in 1991) that they have collaborated with an established artist from the contemporary Christian music industry. According to the Church News, Vocal Point artistic director McKay Crockett, who arranged and produced the track, said the collaboration was prompted by a desire to reach across denominational lines and combine voices to sing about Jesus Christ.

When asked about the 20 February 2021 recording session, Wilson said, “It was a beautiful experience. You could feel that something special was being brewed. I’m looking forward to seeing what fruit it bears.” Crockett added, “You might not think that these two parties, while similar in many ways, would collaborate. They come from different sides of the country, from different faith traditions and maybe have different goals. But it all worked out — and that’s pretty miraculous and special.” He continued, “Obviously Brian’s talent is through the roof; he has a wonderful, soulful, beautiful voice. But he is also so real and authentic.”

At first, Wilson was unsure if he wanted to be a part of the collaboration. He felt that it was the right move after talking to Crockett and others and listening to what was in his spirit. He said, “And to be frank, I’d never been to Utah. I wanted to see Utah and we had a wonderful time.”

On 20 February 2021, Wilson and Vocal Point gathered at June Audio Recording Studios in Provo, Utah, and did what was natural for both parties to do – they sang about their Savior, Jesus Christ.  According to the Church News, the artists took the time to discuss their backgrounds and faith experiences, asked and answered questions, and through music and their shared testimonies of Christ, they discovered common ground.

Crockett commented that he hopes that the “Fear Is Not Welcome” collaboration “reaches anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, or even just wants to believe in Jesus Christ, and is looking for some happiness during a dark and fearful time.” Wilson added that the song can bless anyone “willing to admit” that fear is an obstacle to overcome.

The Church News reports that “Fear Is Not Welcome” is expected to be one of the anchoring tracks of the “Grace” album, which is expected to be released on Easter weekend and focuses entirely on the mission of Christ. Vocal Point member Jonathan Meyers, a BYU accounting student and a returned missionary who served in Argentina, said, “The album is an opportunity to ‘share’ my testimony long after I finish college. In addition to the collaboration with Brian Courtney Wilson, the album will also include a collaboration with world-renown entertainer, David James Archuleta.

McKay Crockett said, “It’s been great to come together, show solidarity and purpose, and find peace and strength through Jesus Christ, who can help us find our way out of darkness.” Plans are underway to reunite Wilson and Vocal Point to produce a video of “Fear Is Not Welcome” later this year.