Worship is more than words—it’s an expression of the heart, a full-body experience that transcends language. For the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, worship through American Sign Language (ASL) has long been a deeply moving and essential part of church life. Now, ASL is making an even greater impact in Christian music, breaking barriers and bringing the Gospel to life in ways that go beyond sound.
Two powerful stories highlight this growing movement—one from a celebrated artist and another from a celebrity seeking healing.
Brandon Heath: A Groundbreaking ASL Worship Album
Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Brandon Heath is making history with The Ache, his ninth studio album. In an unprecedented move, Heath has released ASL performance videos for every track, creating one of the first fully signed Christian music albums.
“I’ve always believed music is for everyone,” Heath shares. “I wanted to make sure more people could fully experience these songs—not just hear them, but see them.”
His decision to embrace ASL is more than an act of inclusion—it’s a recognition that worship is more than sound. It’s movement, expression, and emotion—a truth the Deaf community has always understood.
Bethany Joy Lenz: Healing Through Signed Worship
For actress and singer Bethany Joy Lenz, ASL worship became an unexpected source of healing. After years trapped in a cult, she struggled to find her way back to faith.
“When I first left the group, I was so afraid to go into any church,” Lenz shares. “Paralyzed at the thought that I’d be taken advantage of again. I had lost so much faith in myself, in people, and in God.”
Then, she found a Deaf church.
“I had driven past it for years. One Sunday, I finally went in. The physical expression of worship moved me deeply. Maybe it was my theater and dance background, maybe it was because a Deaf friend taught me sign language in high school. I’m not sure—but it comforted me.”
For Lenz, ASL worship wasn’t just about experiencing church—it was about reclaiming faith in a way that felt safe, unmanipulated, and deeply personal.
The Language of Worship Is Universal
These stories remind us that worship isn’t confined to words or sound—it’s something that can be seen, felt, and lived. ASL is not just a language; it’s a powerful form of worship that continues to break barriers and bring people closer to God.