The Way I Was Made: Words and Music for an Unusual Life

by Chris Tomlin

The writer of today’s most cherished worship songs guides you on a personal journey to living for God’s glory.

You have been created for a great life—a life that tells the story of God. 

The Bible clearly shows that we have been uniquely created for a purposeful life, but it’s not meant to be about us, or our career, or our fame. It’s all about God, and His glory. That’s the purpose of Chris Tomlin’s first book—to get you to think of yourself as one of God’s fame builders. Through personal stories and his lyrics, Chris takes you on a journey to discover who you are and how you can live a life that tells the story of God.

Includes a study guide for small groups or personal use.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Christianity, Christian Living, Music, Faith

192 pages, Hardcover

First published December 16, 2004

About the author

With 12 albums, 16 #1 radio singles, a Grammy Award, 21 Dove Awards, and two platinum and five gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in music. His songs include “How Great Is Our God,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” “Our God,” and most recently, “Good Good Father,” to name a few. It is estimated that each week 20–30 million people sing one of Tomlin’s songs in worship. He also cowrote the bestselling children’s book, Good Good Father. More than anything, Chris loves being a husband to Lauren and a daddy to Ashlyn and Madison.

Reviews

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this YEAAARS ago, but I remember liking it, and finding it very inspiring, especially for aspiring musicians.

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelf for a while, but I just pulled it down and read it in two or three days. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Tomlin wrote it fairly early in his momentous career and it is really cool to look back at his early inspirations. This is not an autobiography, rather through personal stories on his life, the backgrounds behind some of his most famous songs as well stories from people who personally impacted his life, Tomlin demonstrates how to live a life that honors God, especially using our gifts and talents to serve Him. This is a really excellent, inspiring little book.

[Tammy Dorrycott]

I enjoyed this as an audio book narrated by Chris Tomlin himself. It was great! He told stories about his childhood and how he found his calling as a Christian musician. There is good music on it as well. The story is very uplifting and encouraging especially for someone who is on that journey to find their calling. I heartily recommend it

[Eben · Rating 4 out of 5]

all of the "passion" songwriters are committed to this theme of God's purpose, and their place in His plan. I love it! Tomlin is a hymn writer for my generation.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but powerful. Chris Tomlin must be the humblest man in Christian music, for the impact he has had on the worldwide church and the platform he’s had most of his career. I listened to him read the audiobook, in his delightful Texas twang. This is a great read for any Jesus follower to better understand what “worship” really gets at and how to think of our lives in the context of what we were made for. I will never forget the story he shared of the pastor and the cigarettes. It was very like another story in Brant Hansen’s Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better, about the birthday party for a prostitute. Chris just gets it in a way few people have, and God could not have chosen a better person to deliver worship songs for a new generation. I will definitely revisit this book in the future. So many good messages that are easily forgotten. It also makes me want to listen to some of his early albums again.

[Sam Figura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just makes me want to worship and praise the Lord. Chris tells us how it pleases God and helps our journey of faith.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for Chris Tomlin sharing his testimony and perspective! Quite a story and an inspiration. 🎵🎶♥️

[Kenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s about how Chris Tomlin started out & how some of his songs came about. I really enjoyed it. I love his music too.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small, simple book of Tomlin’s reflections about how God has shaped Tomlin's view of worshiping with his whole life. It’s written as a conversation between Tomlin and the readers and resembles a devotional book with questions in the back included. Although the book just scratches the surface of Biblical worship, this is a great intro for any Christian or worship leader who is looking to start defining his or her philosophy of church music. It is also a fresh reminder for more mature believers that our lives need to simply glorify God and a glimmer of hope that new worship music is not all surfacy and worldly. I gave it three stars because it’s almost like a sampler of worship music in the church, not very deep.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a shorter read, but this was a pretty powerful little nugget. Written to a college-age and young adult audience, it is certainly applicable for all ages.

Chris Tomlin does such a good job and presenting his own testimony--he's not perfect (nor are any of us) and he doesn't have it all figured out, but he has learned about worship. He is a worship leader, which may lead a potential reader to believe the book is only about musical worship, in the pews, etc. But worship is every part of our lives! And CT does a really wonderful job, by God's grace!, to talk about what worship is, why we should worship, who is to be worshipped, forms of worship, and so forth. I've learned a lot!

[Jane Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have many CD's of Chris Tomlin given to me during a time of grieving the lose of my husband.
I went to see his America concert in LA and it was amazing. Normally I would not care for all the loud music and bright lights plus thousands of people, but I was enthralled. The words, the love, the faith that Chris puts into his music is heartwarming and I wish the whole USA could hear his music.
The book is kind of a diary of his life where and when he was introduced to our God and how he has found happiness in dedicating his life and music to the Lord. Wonderful.

[Robin Hatcher]

Chris Tomlin is one of my favorite worship leaders/song writers. God has used Chris's music many times to draw me into His presence. I loved learning more about how he got started and his heart for worship and the way God has led him and the people placed in his path. I would certainly recommend this for all Christian worship leaders, but there is a lot that can also be applied to the life of a Christian novelist (my own calling).

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a sweet and nice book. Much of how I thought of such a great person as Chris Tomlin would be. It makes his songs resonate more, to know where he has come and where God has raised him up, specifically.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story. Showed Tomlin is real. It just wasn't that moving.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I highly recommend it...easy read!

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book wasn't really what I was expecting. I thought it would be more about his life and music, but instead I felt very preached at. It was a quick read and some parts were really interesting.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love his music and I know everyone has a story to tell. Still, Chris isn't the best writer. It was short and sweet and I'm glad for that.

[Nick Randle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this in 8th grade. But I remembered reading it and I remember that it was very good. Chris Tomlin is an excellent writer and I think I would read this book again.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt a little bit like a commercial and like it really had no clear theme.

[Levi W. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it a 7 out of 10. 📚

[Tgpaulsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. didn't hate it.