Reviewed by Grace Curtis

After a six year wait, worship music fans may have been thinking that 2004's 'To Love The Lost' mini-album would be Rex's only release, but here we have his first full length LP. Allchurch, leader of worship at Engage Pioneer Church in Leatherhead, Surrey, kicks off 'Jesus Instead' with the memorable song of adoration "I Love Your Presence". Some tracks are upbeat and resemble the work of luminaries like Tim Hughes while in contrast "Give Me Jesus Instead" is slower in tempo and brings a powerful reminder of the message of the cross. The arrangements here give space for the worshipper to connect with the lyrics as there are moments of quiet. "My Rescuer" expresses unconditional trust and is another example of the talent this songsmith has developed in expressing elements of our relationship with God. Not exactly groundbreaking, but still a good album from one of the new wave of worship leaders.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Rex Allchurch is a worship leader based at Engage Pioneer Church in Leatherhead, Surrey, led by Gerald Coates.

He finds himself writing songs that are used to encourage, inspire and echo the sound of many other Christians around the world and within the local church.

Rex explains: “I do my best to listen intently to what the Lord is saying, sometimes this is manifest on the streets where I find myself evangelising through a prophetic word. Sometimes this is apparent in the songs I write, and more often than not I will see the Holy Spirit use me to communicate to people during corporate times of worship.”