HOUSTON — Christian recording artist Forrest Frank has launched a new social media-driven collaboration campaign, the “Jesus Is Alive” Open Verse Challenge, inviting independent artists around the world to add their voices to a faith-centered movement already generating significant online excitement.
The open verse challenge, built around Frank’s uplifting new “Jesus Is Alive” concept, gives singers, rappers, worship leaders and Christian creatives an opportunity to record their own verse or rendition using the song’s format from Forrest Frank’s social media pages @hiforrest on Instagram and @hiforrestt on TikTok.
Participants are encouraged to keep submissions rooted in Christian themes, faith-based testimony and biblical encouragement, while avoiding profanity, vulgarity or subject matter inconsistent with the spirit of the challenge.
The challenge was reportedly sparked by overwhelming fan demand online, particularly after social media user @keepingupwithdjones commented, “We NEED an open verse challenge for this,” a request echoed by supporters throughout Frank’s comment sections. What began as fan enthusiasm has quickly grown into a global invitation for Christian artists to engage creatively and spiritually through music.
For Frank, whose music often blends worship, pop, hip-hop and inspirational messaging, the challenge aligns with his broader mission of making faith-filled music accessible, joyful and participatory.
Born Forrest Neil Frank in Fulshear, Texas, Forrest Frank first rose to national prominence as one-half of the platinum-selling duo Surfaces, known for genre-blending hits that fused pop, soul and feel-good optimism. After the duo’s breakout success, Frank expanded into solo Christian music, where he has become one of the genre’s fastest-rising voices.
His solo work has earned acclaim for mixing modern production with explicit messages of faith, often resonating with younger listeners drawn to both worship and contemporary sounds. Frank has also been associated with the Christian music superduo Party Wave, further broadening his collaborative reach.
Known for songs centered on joy, revival and spiritual identity, Frank has cultivated a devoted audience through streaming platforms, live performances and viral social media content. His official channels often emphasize ministry alongside music, encouraging listeners to see worship not only as a genre but as a lifestyle.
The “Jesus Is Alive” Open Verse Challenge continues that message while adding a participatory dimension.
Central to the challenge is Frank’s interpolation of a sermon moment from pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, whose declaration has become a defining refrain of the movement.
In the sampled sermon, Mitchell proclaims that every other spiritual leader remains in their tomb, but Jesus does not — because Jesus is alive.
The line has become a powerful centerpiece for artists entering the challenge, framing many submissions around resurrection, victory and the living Christ.
Philip Anthony Mitchell, a native of Queens, New York, is founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church, a growing Christ-centered movement based in Atlanta, as well as founder of the 2819 Institute.
An honors graduate of North Carolina Central University, Mitchell also holds a degree in Pastoral and Church Leadership from Valor Christian College. Widely known for bold preaching and digital discipleship outreach, Mitchell has built an international following focused on evangelism, biblical literacy and fulfillment of the Great Commission.
His inclusion in Frank’s challenge has helped bridge worship music, sermon culture and digital creativity in a way many artists say feels both timely and organic.
For independent musicians, the open verse concept also offers rare visibility.
Artists can write original verses, record duets, perform acoustic renditions, produce remixes or deliver spoken-word interpretations while tagging Frank and using challenge-related hashtags to increase discoverability. Early reactions suggest participants are approaching the challenge not merely as a contest, but as a ministry opportunity.
Some creators are sharing testimony-centered verses. Others are using the format to blend gospel rap, melodic worship and scripture-inspired lyricism.
Industry observers say the challenge reflects a larger trend in Christian music, where artists increasingly use short-form social media not only for promotion, but for communal creation.
Open verse challenges, long popular in hip-hop and independent music circles, have become a growing tool for artist development and audience engagement. Frank’s faith-driven adaptation gives the format a distinctive spiritual dimension.
For many emerging artists, the challenge could serve as both exposure and outreach.
SAM encourages artists considering participation to study the tone and message of Frank’s original concept and submit verses that reflect excellence, authenticity and Christ-centered purpose.
Submissions emphasizing biblical truth, testimony, encouragement and worship themes are expected to resonate most strongly within the spirit of the challenge.
With thousands already engaging online, “Jesus Is Alive” is shaping up as more than a viral moment — it is emerging as a collaborative anthem.
And for Christian artists looking to use their gifts on a global stage, Frank’s invitation is clear: pick up the open verse, keep it faith-filled and let the message travel.
Because, as the challenge boldly reminds listeners, the tomb is empty — and Jesus is alive.
