Christian band Bluetree on a mission to stand out

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Just as the band’s name reflects its one-of-a-kind identity, the Irish modern worship band Bluetree desires to stand out and make a difference by leading worship in places seldom reached with the gospel because of political oppression.

“Bluetree stands for standing out,” lead singer Aaron Boyd said. “The whole concept behind the name is that if you’re walking through a forest, everything you look at is pretty much going to be green. But if you saw this tree that was bright blue, it would stand out. You would look at it and take notice of it. As Christians, Jesus Christ has called us to be salt and light in this world and really make a difference.”

While on a mission trip to Pattaya, Thailand, the Belfast-based band was allowed to perform worship songs in the Climax Bar, a club which doubles as a brothel in the Red Light district. During this time, the band was inspired to write the worship song, “God of This City,” as a message of hope to the people of Pattaya.

The song gained international exposure when it was sung by American Idol winner Kris Allen and recorded by Chris Tomlin on the Passion: God of This City and Hello Love albums. The song has become a staple in contemporary worship services around the world.

Boyd has also written a book, God of This City: Greater Things Have Yet to Come, that provides an in-depth journey through the lyrics and story behind the song.

“We went to Pattaya to lead worship, help clean up the streets and help in orphanages,” Boyd said. “We wanted to see how bad the conditions were, so we could better know how to minister and let the people know that there’s so much more to life than how they’re living now. 

“Right in the middle of this horrific place, we were inspired to write ‘God of This City,’ as a desperate cry to proclaim the truth of who God is. The challenge in that song is for Christians to go into cities of this world, share Christ’s love and help people understand the truth of who God is. It’s been amazing to hear stories about how that song is impacting people around the world.”

Forever changed by witnessing the effects of the city’s harsh poverty, the band also was prompted to launch StandOut International, an organization devoted to rescuing children from prostitution and giving them a home, an education and skills to make a living on their own.

Bluetree is a Belfast-based band that takes seriously Jesus' call for believers "to be salt and light in this world and really make a difference.”

While desiring to make an impact around the globe, Bluetree recently went on another mission trip—entering Burma, where they led worship at a refugee camp. Despite the threat of persecution if they had been caught, Boyd said, they were grateful for the opportunity to spend a few hours worshipping with people who risk their lives every day for their faith in Christ.

“It’s horrific what is going on in Burma, the number of people who are living in fear for their lives every single day,” Boyd said. “It’s just not right, and we wanted to do our part to encourage Christians over there and let them know that they are loved and aren’t forgotten. As we were leaving, an 8-year-old girl came up and said, ‘Please don’t forget that we exist.’”

Boyd said this experience greatly affected the band and increased their desire to share the gospel around the world. 

“When you come to a night of worship with Bluetree, it’s not a spectator event or to be entertained,” Boyd said. “As a songwriter, I take what I learn from the Bible and translate it into songs that we can sing over our lives. Our heart is that people will come ready to worship and be engaged. We want people to walk away knowing that there’s so much more to a relationship with Christ than just having your sins forgiven.”