Upperroom is a globally recognized Christian worship music collective and church movement founded in Dallas, Texas. Known for its passionate, Spirit-led worship sessions and deeply intimate worship songs, Upperroom has grown from a small prayer gathering to a worldwide influence in modern Christian music and ministry. Their music blends prophetic, spontaneous worship with contemporary folk, pop, and rock elements, resonating with a generation hungry for authentic encounters with God.

It is important to distinguish this group from The Upper Room, the global devotional ministry affiliated with the United Methodist Church. While both are deeply rooted in Christian spirituality, this article focuses on the music ministry and collective known as Upperroom (one word).

The Origin Story (2010)

Upperroom began in 2010 as a prayer and worship ministry based in a small room above a business in Dallas, Texas. The founding vision was simple: create a space for unceasing prayer and worship where people could seek God’s presence. The small group grew quickly, attracting believers from all walks of life who were drawn to the intense focus on prayer and spiritual intimacy.

As the ministry matured, Upperroom began to train worship leaders, build teams, and release original songs birthed during live worship sessions. Their unique style of prophetic worship became a hallmark of their services and recordings.

Eventually, the ministry expanded to include a second church location in Denver, Colorado, and continued to spread internationally.

Upperroom Breakthrough Moments

A defining moment for Upperroom came when Elyssa Smith led a live version of the song “Surrounded (Fight My Battles),” which was uploaded to YouTube. The video went viral, capturing the attention of millions of viewers around the world. The song caught the attention of renowned Christian artist Michael W. Smith, who not only began performing the song in his concerts but also included it on his live album.

This viral moment catapulted Upperroom into global recognition and opened the door for many of their other worship moments to reach a broader audience.

Upperroom Songs, Albums and Discography

Upperroom has released a series of albums and EPs, many of which feature spontaneous and prophetic worship moments captured during live sessions. Here is a list of some of their most significant musical works:

• God You Are (2014) – Early live worship sessions

• Moments II (2018) – A powerful collection of worship encounters

• Moments: Color 003 (2019)

• To the One (2019) – Their full-length debut album

• Santa Espiritu (Te Amamos) (2020) – Spanish-language EP

• You Hold It All Together (2020) – Collaboration with Maverick City Music

• Move Your Heart (2021)

• Love Note (2021) – Exuberant and intimate songs of devotion

• Arbor (2021) – Instrumental worship album

• Maranatha 1 (2022) – Live worship experience
  

Worship Style and Ministry Focus

Upperroom is best known for its prophetic worship style, spontaneous music sessions, and emphasis on intimacy with God. Their music often flows from extended prayer and worship meetings, with many songs beginning in the prayer room before being released to the public.

Unlike many traditional worship ministries, Upperroom doesn’t follow a rigid format or commercial formula. Their songs prioritize raw, heartfelt expressions of worship, often featuring extended instrumental and vocal moments of adoration.

Upperroom is also a church community focused on creating atmospheres for communion with God. Their services emphasize the presence of the Holy Spirit, intercessory prayer, and unfiltered worship.

Notable Worship Leaders

Upperroom is composed of a collective of over 100 musicians and worship leaders. Some of the most prominent voices include:

• Elyssa Smith – Known for her anointed voice and the song “Surrounded”

• Meredith Mauldin – A foundational leader in Dallas

• Oscar Gamboa – Worship leader and songwriter

These leaders have been instrumental in shaping the sound and spiritual atmosphere of Upperroom’s worship experiences.

Upperroom vs. The Upper Room Ministry

While similar in name, these two ministries are different.

• Upperroom (one word) refers to the Dallas-based worship collective and church.

• The Upper Room (two words) is a devotional ministry that began in 1935 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It focuses on publications, prayer, and spiritual formation resources worldwide.

Both ministries are passionate about helping Christians grow spiritually but operate in different spheres.

READ MORE: UPPERROOM Church Dallas Story - From Prayer Room to Global Movement

Global Reach and Legacy

Thanks to the viral nature of digital worship, Upperroom’s reach has extended far beyond Dallas. They have inspired a global worship movement through their YouTube videos, albums, live worship sets, and training materials. Their songs are sung in churches around the world, and they continue to host conferences and worship nights that gather thousands of believers.

Upperroom has become a spiritual refuge and revival hub for many hungry for deeper encounters with God, making a lasting impact on Christian worship culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the origin of Upperroom Church?

It started in 2010 as a small prayer meeting in Dallas focused on intimacy with God and unceasing prayer.

Who leads Upperroom worship?

Upperroom features many leaders, including Elyssa Smith, Meredith Mauldin, and Oscar Gamboa.

Where is Upperroom Church located?

The original church is based in Dallas, Texas, with another campus in Denver, Colorado.

What songs is Upperroom known for?

Their most iconic song is “Surrounded (Fight My Battles),” along with others like “You Hold It All Together” and “Love Note.”

Is Upperroom connected to The Upper Room devotional ministry?

No. While their names are similar, they are separate ministries with different missions and leadership.

Final Thoughts: Why Upperroom Matters

Upperroom represents a movement of believers radically committed to the presence of God, authentic worship, and global impact. Their music and ministry continue to stir revival and hunger for God in a world desperate for spiritual renewal.

As their influence expands, one thing remains constant: their desire to see heaven touch earth through worship.