Hearn Innovators Series

The Hearn Innovators in Christian Music Series is a distinguished program at Baylor University, established through a generous endowment from Billy Ray Hearn, a pioneering figure in the contemporary Christian music industry. This series is dedicated to enriching the academic and spiritual life of the university by bringing prominent innovators and leaders in the field of Christian music to campus.

These esteemed guests may be artists, composers, producers, theologians, scholars, or other influential figures whose work is shaping the landscape of Christian music today—whether through performance, composition, production, research, or ministry. The series is designed to offer students unique opportunities to engage directly with these thought leaders and creatives, fostering meaningful dialogue and inspiration through personal interaction.

Each invited presenter participates in a three-day residency, during which they are actively involved in the life of the Baylor community. Their visit typically includes guest lectures in academic classes, public presentations such as concerts, lectures, or panel discussions, and more intimate settings like small group conversations, Q&A sessions, or workshops. This immersive format ensures that students across various disciplines—particularly those in music, ministry, and theology—can gain firsthand insight into the evolving role of music in Christian expression and worship.

Fall 2026 - Aaron Williams

Aaron Williams is a Franklin, Tennessee-based artist, songwriter, and founder of The Way of Worship, an organization helping train and mentor worship leaders from all over the United States.

Born into a musical family, Williams is no stranger to family gatherings turning into full-band jam sessions. Having come to Christ in a time of worship, he discovered that his passion for music and his new-found love for Jesus could collide in writing worship songs.

He began songwriting and traveling with his band in high school, and touring became his life during college. All the while, he remained faithfully serving in his local church. After going through a period of discouragement, Williams almost quit songwriting altogether, but God had other plans and used that season to refine his calling and craft around songwriting.

In the years that followed, he began to find his own voice as a writer and the songs that have emerged have been a blessing to the Church ever since. One of the outstanding songs that were birthed from this season is “Abide,” a worship anthem that has been resonating with many church communities, bringing it to chart at #58 in CCLI in late 2024.

Williams is passionate about helping people discover and develop an abiding relationship with Jesus. With his organization, The Way of Worship, whether it is through thoughtful songwriting, intentional investment in others, or heartfelt worship leading, his aim is the same: to creatively lead people to know and love Jesus with heart, soul, mind, and strength.