Millions of Americans tuning into Good Morning America this week were introduced to a different kind of morning worship as Christian artist Brandon Lake made his debut on the national broadcast. The five-time Grammy winner performed his breakout hit “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and spoke about his mission as a worship leader—while also sharing a moment of unexpected comedy with television personality Maury Povich.

Ahead of his performance, host Lara Spencer asked Lake about his calling as a Christian artist. Lake, who serves as worship leader at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, shared that sharing the Father with others is at the center of everything he does. Then, referencing fellow guest Maury Povich—who is famously known for settling paternity disputes on his long-running daytime show—Lake delivered a line that left the studio in laughter.

“Me and Maury got something in common: We both tell people who the father is,” Lake joked. “I’m here to tell them who the heavenly Father is.” Spencer burst into laughter, later admitting, “I was, like, holding my breath when you first said that.” Lake laughed with her, saying, “I had to connect it somehow. I mean, who would think that me and Maury would be on the same show together? I think it’s awesome.”

Lake also reflected on the success of his newest album, King of Hearts, which debuted at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Christian and rock charts. He highlighted the message behind “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a song he co-wrote with country artist Jelly Roll. “That’s what this song’s about,” Lake explained. “Still singing hallelujah even when you don’t feel it.”

The moment marked a milestone in Lake’s rapidly rising career. Last October, he took home five wins at the GMA Dove Awards, including Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” Accepting the awards, Lake pointed toward the broader mission of worship, recalling advice from leadership expert John Maxwell: “Stay in the church, but never stop moving toward the lost.”

Lake also publicly thanked Jelly Roll during his acceptance speech, telling him, “Millions of lives have been saved. I get all the testimonies. I want to thank you so much for sticking your neck out for me and treating me like a little brother.” Jelly Roll, whose own testimony of redemption has inspired many, responded with a brief sermon of his own, urging believers to live out their faith. “The world is hearing about Jesus like they have never before,” he said. “Put faith on your feet and feet on your faith.”

In past interviews, Lake has been open about his desire to reach both those firmly planted in the faith and those wounded by the church. “Your primary call isn’t to ministry, it’s to intimacy,” he shared. While acknowledging that Christians can hurt one another, he encouraged believers not to abandon their faith community. “Church isn’t perfect, because you’re there and I’m there,” Lake said. “Just keep moving forward… keep your arms up, keep your faith on fire, and be quick to forgive.”