Shawn McDonald became a Christian music star primarily with his acoustic guitar and voice in hit folk-pop songs like “Gravity” and “Take My Hand.”

So upon first listen, “We Are Brave” — the first single from McDonald’s new album “Brave,” his first in three years — might come as a bit of a shock to longtime fans.

“We Are Brave” taps into the folktronica movement that’s storming the pop charts right now, most notably Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.” It begins with an anthemic chorus (that recalls fellow Christian hit-makers The Newsboys) and then slides into a relentless electro-pop song powered by big beats and colored with banjo.

“We Are Brave” may or may not sit well with McDonald’s followers, but it is undeniably catchy, and it has crossover potential. McDonald’s website calls it a “bold reinvention” and quotes the artist on his intentions.

“I may have started with just an acoustic guitar and some simple stories, but I’ve since sought to create art with meaning, messages, thought and depth. For me, this record feels like the deepest I’ve ever dived in that direction, all while adding considerably to my sound, which is why I called the record ‘Brave,’” he says. “In saying that, I don’t want those who’ve been following my music since the beginning to get concerned because I feel like I’m making art with the same intentions, but there is definitely an increasingly noticeable electronic element on top of the acoustic foundation.”

The site goes on to compare McDonald’s move to secular superstar acts like Imagine Dragons, OneRepublic and Lorde, and then strikes an almost apologetic tone: “If I’m honest with myself, this is by far the closest thing I’ve ever come to making pop music, although I’m sometimes fearful to even say that word.” And later: “In the past, I’ve probably been too melancholy to fully do the pop thing, but I promise it’s still full of depth and heart instead of being fluffy.”

You can judge that statement for yourself tonight, as McDonald returns to Journey church in Bend, located in the old Liquid Lounge on Newport Avenue.

Shawn McDonald; 7 tonight, doors open 6:30 p.m.; $15; Journey church, 70 N.W. Newport Ave., Bend; 541-647-2944.

— Ben Salmon