 The ceremony was produced by the Trinity Broadcasting Network.The awards show aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 8 p.m. CT.

On August 8, 2018, the Gospel Music Association announced with Francesca Battistelli and Travis Greene on Facebook Live, the nominees for the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards, themed "Reverent Wonder".Going into the awards, producer and songwriter Colby Wedgeworth had the most nominations with eight, with Tauren Wells leading the artist nominations with seven nominations.