John spent the first forty years of life running from the calling that God placed on his heart as a young man. While never leaving his faith or the church, he lived a very A-typical 21st century Christian life. As long as the to-do list box got checked each Sunday that said attend church, then all was good with God or so he thought.
With a move to East Texas in 2005, John finally started turning his heart back to God and listening to that still small voice. After spending five years as the lead singer for the regional Southern Gospel group The CrossMen, he answered Gods call to step out on a solo ministry path.
Since that life-changing day in October of 2010, God has been orchestrating a path lined with great Godly men as counselors, advisors and mentors. Johns first national radio release Call Me Old Fashioned - hit radio in February of 2012 and ran up the Christian Country Music charts beginning in March 2012 at #92 and peaking at #8 in September. It held onto a Top 30 spot from August 2012 to March 2013.
Now in his second full year of solo ministry, John has received several nominations for the work that God has given him to do including, Male Horizon/New Artist (Christian Voice Magazine, Christian Country Honors and King Country AgapeFest), Song of the Year (Christian Voice Magazine, King Country AgapeFest) and Favorite Male Vocalist (Christian Voice Magazine, Christian Country Honors).
With a sound that balances between Christian Country and Southern Gospel, Johns smooth voice and sound has been compared to country music sensations Larry Gatlin, Glen Campbell and Billy Dean. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as some unbelievably talented guys is so humbling, says John. Those are some of the guys that I grew up listening too and inspired me from a style and sound perspective. The way they connected your heart and emotion to the message in their songs has always been amazing. Thats my desire each night - that God would give me the chance to minster through music; to connect peoples hearts to Him through sharing my testimony and the Gospel through my music.
John has committed to ministering any place that God opens the door to sing churches, revivals, festivals, fairs, rodeos, special services, coffee houses, Oprys or any other venue where God will show up. He has also committed to not charging any church for the opportunity to minister and does what God has called him to do strictly on a love-offering basis.
Gods calling to me was very clear on that day in October. He pointed me to Jeremiah 1 and told me to go where he sendssay what he tells me to saydo not be afraid and he will provide and care for me. I believe that this was Gods way of making it clear to me to not worry about provision; that He will provide all that we need and He has been faithful to His word.
To contact John about his music or bookings, you can email him at jr@jrministries.com. For a personal pastoral reference, you can contact Johns full-time pastor, Jim Leach of Canton Community Bible Church, via email at leachpastor@yahoo.com.
