John Chisum is an internationally loved worship leader, recording artist, songwriter, coach, and teacher specializing in the areas of worship, songwriting, and personal empowerment. Currently President of Nashville Christian Songwriters in Nashville, Tennessee, John is continuing a 30+ year passion "to empower Christian songwriters worldwide."
John is widely known for his songs recorded by Christian artists Ron Kenoly, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, The Gaither Vocal Band, Truth, First Call, The Cathedrals, and many of Integrity's Hosanna! Music recordings. John has been a long-time music industry professional in music publishing, artist development, songwriting, and producer roles for over 200 projects.
John studied classical voice at the University of Memphis and holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of South Alabama (Mobile) and a Masters of Arts in Worship Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
A popular clinician in the area of worship for many years, John has appeared in almost every major denominational church setting and many non-denominational venues such as Music California, Music Minnesota, Music Florida, Music Texas, Music Colorado, The Florida Southern Baptist Convention, The Alabama Southern Baptist Convention, The Missouri Southern Baptist Convention, The Gospel Music Association's Academy of the Christian Music Arts, Christian Artists Seminar in the Rockies and many more.
John has toured with Integrity's Seminars4Worship and served as a core instructor for Integrity's Worship Institute at The University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama, and at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has also been a regular guest speaker at Liberty University for their Center for Worship.
John has had over 400 songs published in his career and has co-written and produced eight children's and youth musicals in conjunction with Word Music, Integrity Music, and Lifeway Christian Resources. His compositions are in print with every major choral music company including Integrity Music, Word Music, Lillenas Music, Lifeway Christian Resources, and Allegis Music. He has released eight worship recordings distributed through Warner Brothers, Pamplin Music, Integrity Music, Martingale Music, and Firm Foundation Worship Ministries.
In seeking to fulfill his personal call to further wholeness and worship renewal in the Body of Christ, John served as president of Firm Foundation Worship Ministries and has served as worship pastor in six local churches since 1980. John also served as interim worship pastor for three 2,000+ member churches before serving from 2010 - 2014 at a multi-site church in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area under President and CEO of Willow Creek Association, Dr. Tom DeVries.
John counts among his personal mentors the late evangelist and Bible teacher Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin, influential Christian music pioneers such as Bill & Gloria Gaither, Darrell A. Harris, Stan Moser, and the late Dr. Robert E. Webber, author and founder of The Dr. Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.
John has a great love for international ministry, as well, and has ministered in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia over the last twenty years. He has been involved overseas with Worship International and with The Protestant Women of the Chapel, a military organization that provides ministry to military families throughout the nations.
John has been married to Donna for 40 years, and they have a lovely daughter, Aly.