If you've only seen John Starnes on television programs such as In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley, Bill Gaither's Homecoming Friends , John Hagee's Sunday program, or The Jimmy Swaggart telecast from back in the 1980's, you might not know that there is much more to this popular gospel singer than his heart-stirring music. John is also a dynamic speaker who masterfully weaves his personal testimony and good humor throughout his concerts. John Starnes has a gift for making his audiences laugh at the many idiosyncrasies of the Christian life. Because of his transparency, and a determination to not take himself too seriously, John has become a much-requested speaker at churches, conferences, and conventions all across the world.
This former lead singer of a local Atlanta, Georgia rock and roll band came to know the Lord after years of searching. Life on the road, and the temptations that came with it, proved to be an empty substitute for the love that John so desperately craved, a love that only God could give. One day, John made the life changing decision to leave the band and dedicate whatever gifts and talents he had to God and to full time ministry.
That's still not everything there is to this multi-faceted gospel soloist who has recorded over fifteen albums. John is not only a gifted songwriter and musician but also a licensed jet and helicopter pilot. Recently, John realized a lifelong dream by completing his college studies. He graduated in May, 2008 from Belmont University with a B.S. degree in Liberal Studies. Just six months later, Canada Christian College, located in Toronto, presented John with an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Music degree. Over the last six years, John has had the privilege of serving on the Elder board of his home church, GracePointe, located in Franklin, TN.
To this day John continues to live out the promise he made to God so long ago—to encourage the Church. “My heart is to minister to the Body of Christ as Paul says in Colossians 3:16, ‘...teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in [our] hearts to the Lord.' I want to encourage the local church and to remind them of their worth in the kingdom of God.”
John and his wife Teresa, who are looking forward to their 31th wedding anniversary, live in Nashville, Tennessee. They have two grown daughters, Christia and Jessica.
John Starnes' life is a testimony to the fact that God uses ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things for His kingdom
