John Chisum is no stranger to the Nashville Christian music community. Beginning his career in the mid-1980’s, Chisum worked his way up from Nashville newcomer to VP of Publishing for Star Song Media working alongside such industry greats as Bill & Gloria Gaither, the late Gary McSpadden, iconic A & R Director, Darrell Harris (Petra, Newsboys, Twila Paris), and many others who set the stage for today’s Contemporary Christian Music scene.
From Star Song, he became Director of Song Development & Copyright for Integrity Music where he managed eighteen full-time songwriters, twenty employees, and helped oversee the development of over 200 products during his tenure. Chisum now continues to build on his legacy as founder and President of Nashville Christian Songwriters, a company that seeks to empower Christian songwriters worldwide to reach their highest potential.
A prolific songwriter, Chisum has had over four-hundred of his own compositions published in his career and is still releasing music currently. His 1994 Integrity Music recording Firm Foundation impacted a global worship audience and established him as a much-loved worship leader and recording artist in the U.S and in many parts of the world.
A NIGHT OF MUSIC FOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Billed as “a night of music for a lifetime of learning,” John and his wife, Donna, are sponsoring “An Evening with John Chisum & Friends” to raise awareness and support for a children’s literacy organization called Hands Across the Sea. The Williamson County couple have supported the charity for over twelve years, even traveling to the island of St. Lucia in 2019 to sponsor a fresh coat of paint for one of the schools Hands supports deep in the rainforest.
“It has been inspiring to experience Hands Across the Sea’s mission through John and Donna Chisum’s eyes,” says Hands Across the Sea Executive Director, Amanda Sherlip. “The spirit of service is so abundant in their hearts, and their care and commitment to the children has truly touched all of us at Hands Across the Sea.”
The event is being held at the historic Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. “This is such a classic venue,” Chisum says, “and I have an incredible lineup of some of the best musicians and singers in Nashville to make it an unforgettable night as I’m joined by Coby and Don – – it’s going to be off the charts!”
Those attending in person or streaming online can expect an upbeat, worshipful, and enjoyable night of music and entertainment as Chisum shares both his classic worship songs and a few new songs he’s written and recorded especially for this event. “I’m working on a couple of surprise guests too,” John confesses. “You just never know who might show up!”
ABOUT JOHN’S FRIENDS
At only 20-years old, Coby James is already a music business triple threat. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, James has landed both No.1 and No.5 singles on Billboard’s Christian Hot AC/CHR chart, performed on a national tour with Grammy nominated and Dove Award winner Danny Gokey (of American Idol fame), signed with indie label Centricity (Lauren Daigle, Jordan Feliz) and released two self-produced EPs.
Don Moen is known the world over as one of the most beloved worship leaders and songwriters of our time. Performing for millions of people on every continent except Antarctica throughout the course of his career, Don has written some of the most recognizable songs in the repertoire of the global church such as “I Just Want to Be Where You Are,” “God Is Good All the Time,” and “God Will Make A Way.”
“There’s no one like Don Moen,” Chisum says. “His songs are sung the world over – he’s literally a global artist with millions of followers worldwide. It’s a privilege to have Don and Coby join me to help get more books and on-the-ground resources into the hands of these precious kids.”
IN-PERSON AND STREAMING TICKET OPTIONS
Offering both in-person and online streaming tickets, Chisum hopes to simultaneously fill the Franklin Theatre and reach a global audience. “This is going to be an unforgettable night of worship and a lot of fun,” Chisum says. “All proceeds after we recoup concert expenses goes directly to Hands Across the Sea to continue their work. Donna and I have seen firsthand the impact they’re having and want to dedicate the rest of our lives to support them and to make more trips for service projects. We have to be the Body of Christ on the earth and roll up our sleeves to do His work instead of thinking it’s always up to someone else.”
Chisum urges readers to “show up, share, or stream” this event and to take an active part in making the world a better place and to share the Gospel by resourcing literacy throughout the world. “These children are our children too,” he asserts. “We have a global responsibility to show Jesus’ love to all people, especially children whose lives could be changed forever by learning to love reading.”
Candace Mendes
To purchase tickets to attend in person or to stream online visit: https://bit.ly/CHIZFRIENDS
For further information about the Franklin Theatre and this event visit https://www.franklintheatre.com/tickets/music/
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ and https://www.johnchisum.com/
