With a genuine heart for worship and resonating voice, Chris Joyner has landed the one job that suits him best. This 30-year-old singer and songwriter serves as the pastor of congregational worship at Fairfax Community Church, and also leads worship for nearly 2000 young adults at Frontline, the young adult ministry of McLean Bible Church.

And now, with his second CD just off the press, Chris stands at the threshold of a promising recording career. His debut project, Left with Only You, was released to a sold-out crowd in May 2000 at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia. His new CD A Song of Praise is sure to follow suit.

But Chris never dreamed he’d do music full-time, only prayed for it. “During college, I began to realize that I wanted to play music, but I truly never thought it would be possible. So I prayed that God would give me a voice to sing the songs He had given me. My promise to Him was, ‘If you do that, then I’ll use my voice for your glory.’” According to Chris, the transformation in his voice over the next year “was probably the biggest miracle of my life. I believe that experiencing such a rapid change in the tone and quality of my voice was God’s direct answer to my prayer.”

Chris was born in Newport News, Virginia, and grew up in Williamsburg. He accepted the Lord at the age of 8, and by 15, had picked up his first guitar. In high school, he began experimenting with song writing and formed a band called Vision. He further developed his abilities while attending The College of William & Mary as the lead singer and guitarist for Axiom. While in college, Chris had the opportunity to perform for teenagers and college students throughout Virginia.

Lately, Chris and his band have had the opportunity to open for several national acts including Delirious, Nicole C. Mullen, Nichole Nordeman, FFH, Watermark, and Bebo Norman.

His schedule is full, but playing remains a true joy. “My love for worship stems from the knowledge that God is pleased when we glorify Him. Every week I get to see people in a progression - in a journey. It’s encouraging to see them move into a freedom that they may not have experienced before. In worship, pride often crumbles and people surrender to God.”

Chris himself shares that journey. “Since the last record, I’ve learned more and more about how God is different from us. Even though we fail each other, God will not fail us. He is faithful and He is good -- that is His character. And I’ve learned that His love does, in fact, endure forever.”