OUR AWARD-WINNING FACULTY
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...includes the top writers in Christian music. They devote the Write About Jesus weekend to sharing their knowledge and giving analysis and advice. They're with our registrants throughout the day, not just during classes, but chatting between classes in the hallways and joining them at meals.
Collectively they are… — the winners of over 15 Dove Awards — the writers of over 75 number one songs — the writers of over 100 musicals performed in churches around the world — the writers of countless cuts by top Christian artists |
More important than cuts, awards and number ones is the heart of each member of the faculty. Each one has been invited to Write About Jesus for more than there expertise, but because they believe in helping to open the door for others.
The WAJ faculty changes from year to year, but it always includes top writers who are currently getting cuts in Pop/AC/CCM, Southern Gospel, Worship, and Print and Choral. Representatives from several publishers, A&R directors, and producers round out the faculty, giving Write About Jesus a 6:1 registrant-to-faculty ratio. This gives our registrants lots of opportunity to connect with these music business pros. |
Sue C. Smith, Founder and Director. Sue is a five-time Dove-award winning songwriter who has had cuts by Jason Crabb, The Crabb Family, The Oak Ridge Boys, Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Travis Cottrell, Karen Peck and New River, Triumphant Quartet, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, and many others. She has written 15 #1 songs and is the co-writer of the Singing News 2016 Song of the Year, "Amazing God." Sue has twice been named Songwriter of the Year at the Absolutely Gospel Awards. She won the Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year in 2004 ("Everything To Me"). She is the writer of over 80 musicals, including Christmas Is Real (Christmas, 2017). She is a staff writer with Capitol Christian Music Group and Daywind Music Publishing. Sue and her husband John founded the Write About Jesus Workshop in 2000.
John Smith, Workshop Pastor. John is a widely-respected family and career counselor and motivational speaker. He has served as the president of the Board of Directors for MOHELA an organization whose mission is to assist students with low cost loans for college. As president of the City of St. Charles School Board as well as an administrator working with private schools, he developed servant leadership programs for school administrators, faculties, and students.
During his years as administrator of Living Word Christian Schools in Fallon, MO, the high school enrollment quadrupled under John’s leadership. He was the founder of One Accord Ministries, Write About Jesus™ parent organization, and still serves as its director.
During his years as administrator of Living Word Christian Schools in Fallon, MO, the high school enrollment quadrupled under John’s leadership. He was the founder of One Accord Ministries, Write About Jesus™ parent organization, and still serves as its director.
2016 Faculty - Click to see individual bios.
