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The Singing Christians

Group History

The group oriented in 1975 as a male quartet out of a local Baptist church. Chris Rochester formed the group and named it "The Heavenbound Singers." The group consisted of Chris (Lead Singer) along with three other men while Janice (his wife) was playing the piano and J.R. Lamb (father-in-law) was playing the bass guitar.

After a couple of years, two of the men were led into other areas of ministry. Then Janice began to sing tenor and continued to play the piano, and J.R. began to sing bass while we found another bass player. Soon thereafter, the other original member (baritone) entered the preaching ministry and we added an alto creating a mixed group.

Over the past years we have been very blessed to have only had a few changes in the vocals and these have been in the alto position. Each of these changes have certainly been a part of God's plan and timing.

We currently perform with a keyboard accompanied by a drum machine and minidisc player and also a few soundtracks. We pride in working out our music, harmony, and arrangements to be the very best they can be, but most importantly, for our singing to be spirit filled and anointed.

One other change that was made in the early 1990s was a renaming of the group to "The Singing Christians." There were various reasons for the change, therefore, we made this decision after much discussion and prayer.

As you can see, the latest change to the ministry was in September of 2001 when our bass singer, J.R. Lamb announced that he wouldn't be returning. Of course, after 26 years of being on the road almost every weekend together as a quartet, this was a tremendous adjustment for us to make. However, God has once again "filled the gap" with his peace and guidance as we are now very content to be ministering as a trio. It has also left the "door open" for J.R. to come around from time to time and continue to use his gifts and talents for the Lord as he can.

Chris & Janice's daughter (Kristen) has been recording regularly and singing occasionally with the group since 1995. She has most recently (2007) recorded “I’ve Never Seen Jesus” on the “Family Style” cd.

God has truly blessed our singing ministry through the years and we are very thankful to Him for this and everything else He has done for us. Since our formation in 1975, we have strived to stand firm to our commitment to Jesus Christ and to share God's message of love and salvation in song and testimony everywhere we go.

THANK GOD for HIS GRACE, MERCY & LOVE!

  - The Singing Christians