Jun 14, 2026

John Schlitt final 1 No Intro

Join us for a powerful conversation about rock and roll, addiction, and the redemption that changed everything! 🎸 In this episode, John Schlitt — former lead singer of Head East and Grammy Award-winning frontman of Petra — opens up about the highs of touring life, the addiction that nearly cost him everything, and the moment God rescued him from the edge.

Key takeaways:

* Success and fame can't fill the emptiness inside.

* God can use even the most broken moments for redemption.

* Ministry doesn't require a stage — every skill set can be used for the Kingdom.

* The church is meant to be a training ground, not a hideout.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to John Schlitt

00:55 Starting Out Young: Three Chords and a Garage Band

03:42 A Stage Memory with Josh McDowell He'll Never Forget

07:54 Head East's Rise and the Pressures of Touring Life

11:26 When the Dream Becomes Routine

14:24 The Rock Bottom Moment That Changed Everything

15:49 Walking Into a Pastor's House, Walking Out Different

16:52 Five Years Away From Music, Rebuilding From Nothing

19:36 The Call From Bob Hartman: Joining Petra

23:01 How the Church and the World Responded to Christian Rock

28:52 The New Album "Hope" and What's Ahead

34:00 Advice to His Younger Self

35:01 His Hands-On Ministry Work in Nashville Today

39:39 Final Challenge to the Church

What's one thing that's stood out to you from John's story? Drop it in the comments!