Pastor. Artist. Producer. Promoter.

The Story

For nearly four decades, John Tillery has dedicated his life to gospel music and ministry, establishing himself as a respected singer, songwriter, producer, composer, musical director, and recording artist. With nearly 40 years in the gospel music industry and more than 60 published songs, Tillery's ministry has carried him from local churches and theatrical stages to national television, recording studios, concert venues, and international platforms.

Throughout his career, Tillery has worked alongside and provided musical support for an impressive list of celebrated artists, including Rev. James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, Ron Winans, Twinkie Clark, Dorothy Norwood, Keith Pringle, Martha Wash, Charlie Wilson, Myrna Summers and many others. His versatility has also extended beyond traditional gospel recording as a musical director and songwriter for stage productions and a composer for film, helping him build a diverse body of work spanning music, theater, television, and motion pictures.

As the founder and leader of John Tillery & Living Sacrifice, Tillery has enjoyed more than three decades of music ministry. The group has earned three Stellar Award nominations, received consideration for two Grammy Awards and a BET Award, shared stages with many of gospel music's most celebrated artists, and recorded eight projects.

Among Tillery's notable film accomplishments, his song "God Is Still On The Throne" was featured in the motion picture Guilty by Association, starring acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman. Tillery was also featured as a vocalist on the soundtrack for the HBO documentary City of Peace.

His television appearances include performances on Bobby Jones Gospel and The Gospel Artist Retreat, while his work in gospel musical stage productions has allowed him to travel throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region and beyond, using music and theater as vehicles to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tillery's ministry has also reached international audiences. John Tillery & Living Sacrifice: Live In Poland was recorded in beautiful Suwałki, Poland, featuring the group alongside an extraordinary 30-piece orchestra and 70-voice choir. The international recording represents another milestone in a ministry that has consistently crossed denominational, cultural, and geographical boundaries.

His more recent creative work has expanded the Tillery musical legacy through Pastor John Tillery Presents Free Worship, his choir Voices II Voices of Southern Maryland, John Tillery & Living Sacrifice Live In Poland II, and the innovative musical narration of his book, You Gotta See God In It, which combines storytelling, testimony, spoken-word narration, and music.

Tillery continues to write and release new gospel music. Among his recent recordings is "We Bring Our Offerings," recorded as Pastor John Tillery Presents Free Worship. The song has gained increased exposure through gospel radio and digital media, continuing Tillery's commitment to creating music designed not simply for performance, but for use in the worship life of the local church.

Beyond the recording industry, Tillery serves as Lead Pastor and Lead Teacher of Free Worship Ministries International, a multicultural and multigenerational ministry that celebrated its 10th Pastoral and Church Anniversary in August 2026. His ministry extends into community outreach, leadership development, mentoring, education, and initiatives designed to strengthen individuals and families.

He is also actively involved in artist development and gospel music promotion through JackieBoy Entertainment, supporting independent gospel artists with radio servicing, media exposure, interviews, promotional opportunities, and industry development.

Whether behind a microphone, writing a song, producing a recording, directing a stage production, composing for film, developing artists, preaching the Gospel, or serving his community, John Tillery's mission remains rooted in ministry.

After nearly 40 years, more than 60 published songs, national recognition, international performances, television appearances, film placements, and decades of recording ministry, John Tillery continues to demonstrate that his greatest accomplishment is not simply the doors that music has opened, but the opportunity those doors have provided him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song, worship, and the preached Word.