Andy Chrisman of 4Him: Reflecting on the Music, Ministry, and Memories (Copy)

As a longtime fan of 90s Christian music, I couldn’t have been more excited to sit down with Andy Chrisman from 4Him, one of the most iconic groups in CCM history. Our conversation took us through the early days of 4Him, the stories behind their biggest hits, and Andy’s journey in ministry today. Here are the highlights of our chat.

The Beginnings of 4Him and Their Overnight Success

I started by asking Andy about how 4Him got its start and the group’s incredible run in Christian music.

Ashley: “How many years did your run go with 4Him? How long were y’all recording and touring?”

Andy: “Well, I met the guys—Mark, Kirk, and Marty—in a group called Truth several years before we started 4Him. We actually did 1,000 concerts together in Truth before we ever did a concert as 4Him. I think that’s what helped launch us into success right off the bat. When people say, ‘You’re an overnight success,’ they don’t realize all the miles, all the work, and all the hours of singing together that came before.

“We released our first album in 1990, and Where There’s Faith was our first single—and our first number one hit.”

Andy shared a funny story about the song. “When we first heard it, we didn’t like it. We thought the chorus was too long, and the chord progressions weren’t like anything else on Christian radio at the time. But our A&R director refused to let us cast it aside. He believed in it, and man, am I glad he did. It became a standard for us, and now it’s one of my favorites.”

The Power of Music Through the Years

When I asked Andy about his favorite songs to perform, he reflected on how the meaning of their music has grown deeper over the years.

Andy: “I recorded Where There’s Faith when I was 24 years old. At the time, I hadn’t experienced much loss or hardship. I was singing in faith, knowing the words were true, but not fully understanding them.

“Now, at 56, those words mean everything. Just this past Sunday, I sang that song at Greg and Janna Long’s church, knowing I’d be attending my best friend Brian’s funeral the next day. Singing those lyrics—‘There’s a voice calling, keep walking, you’re not alone in this world’—was healing for me. It reminded me that I’ve been speaking those words over my life for more than 30 years, and I still need to hear them today.”

Breaking New Ground in CCM

We also talked about the uniqueness of 4Him’s sound and their impact on Christian music.

Ashley: “In 1990, you were doing something different that no one else in Christian music was doing at the time. What inspired your sound?”

Andy: “We wanted to create music that felt as good as the secular music we were listening to—the Eagles, vocal bands that took chances. At the time, there was a void left by the classic Imperials, so we wanted to fill that space.

“We worked with producers like Mark Heimerman, who brought fresh ideas and elevated the music in CCM. Our goal was to showcase our vocals in a way that hadn’t been done before in Christian music. Looking back, I think 1990-1991 was a turning point for the genre, and I’m grateful we got to be part of that.”

The Legacy of 4Him

Over the years, 4Him had an incredible run: 27 number-one hits, 10 Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, and multiple gold albums. But for Andy, the most meaningful part of their success was the impact of their music on listeners.

Andy: “I’ve heard so many people say that our music was their gateway into Christian music. That means the world to me. At the time, it was hard to stop and enjoy the success because we were so busy. But now, looking back, I see God’s hand in everything we did.

“There was a time I took down all my plaques and gold records because I didn’t want to live in the past. But recently, I put them back up—not as trophies, but as reminders of God’s faithfulness. He did something amazing through us, sometimes in spite of us.”

Life After 4Him

Andy has transitioned into worship ministry, mentoring worship leaders, and hosting his radio show Worship with Andy Chrisman.

Ashley: “Tell us about what you’re doing now and how God is using you in this season of life.”

Andy: “I’ve been a worship pastor for the past 20 years and recently stepped into more of an artist-in-residence role at my church. I lead worship at churches by invitation and host my radio show, which has been on the air since 2006.

“I’m also coaching worship leaders and artists, helping them find their voice and navigate ministry. One of the most exciting things I’m doing now is The Worship Table, a retreat for worship pastors. It’s a place where they can be refreshed, encouraged, and reminded of their calling. At our last retreat, we spent three and a half hours worshiping and praying together. It was life-giving.”

Final Reflections

As we wrapped up, I asked Andy about his favorite memories from 4Him’s touring days.

Andy: “There are so many, but one that stands out is when Clay Crosse was opening for us, and we accidentally left him at a truck stop in Central Washington. We didn’t realize it until we were three hours down the road! That kind of thing happened all the time back then.”

Looking back, Andy remains grateful for the journey. “God used our music to disciple so many people, including you, Ashley. Hearing that our songs were part of someone’s faith journey is the greatest compliment I could ever receive.”

Listen to the entire interview with Andy here. 

If you’ve been inspired by 4Him’s legacy, explore more reflections on 90s Christian music in Mixtape Theology: 90s Christian Edition. This devotional blends nostalgia with spiritual truth, inviting you to rediscover the songs that shaped a generation. Get your copy here.

-Dr. Ashley