Chris Clifton

Chris was born and raised in the Midwest, near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He grew up in a musical family and regularly served in music ministry at his local church in Grabill, Indiana known as Grabill Missionary Church.

After completing high school, Chris earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. Afterward, Chris invested a year performing at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, and performing in the New Orleans, Louisiana area.

Chris returned to Indiana a year later and entered the graduate music program at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Chris completed his coursework and was hired to lead the worship ministry at Community of Hope, a church plant near West Palm Beach, Florida. Community of Hope grew from just 30 people to 800 attendees during this time. Currently, COH serves thousands of people through multiple campuses in Palm Beach County.

In 2010, Chris and his family attended Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a church in Palm Beach County with many campuses and over 40,000 in attendance. Chris served at multiple campuses as a keyboardist in the worship band and led worship for Celebrate Recovery.

In August 2010, Chris accepted a position at South Park Church in Park Ridge, Illinois. South Park Church serves over 1000 people weekly in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Chris served as the Director of Worship and Creative Arts leading all aspects of worship, music, media, communications and first impressions ministries. While in Chicago, Chris regularly participated in the life of Willow Creek Community Church and played acoustic guitar on the main platform with a group for "Dadfest" and led worship in Promiseland Children's Ministry at Willow. In addition, he built relationships with staff members and attended conferences focused on worship arts, technical ministries, and leadership.

In 2013, Chris and his family continued serving in ministry in the suburbs of Chicago and then returned to Florida. God led Chris and his family to Central Florida and he began serving at Heartcry Chapel, a small church in Kissimmee, Florida. Chris directed all leader and volunteer development in the worship ministry, instrumental and vocal music, creative arts and technology. Chris was a part of the team that helped transition Heartcry Chapel to its current permanent home in Saint Cloud, Florida. Chris completed his time at Heartcry Chapel in August 2020.

Chris began teaching music as a long-term substitute teacher in the Osceola County School District during this time. In 2015, Chris obtained a Temporary Teaching Certificate and began working as a full-time Elementary Music Teacher for Charter Schools USA in Kissimmee, Florida. In 2018, Chris completed the Teacher's Certification program at Valencia College in Kissimmee, Florida, and received his Professional Teaching License from the State of Florida. In May 2021, Chris completed his time as a K-8 Music Teacher and Intervention Specialist at BridgePrep Academy of Orange Charter School in Orlando, Florida.

In July 2021, Chris began teaching music with National Academic Educational Partners, Inc. at his former school, P.M. Wells Charter Academy, which is now under new management. He taught elementary music, tutored students in the after-school program 21st Century, supported middle school students, and served as support staff and the D.J. for all school events throughout the year.

In 2024, Chris joined Mater Academy Davenport as the Middle School Music Teacher. Mater Academy Davenport (K-5) expanded and launched a Middle School in August 2024. Chris is building a brand new music program while teaching Music Theory and Theatre/Production. Classes focus on core music knowledge and skills, learning how to play instruments and read music, keyboarding, singing, music/video recording and production, and theatre arts.

In addition to teaching and tutoring, Chris serves as a musical director and keyboardist at the campuses of Discovery Church and Real Life Church throughout central Florida.

Chris' family enjoys spending time at central Florida attractions, watching/playing sports, traveling, and exploring the state of Florida.