Crist Family brings variety to concerts

One of the most unique qualities of The Crist Family is their group size.

Seven singers make up this mixed family group, and with four women and three male vocals they can perform duets to trios to quartets, and four-, five- and even six-part harmonies. With 40 years separating the youngest and oldest member, there is something for music lovers of all ages. Members of the group are male lead/tenor, Rich Crist Jr.; altos, Lisa Crist and Breana Crist; soprano, Jackie Crist; baritone, John Starkel; female lead/soprano, Tami Crist Starkel; and bass, Tom Joyce.

The Crist Family will perform their second concert for American Gospel Ministries at 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at First Baptist Church, 622 Bayshore Drive in Niceville. A love offering will be received to defray the expenses of The Crist Family. Preceding the concert Destin pianist Ron Starling will play.

“Ron is a natural musician who uses no music and plays exclusively by ear,” Jim Harkins Sr., administrator of American Gospel Ministries, told The Log. “He’s a great Christian gentleman and plays piano like heaven, going from one song to another without stopping.”

In 1987, The Crist Family began a part-time music ministry in the Northwest, just outside of Seattle. After 17 years in ministry, God called this family group to a higher level of service.

“I sang as a solo ministry, and Mom and Dad would give their testimony of how God restored their marriage and our family,” group member Tami Crist Starkel told The Log. “When we began, we really focused our music and ministry around marriage and the family.”

Soon after, Tami’s brother, Rich Crist Jr., joined her in the duet ministry as their parents continued giving their testimony. Not long after, Rich’s wife, Lisa, and the Crist parents began singing with the two, and they traveled and sang together for many years as a part-time quintet.

In 2004, God called The Crist Family into full-time ministry, and they left Washington and moved to Tennessee.

“God placed an undeniable call on all three families and so we left our jobs, sold our homes and said good-bye to our extended families and embarked on the greatest adventure of our lives. God has been faithful every step of the way.”

In just a few years, God blessed their leap of faith and answered their prayers to allow them to sing a message of hope through song to thousands of people. They have ministered in 28 states and Canada, were invited to sing on Main Stage at the National Quartet Convention, and have graced the stage at nearly every major event in gospel music.

With their blend of voices, great songs, high energy, clever staging, variety of music and incredible testimony, the group is considered one of the fastest rising family groups in gospel music.

It is apparent that God has His hand on this group and has chosen to bless their step of faith for His glory.

“You will not be disappointed but rather you will be blessed as you hear this beautiful family group sing songs that glorify God and lift the soul and spirit of every person with whom they come in contact,” Harkins said.