DR. JUDITH C. MCALLISTER

Dr. Judith Christie McAllister, often hailed as “The First Lady of Praise and Worship,” is a distinguished leader in Music Ministry. As a devoted Wife, Mother, Author, prolific Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Psalmist, she has significantly influenced church music and ministry around the world.

With a career span of over four decades, this Grammy-nominated Choir Director’s fingerprints can be found on the hearts and lives of Ministers of Music and Worship Leaders everywhere. Her signature songs, such as “Oh Give Thanks” and “To Our God,”, recorded on her own record label (Judah Music Group), have transcended cultural and racial barriers, enriching worship services worldwide. Dr. McAllister’s commitment to Kingdom excellence and relevant worship continues to impact the body of Christ profoundly.

From 2009 to 2021, McAllister served as the President of the International Music Department (IMD) for the Church of God In Christ, providing oversight, impact and innovation to the musical constituency of the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world, under the administration of Presiding Bishop Emeritus – Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. In addition to her leadership of the IMD for the span of twelve (12) years, she was also appointed to serve in concert as Liturgist for the National Church through the Holy Convocation Worship Commission, for ten (10) years.

McAllister currently serves the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, as Minister of Music & Worship Arts – under the leadership of Pastor Charles E. Blake II. In addition to this responsibility, McAllister continues to fulfill her passion and calling to mentor, train, equip and empower – instructing, in particular, the next generation, in the principles of the Levitical order; and she has done this successfully for the past 40 years, by facilitating seasons of instruction and strategic gatherings, in which participants are taught the rudiments of prayer, worship and intercession.

McAllister stands as a trailblazer, providing a new paradigm for Kingdom excellence in ministry; and in addition to mentoring music ministers all around the globe, her insightful teachings and literary works continue to impact the body of Christ by elevating the understanding of radical, reverent, revelational worship.

A respected scholar, McAllister has authored three (3) books, written for the Wall Street Journal on the state of Music in the African American Church, was inducted into Berklee College’s Music Hall of Fame and serves as an instructor for the Jakes Divinity School – furthering her legacy of instruction in music ministry.

Married to Elder Darin L. McAllister, they’ve had the joy of walking through life together for 36 years and watching the Lord fulfill His purpose in the lives of their three adult children. (Michael, Christina, Destiny) The life of this servant of God is aptly summarized by her personal mission statement: “To fulfill the purpose of God for my existence to its fullest capacity, to die empty: having maximized every gift, passed on every aspect of wisdom I’ve been blessed to obtain, to complete every assignment and accomplish all that God has ordained for my life.”