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Welcome to The Lighthouse Collective podcast series Keep Shining with Stuart MacMillan. In this episode, Stuart sits down with Stephen Christian—former lead singer of the multi-platinum alternative rock band Anberlin, founder of Anchor & Braille, and now a campus pastor at Grace Family Church. They explore the dramatic transition from a touring rock star lifestyle to pastoral ministry, the hard-won lessons about identity, leadership, and the unrelenting pursuit of God's calling.
What you will hear
- The early days of Anberlin: from a local punk band to signing with Universal Records and touring the world.
- The raw reality of life on the road: the temptations, the "Peter Pan lifestyle," and how accountability from a best friend and his wife kept him grounded.
- A jaw-dropping story: a label executive suggesting he either get arrested or cheat on his wife for marketing—and why he chose neither.
- The painful but necessary "divorce" from his band, his identity, and the decade-long transition into ministry.
- How a season of financial crisis and sleepless nights led to a clear calling: from Albuquerque to pastoring in Florida.
- Leadership principles from the music industry applied to ministry: staying DIY, starting with "yes," and letting the best idea win.
- The creative passion behind Anchor & Braille and the new album New Mexico—and how he balances pastoring with artistry.
- Practical wisdom on setting your future self up to win: the discipline of time-blocking, routine, and following the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Memorable lines
“I had to rid myself of any type of ego and pride, because I went right from being in a rock band to being a worship leader.”
“I have to go down to a red light or a green light… God, do I wanna work here? Red light. Do I need to quit my job? Green light.”
About Stephen Christian
Stephen Christian is a musician, songwriter, and pastor. As the founder and lead singer of the iconic alternative rock band Anberlin, he sold over a million records and helped shape a generation of alternative music. He is also the creative force behind Anchor & Braille, a personal project that recently released the album New Mexico. Today, Stephen serves as a campus pastor at Grace Family Church in Clearwater, Florida, where he leads with the same passion, creativity, and authenticity that defined his music career—now channeled into shepherding people and building community.
Resources & links
Follow Stephen Christian and learn more:
- Anchor & Braille: https://anchorandbraille.lnk.to/newmexico
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christianmusic/
- X: https://x.com/christianmusic
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1S2egSoRjdPc7t2eXIrpjD?si=TNfRQ4IHSIyRY2jQ1mLbfw
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-christian/273257317
Follow Stuart on Social Media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/macmillanstuart/
https://www.instagram.com/macmillanstuart/
Follow The Lighthouse Collective on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/lighthousecollectiveglobal/
Connect with Stuart MacMillan at www.TheLighthouseCollective.Global
Subscribe to The Lighthouse Collective on YouTube and watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLighthouseCollective
Thanks for listening. Keep Shining, Be A Light!
