Point of Grace

Point of Grace is a multi-platinum American contemporary Christian music vocal group currently consisting of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino.Known for their intricate soaring harmonies and faith-filled lyrics, the group has been a cornerstone of the Christian music industry since the early 1990s.

Originating as a quartet of college friends in Arkansas, they quickly rose to national prominence, setting an unprecedented record with 24 consecutive number one singles on Billboard Christian radio charts. Their music seamlessly blends pop, folk, and country influences with gospel themes, earning them millions of dedicated fans and making them one of the most successful female groups in inspirational music.

Beyond their extensive discography of gold and platinum albums, Point of Grace has authored books, hosted podcasts, and founded the widely successful Girls of Grace conferences.More than three decades into their career, the ensemble continues to tour, record new music, and actively influence the landscape of contemporary Christian music.

Early Life and Background

The origins of Point of Grace trace back to Norman, Oklahoma, where childhood friends Denise Masters (now Jones), Terry Lang (later Jones), and Heather Floyd (later Payne) grew up singing together in church choirs and school musicals.In 1988, all three women enrolled at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. While singing in a university sponsored vocal ensemble called the Ouachitones, they met North Little Rock native Shelley Phillips (now Breen), who was studying vocal performance on a scholarship [1.1.4]. The four young women discovered they had a natural vocal chemistry and officially decided to form a quartet in 1991.

How Their Music Career Started

Initially, the four singers called themselves Sayso, a name inspired by a biblical verse in the Book of Psalms.While still attending college full time, they spent their weekends traveling to local churches, youth retreats, and faith-based events throughout the South, often performing a cappella or singing to pre-recorded tracks.In 1992, the group attended the Christian Arts Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado, where they won the overall grand prize in the group competition.This victory attracted immediate attention from major record labels.They eventually signed with Word Records in 1993 and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. After discovering another musical group was already using the name Sayso, they changed their name to Point of Grace, inspired by a quote from the celebrated author C.S. Lewis.

Career and Breakthrough

Point of Grace released their self-titled debut album in 1993, and it quickly achieved gold certification.The record established them as an instant success in the contemporary Christian music scene, producing hit singles like “I’ll Be Believing”.They followed up with The Whole Truth in 1995 and the platinum selling Life, Love & Other Mysteries in 1996, both of which topped the Christian album charts. As their popularity skyrocketed, they began headlining massive arena tours across the United States.

In late 2003, original member Terry Jones departed the group to focus on her growing family.She was seamlessly replaced by Leigh Cappillino, an experienced vocalist who had previously toured with the Christian music group Truth.A few years later, in 2008, Heather Payne also retired from the group for family reasons, turning the longtime quartet into a permanent trio.

Musical Style and Influences

Point of Grace built their signature sound on tight, multi-part vocal harmonies that showcase each member’s individual tone while blending perfectly into a unified voice. While their early albums were heavily rooted in pop, R&B, and adult contemporary music, they gradually incorporated strong country and folk elements into their work over the years.The addition of acoustic guitars, mandolins, and rootsy arrangements is especially prominent on albums like How You Live and Directions Home.Regardless of stylistic shifts, their unwavering lyrical focus on faith, hope, and daily Christian living has remained the central pillar of their artistic identity.

Notable Songs and Albums

The trio’s catalog includes ten major studio albums, four beloved Christmas projects, and several compilation records.Some of their most recognized and enduring songs include “Keep the Candle Burning”, “Jesus Will Still Be There”, “The Great Divide”, and “Circle of Friends”.Their 2007 album How You Live yielded a massive radio hit with its title track, while later projects like the 2015 covers album Directions Home featured high-profile guest appearances by country music legends Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs.

Awards and Recognition

As one of the best-selling artists in Christian music history, Point of Grace has sold over eight million recordings and achieved two platinum and five gold certifications.They hold a historic industry record of 24 consecutive number one singles across Christian radio formats, a milestone unmatched by any artist in any genre.The Gospel Music Association has honored them with numerous Dove Awards throughout their career, including multiple Group of the Year trophies.Additionally, they have received multiple Grammy Award nominations and were officially inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

Personal Life

The members of Point of Grace have successfully balanced demanding music careers with their personal lives for decades. Breen, Jones, and Cappillino all reside in the Nashville, Tennessee area with their respective families. They frequently speak publicly about the vital importance of family, marriage, and genuine friendship. These personal values heavily influence their music, their authored books, and their speaking engagements.

Current Career / Recent Activities

Point of Grace remains highly active in the music industry, continuing to perform at major venues and making regular appearances on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage.In 2023, they released Turn Your Eyes (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Volume II, a warmly received collection of classic hymns and contemporary Christian covers.Building on that momentum, the trio released their highly anticipated original studio album, Lady Wisdom, in March 2026. Co-written extensively by the group members themselves, the project explores theological themes inspired by the Book of Proverbs.They also continue to connect deeply with their dedicated fanbase through their weekly conversational podcast, “Circle of Friends”.