BIO for Dr. Ross F. Jutsum – September 2009

Ross Jutsum, a native of Queensland, Australia, now resides in Sierra Madre, California with his wife, Tammy. They have two daughters, Lisa (22) who recently graduated from Wheaton College in Chicago, and Heidi (25) who, along with her husband, Ryan, now lives in New Haven CT where Ryan is pursuing his graduate work at Yale Divinity School. Ross received his doctorate of musical arts at the University of North Texas, his master of arts degree in piano performance at California State University at Los Angeles, and his bachelor of arts degree at Ambassador University, where Ross also served for more than twenty years as a faculty member, Chair of the Music Department and minister of music. Ross is a member of Pasadena Rotary Club and the Tournament of Roses Association.

In July 1997, with encouragement from Dr. Jack Hayford and other leaders in the Church, Ross founded “State of the Heart” Ministries, an inter-denominational ministry of reconciliation and renewal of life worship, dedicated to building bridges in the Body of Christ. During the past 10 years, Ross has led worship and presented concerts in 1,000 plus churches of more than 100 different denominations in over 500 cities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Western Europe and Australia. He also serves as music consultant to Martha Williamson, best-known as executive producer of the series “Touched By An Angel.”

Dr. Jutsum has composed more than one hundred songs and his recordings have been distributed around the world by “State of the Heart” Productions. His worship albums include the brand new CD “A Heart of Praise” with special guest soloist, Martha Williamson, “An Offering of Worship and Praise,” “Fresh and New This Morning,” and “Rivers of Living Water,” (each featuring 10 original compositions, including solos by his wife and two daughters.) “Reflections,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” and the brand new CD “The Heart of Worship” are Ross’ four delightful piano solo CDS, and “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs” is a set of 8 compact discs of instrumental accompaniments for 181 favorite hymns and praise songs of the Church.

Ross’ presentations range from full weekends of praise and worship including seminars for worship leaders and interactive worship services with messages geared to worship renewal and “life worship,” to shorter testimonies in word and song. Dr. Jim Raddatz, a pastor in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, wrote of Ross’ visit there: “Dr. Jutsum is not only proficient in his piano and vocal styling, but is also sensitive to the Holy Spirit in effectively ministering the creative life of Jesus through worship. Ross’ ‘State of the Heart’ ministry is indicative of ministry that flows from the heart of a true worshipper.” Pastor Jeff Perry of St. Louis Family Church said of Dr. Jutsum’s visit there that “Ross clearly has the Lord’s anointing as he shares his love for God through his singing and playing for the Body of Christ, wherever He opens the doors.”

For more information, you may reach Ross via e-mail at rfjutsum@aol.com or access our web site(s) at www.stateoftheheart.org or www.rossjutsum.com or call (626) 836-4686 or write Ross Jutsum, P.O. Box 56, Sierra Madre, CA 91025-0056 U.S.A.