Christ (rhymes with "wrist") John Otto lives a consecrated life as a "modern urban monk." In 2006 he said "yes" to the call to raise up an army of artists who would build Jesus a throne in the earth.
Today Belonging House is in 38 nations, he has written over twelve books, over a thousand Friday Emails, and leads a dispersed community of hundreds of artists and creative people.
He started out doing conventional ministry, and doing art on the side. Art paid for church planting, and a dream of ordained ministry. That dream was de-railed in a denominational split.
Listening to God led him to coffee shop on Sundays, and to meeting with artists and creative people to pray, talk, and shed tears. It became a call to living by faith, trusting God to meet every need, and going where the doors opened.
Otto earned his M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1997. He also holds degrees in Bible and Christian Education from Houghton College and is an ordained minister. He has worked professionally as an artist, sign painter, voice teacher, gospel singer, and writer since 1987. He is the author of over ten books including, Artists at a Shift in Time. He worked for over ten years coordinating large renewal conferences and events. In 2006 he threw away his contact list, his ministry experience, and began a radical walk with God.
And by the way, he is named after his great-grandfather. He isn't starting a cult or trying to be the Messiah. You try to start a cult with a bunch of strong-willed artists!
He is committed to the Belonging House International community, and dedicates his teaching and ministry time to those who have made the Belonging House Commitment. He is not available for outside speaking. You can listen to his teaching on this site or wherever podcasts are found.
Kent Murawski, Coach, Author, Speaker Kentmurawski.com
