We often celebrate groups reaching milestones of 20, 25, 40, 50 years, etc., but often individuals are not celebrated until they reach milestones of 40, 50, or 60 plus years in ministry. This article’s purpose is to celebrate industry figures celebrating smaller milestones in their individual ministry.
This month we are featuring Chris Allman, who is celebrating 20 years of ministering with Greater Vision. Not only is he a wonderful singer, but he has contributed many amazing songs to Southern Gospel as a songwriter. I was glad to sit down and get to know about his career better. I pray it is a blessing to you!
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned in your 20 years of ministry with Greater Vision?
I would say consistency would have to be the greatest lesson I’ve learned. Greater Vision, as we are today, is who Greater Vision was 35 years ago when they started. When I hear others speak of us, they always mention our consistency.
Another lesson I have learned is to pay attention to the people who support your ministry. They will let you know what they like. As ministers and Christian artists, we should always consider those who listen to our music and support us monetarily.
Do you view ministry differently after two decades of traveling? If so, how?
Most definitely! Traveling has a lot to do with it, but I would have to say age and experience has even more to do with it. As we experience life, we learn lessons. Well… Let me say that life tries to teach us lessons and it is up to us whether we learned them or not. I have learned a lot of lessons by making bad decisions and realizing the consequences of those decisions.
Share some moments or memories that are “milestones” to you.
I would have to say my biggest milestone as an artist would be when I was chosen to be the tenor singer for Greater Vision. It was a dream come true to sing with two former Cathedrals. The Cathedrals were the biggest influence on me as a child in regards to this music. I always had a dream of singing with them. The next best thing was being able to sing with Greater Vision.
Another big milestone for me musically was when God allowed me to start writing music. I always wanted to be a writer but was not very gifted at all. When I came to the realization that it was something that did not come naturally to me, I prayed earnestly one night for God to give me the gift to write music. He was faithful to answer that prayer and I have been writing ever since. It is a passion of mine.
When did you first start writing songs, and what inspired you to begin writing?
My sister, Robin Allman Riggins, inspired me to be a writer. Before singing with Greater Vision, I sang with her and another gentleman. We called ourselves, “The Allmans.” She wrote a couple of songs that we recorded and then when I joined GV, we recorded several more. Some of you may be familiar with may include, “Who Moved”,” The Love That Lifts Me”, “The King Came Down” and “Lay Them Down and Leave Them”.
Do you have a favorite song you’ve written or performed with Greater Vision—and why does it stand out to you?
While “For All He’s Done” would probably be my most recognizable song, my favorite would probably be, “I Could Never Praise Him Enough”.
Do you have any goals or dreams for the years ahead?
At my age, my desire is to finish strong both spiritually and vocally. Everybody seems to tell me that tenor singers start going south with age. At this point, I still feel as strong as I’ve ever felt, so my gift is in the hands of God. He gave it to me, and I’ll continue to use it until He lets me know I’ve come to the end of the road.
I appreciate Chris for taking the time to participate in this and allowing me to write about him. Thank you for your ministry over the last 20 years with Greater Vision and I pray you are blessed in the years to come!
Related posts:
Milestones | 34 Years | Rodney Griffin
GMR on The Road | The Whisnants Homecoming | March 6-8, 2026
Milestones | 20 Years | Pat Barker
Milestones | 10 Years | Chris Parker
The Gospel Music Hymn Sing | The United Kingdom Tour
Milestones | 32 Years | Jim Brady
Milestones | 25 Years | Bill Shivers
Passing The Mic | Casey Wolfe and The Next Generation of Southern Gospel