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CCM Magazine is thrilled to celebrate the release of The Journey: John Schlitt’s Road to Redemption—a powerful new documentary tracing the incredible true story of one of Christian rock’s most legendary voices.

For fans of Petra, Head East, or anyone who’s been inspired by the redemptive power of grace, this film is a must-watch.

Before John Schlitt was fronting one of the most iconic Christian rock bands of all time, he was living a very different life. As the lead singer of the platinum-selling ‘70s rock band Head East, Schlitt experienced overnight success—but behind the scenes, fame brought a darker reality. A cycle of parties, drugs, alcohol, and personal turmoil ultimately left him fired, broken, and convinced his best days were behind him. At his lowest point, John believed he was worth more dead than alive.

But God wasn’t finished with him yet.

The Journey: John Schlitt’s Road to Redemption follows his dramatic transformation—from a music industry burnout to a bold witness for Christ on the world stage. After walking away from music for five years, a life-changing call from Petra’s Bob Hartman pulled John back into the spotlight—but this time, for a higher purpose. As Petra’s lead singer, John didn’t just help usher in a new era of Christian rock—he helped lead the band to become the first Christian rock act to win a GRAMMY Award, alongside multiple Dove Awards and global recognition.

The documentary highlights not only the milestones of Schlitt’s musical career, but also the deeply personal moments of failure, faith, forgiveness, and purpose that shaped his story. It’s raw, inspiring, and an unflinching look at what happens when God steps into a life that seemed too far gone.

Produced in partnership with his ministry, BLD It Ministries (But the Lord Do It), The Journey serves as both a cinematic testimony and an invitation to anyone who’s ever felt hopeless. Schlitt’s story reminds us that God isn’t in the business of discarding broken people—He’s in the business of redeeming them.

At CCM, we’ve watched John Schlitt impact generation after generation with his unmistakable voice and unwavering message of hope. This documentary captures that legacy—and then some.

Whether you’ve been a fan since the Petra days or are just now discovering the voice behind “Beyond Belief” and “This Means War!,” The Journey: John Schlitt’s Road to Redemption is a heartfelt reminder of how God can rewrite any story.

The Journey: John Schlitt’s Road to Redemption is available now:

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