The five young men who comprise the compelling new Christian pop group According to John seem like ordinary American guys. With the exception of an earring or two, they somehow elude the status trappings of the typical pop ensemble.

When the amplifiers are plugged in, they plug into a spiritual power that drives these talented musicians on a mission to offer hope to a hopeless world.

The results are intense, expressive, imagery-rich songs that provoke the mind, elevate the heart and stir the human spirit. John Waller of Fayetteville, GA, is the lead singer and catalyst of the group. Ed Bunton, the Bassist, lives in Lawrenceville, GA. Josh Fisher of Peachtree City is the drummer. Jason Hoard of Warner Robins, GA plays lead guitar, mandolin and accordion. Matt Adkins of Marietta, GA plays rhythm guitar, and is the youngest member at age 18. According to John counts as its collective musical influences some of folk and rock musics most trend setting acts. They present the skillful story telling lyrical artistry of Peter, Paul and Mary, the intensity of The Doors, the close harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash, and the rock edge of Tonic. They consider Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Camp, Russ Taff and PFR as early influences. They are indeed an interesting mix of all, yet a carbon copy of none.

Waller, Bunton, Fisher, Hoard and Adkins each contribute to the sound and ministry of the band with their own style and technique. The result is a synergistic, refreshingly original and penetrating message, wrapped in mood-enhancing arrangements and brilliant musicianship. On the groups self-titled debut, A2J hits with the impact of a bolt of lightning.

Waller and longtime co-writer Scott Johnson account for most of the lyrics for the band. "The cool thing about the lyrics," says Bunton, "is that John and Scott write about real things they are learning and are going through." Waller agrees, "We want these songs to always be 'life-stuff.'" Three time winner in the Babbie Mason regional song writing competition (including the Grand Prize) and first place in the contemporary rock category at Estes Park, Waller is one of Christian musics most promising new Writers.

"These songs are all about hope," explains Waller. "'Everlasting' is about hope for eternity. 'Marquis Graveyard' all about restoration. 'Remedy' celebrates hope for victory in the daily battle between the flesh and spirit.

When Cassie Bernall was killed for her faith, her family and friends chose one of A2J's songs as the backdrop for her tribute video because they said it was a song that well illustrated her devotion. "When we wrote 'Nothing Back'," says Waller, "we didn't know Cassie's name, then with the word 'yes', she became an amazing hero. It was really a bittersweet honor to be a part of her tribute. We are so challenged by this little sister. She really did hold 'Nothing Back'."

"Jesus is hope" says Bunton, "We're nothing without Him no matter how good we think we are. We have no hope without Jesus. That's what these songs are about."

After years of performing as a solo Artist, Waller began putting together a band. For two years they spent Wednesday nights at "Big House", the youth evangelism outreach program of FBC Woodstock, GA, and Sunday nights with the youth of the church they have since called home, New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, GA. It wasn't long before they were in great demand throughout the entire Southeast region, and were featured artists on the "Acquire the Fire" tour, and

As they developed their songs and perfected their craft, According to John was not a name that was chosen lightly. "John is the 'Gospel of love,'" says Waller. "If we have a theme song on this project it is 'Everlasting' (John 3:16). It is about the intimacy that God wants with us. We want to have, and show the world a close authentic relationship with Jesus like John did. That's why we dive in to the Gospel 'According to John'."

Waller sums it up. "It's about stewardship. We have a holy urgency to just do what God wants us to do with what He gives us. That is what drives us." Once you hear According to John you will agree that it is a mantle that fits them very well.

The group is also part of the World Vision Artist Associates family helping needy children around the world.