Jonathan Helser is a songwriter, worship leader, and founder of discipleship school, The 18 Inch Journey, located in North Carolina where he also leads Cageless Birds, a collective of artists, with his wife Melissa. Jonathan and Melissa have been a part of the Bethel Music Collective since 2014, bringing with them a rich history of passionate worship. The Helser’s yearn to see a generation encounter the love of God, and their music reflects their collisions with His love.

Jonathan is featured on the most recent Bethel Music album Peace, Vol. II (2021) singing “You Came (Lazarus)” with his wife Melissa as well as Homecoming (2021) singing “I Believe”. The Helser’s are known for their hit “Raise A Hallelujah”, an anthem written as a declaration of healing and hope. The song was featured on Bethel Music’s VICTORY (2019) album and reached #1 on Christian Billboard charts. “No Longer Slaves”, appearing on Bethel Music’s We Will Not Be Shaken (2015), won “Worship Song of the Year” at the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2016. The couple recorded their latest studio album We Rise We Bow in North Carolina through their artist collective, Cageless Birds. This album was inspired by the collective’s personal stories, friendships, and the time spent fighting for the next generation. 

Jonathan carries the message of sonship and eloquently displays the heart of the Father in his well-known songs such as “Abba” and “You Came”, featured on The Helser’s album, Beautiful Surrender released in 2016. 

Jonathan, and his wife Melissa, live with their two beautiful children in Sophia, North Carolina, where they lead The 18 Inch Journey, spending time crafting songs, art, and goods that encourage others into wholeness and freedom as children of God.