The SAGU administration is pleased to announce that Joel Griffin has accepted a full-time faculty position in the SAGU Music Department.  Griffin will begin this fall and have the primary responsibility of leading the Furio(us) Love traveling ministry team.  An accomplished saxophonist, Griffin has led the primary traveling ministry team for Messenger College in Joplin, Missouri, and has been heavily involved in the Fine Arts program of the Southern Missouri District of the Assemblies of God.

Prior to coming to SAGU, Griffin served as the Director of the Music Department at Messenger College.  He has also taught at the Missouri State University’s Missouri Fine Arts Academy and has been on staff at several churches.  Griffin has a BA in Saxophone Performance from Missouri Southern State University and a MM in Theory/Composition from Missouri State University.  He will soon begin his doctoral studies at the University of North Texas.

According to Griffin, “Music has always been a part of my life.” He grew up in First Assembly of God in Caruthersville, Missouri, where his dad was pastor and his mom played the piano and led worship.  Griffin was surrounded by music growing up and remembers his mom coming home with a saxophone when he was in sixth grade and telling him, “Here, you’re playing this.”

Griffin has played as a professional musician since the age of 18 and has performed with artists such as Grammy award winners Bob Mintzer, Billy Hunt, and Bobby Watson as well as Dove award winner Dallas Holme, and Jazz greats such as Paul Mckee, Miles Osland, Vince DiMartino, Joan Bender, Allen Hood, Bill Perkins, and Kim Richmond.  He has also performed for President George W. Bush and played for many musicals.

“I expect to become a part of the SAGU community and help further the cause of Christ by helping equip students for the ministry God has called them to,” said Griffin.  “I hope to impart to students the message that ministry is about service to others, that Christ has called us to serve.”

He and his wife, Kara, have been married for three years and Griffin is looking forward to enjoying Texas BBQ on a regular basis.