Melissa Helser

Melissa Helser is a songwriter and worship leader whose work has shaped modern Christian worship music. Born on February 19, 1980, she is based in North Carolina and, along with her husband Jonathan Helser, leads the artist collective known as Cageless Birds. She has also been a part of the Bethel Music collective since 2014. Together, the Helsers founded a discipleship school called The 18 Inch Journey, and they reside in Sophia, North Carolina.

As a recording artist, Melissa Helser has released several albums. Her catalog includes Endless Ocean, Bottomless Sea (2014), On the Shores (2015), Beautiful Surrender (2016), and We Rise We Bow (2019). The album Beautiful Surrender peaked at number one on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. She has also contributed to multiple Bethel Music albums, including the songs “No Longer Slaves” (on We Will Not Be Shaken, 2015), “Raise a Hallelujah” (on VICTORY, 2019), “You Came (Lazarus)” (on Peace, Vol. II, 2021), and “I Believe” (on Homecoming, 2021).

Her songwriting has received industry recognition. “No Longer Slaves” won Worship Song of the Year at the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2016. The song “Raise a Hallelujah” reached number one on the Christian Billboard charts. Through her music, leadership of Cageless Birds, and commitment to discipleship, Melissa Helser continues to be a consistent voice in contemporary Christian worship.