Van Mitchell, Jr.

I do not take it for granted that I was born and brought up in a Christian home with Godly parents. For that, I am thankful every day. I received Christ as my personal Savior when I was four years old. My Dad, Van Mitchell, Sr., answered the call to preach and went into the ministry when I turned nine. A country church in Sweetwater, TN was his first pastorate, and that was where I fell in love with Gospel music. Those people sure knew how to sing!

Music has always been my passion. Singing, playing the piano, and songwriting are some of the things I enjoy the most in ministry. Through my middle school and high school years, I performed in local Gospel music groups. I attended Southeastern F.W.B. College in Wendell, NC where I traveled with the college’s promotional groups (trio, quartet, ensemble, and choir) all four years. While at Southeastern, I obtained a B.A. degree in Music Ed. with a proficiency in vocal performance. I have taught voice at a Christian school in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, at Mount Calvary Christian Academy, in Hookerton, NC, and at Grifton F.W.B. Church. Additionally, I’ve served as music minister in three different churches. Presently, it is a wonderful joy to me to be able to encourage and educate students here at Bethel Christian Academy in Kinston, NC as a middle school English teacher, voice teacher, and middle school choir/drama director. 

In 2011, the first song I wrote, “I've Never Known a Day”, sung by the Inspirations Quartet went to #7 in the Singing News Top 40 chart. Later, it received the B.M.I. award for being the Christian song with the most radio airplay for 2011 (pictured above is my son, Chandler, and me at the B.M.I. awards beside Toby Mac).

I have three beautiful children that have my heart. Chandler Dakota, Raigan Mariah, and Weston Luke thrill my soul and I am extremely grateful to God for them.  

Sealing my commitment to spread the Gospel in BOTH message and music, I was ordained to preach in a local Baptist church on October 11th, 2022. Nothing brings me any greater joy than opening God's Word and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have sung, preached, and lived His promises, and He has proven Himself to be FAITHFUL and TRUE! The title song I wrote on my recording project states, “I wouldn't know Him like I do without the things He's brought me through.”