From DBU to Nashville: Chris Clayton’s Journey in Songwriting and Music Production

For Chris Clayton, worship music has never just been a career; it has been a calling shaped over a lifetime. Long before he was writing songs in a Nashville studio or collaborating with artists and churches around the world, Chris was a pastor's kid growing up surrounded by church life, ministry, and music. Today, the Dallas Baptist University alumnus, '00, '19, spends his days writing and producing worship songs that help churches lift the name of Jesus, but the foundation for that journey began years earlier, in his family, in the local church, and later on the Hill at DBU.

"I was raised in an incredible family with amazing parents and siblings," Chris shared. "From the start I was immersed in ministry. As a pastor's kid, I found myself at church events, student gatherings, potlucks—you name it."

Chris came to know Christ at a young age, and while faith had always been present in his life, it wasn't until high school that Chris began to understand more deeply what it meant not just to know about Jesus, but to truly follow Him.

During those years, his student pastor, Andy, played a key role in Chris's spiritual formation. Andy gave him his first opportunity to lead worship on Wednesday nights, which became an experience that would shape the direction of his life and ministry.

Chris's connection to DBU began long before he enrolled as a student. His father, Michael Clayton '74, is also a graduate of the University, and conversations about DBU were common in their home growing up. When it came time to choose a college, Chris felt drawn to continue that family connection.

Attending DBU felt like a big step of faith for his family financially, but Chris quickly saw God's provision along the way. "God was faithful to provide every dollar for me to attend. It was one of the first of many times I have seen Him be faithful to provide in my life," he recalls.

Chris graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and later returned to complete a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership in 2019. His years on University Hill were filled with friendships, ministry opportunities, and memorable moments that helped shape both his calling and his career.

While a student, Chris became deeply involved in the Baptist Student Ministry, leading worship for campus-wide Bible studies and special events. Those opportunities soon opened doors beyond campus as churches across Texas began inviting him to lead worship for ministry gatherings and student events.

DBU also played an unexpected role in another defining part of Chris's story. During his freshman year, he met Kara '00, who would later become his wife. The two dated throughout their college years and were married in January 2001, celebrating 25 years of marriage this year.

Chris remembers his DBU experience as a season marked by close friendships, late-night conversations, and unforgettable campus traditions. Student Life events were a favorite among his friend group, and many of those relationships have lasted long after graduation.

Some of his favorite memories include being named Homecoming King during his senior year, speaking during the graduation candlelighting ceremony, working in the Student Affairs office, and making late-night runs to Jack in the Box with roommates.

Professors also played a significant role in shaping Chris's experience. He credits Dr. Chip Ricketts with making a lasting impact during his undergraduate marketing studies and Dr. Jon Choi for investing deeply in him during his graduate work.

Returning to DBU to complete his master's degree brought new opportunities for growth. One of the most memorable experiences during that program was a practicum trip to the Hillsong Worship Conference in Sydney.

After graduating, Chris began blending music and ministry, working with Dallas–Fort Worth producer David Parker as a studio manager and assistant engineer while also leading worship at youth camps and church events. "These years were crucial in preparing me for what I do now," he said.

In 2005, Chris launched out on his own as a producer and itinerant worship leader. Over the next decade, he balanced producing records, writing songs, and traveling across the country, and even overseas, to lead worship for student ministries and churches.

During that season, Chris also served on the worship staff at 121 Community Church from 2007 to 2011 and frequently led worship at churches across Texas. He released several independent projects featuring original songs and even returned to DBU as an adjunct instructor in the Music Business program for five semesters.

A significant new chapter began in 2015 when Chris signed his first publishing deal with songwriter Michael Farren in partnership with Integrity Music. That opportunity eventually led Chris and his family to relocate to Nashville, where they still live today.

In 2017, Chris joined the staff of Gateway Church in nearby Franklin, Tennessee, serving as a worship pastor while continuing to write and produce music. In 2023, he stepped away from church staff to focus fully on record production and songwriting.

Most recently, in February 2026, Chris reached another milestone when he signed an exclusive publishing deal with Story House Publishing, a creative venture led by Matthew West in partnership with Essential Music Publishing, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

Today Chris spends his days in the studio in Spring Hill, Tennessee, writing songs and producing projects for artists and churches.

"The most fulfilling part of my job is sitting with artists and worship leaders and helping bring life into their songs," Chris said. "Taking simple ideas, work tapes, and demos into a full-blown song never gets old."

Yet for Chris, his greatest accomplishment isn't in the studio but at home. He and his wife, Kara, are parents to five children, who are all pursuing their own callings.

Looking back, Chris credits DBU with shaping both his career and character, from lifelong friendships to skills gained in and out of the classroom. The University's focus on servant leadership guides his work as a producer and songwriter: "My job is to serve the artist." He encourages students to stay humble, patient, and keep Jesus at the center.

Though his career has taken him far from University Hill, Chris still cherishes the place that helped shape his journey.

"DBU continues to be a school that we love and cheer on all the way from Nashville," he said. "We pray constantly that God would continue to bless and use it around the world to impact generations for the glory of God."