Melissa Helser is a songwriter, worship leader and founder of discipleship school, The 18 inch Journey, located in North Carolina where she also leads Cageless Birds, a collective of artists, with her husband Jonathan. Melissa and Jonathan 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.

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 We Will Not Be Shaken (2015) won “Worship Song of the Year” at the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2016. Melissa is featured on Bethel Music’s most recent album Peace, Vol. II (2021) singing “You Came (Lazarus)” with her husband Jonathan, and Homecoming (2021) singing “I Believe”. The couple recorded their latest studio album We Rise We Bow (2019) 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.

Melissa’s life displays fierce strength and confidence, expressed in her songs “Beautiful Surrender”, “Catch the Wind”, and “Strength”, found on The Helser’s 2016 album Beautiful Surrender.

Melissa, and her husband Jonathan, 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.