About

​

 

 

 

 

​

​

John Peterson (left) in collaboration with Steve Halliwell, embarked on a musical journey several years ago. Their creative synergy led to the establishment of Cross & Crown, a production company and band dedicated to recording and publishing original music, storytelling, and performing in worship and praise of the Lord.

​

Inspired by Psalm 100:1, their work invites all to "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." This passage underscores the foundation of their mission: to acknowledge the LORD as our Creator, to whom we belong, and to celebrate our place as His people, the cherished sheep of His pasture.

 

Through their music and ministry, John and Steve aim to foster a deep sense of joy and devotion, inviting all (especially children) to experience the profound connection with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

​

About John:

​

John, an alumnus of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, embodies the spirit of dedication in his role as a music educator and Worship Director for middle and high school students at Hawthorne Christian Academy. His commitment extends beyond the academy to the Boys & Girls Club of West Orange, NJ, where he serves as Program Director. John’s talents are diverse and profound, encompassing his roles as a music producer, songwriter specializing in Christian and children's music, online entrepreneur, coach, author, and professional saxophonist.

​

About Steve:

​

Steve is an alumnus of Ramapo College with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature degree. He has been creatively writing for over 20 years and currently works in Special Education with middle and high school students for Bergen County Special Services in the Emerson, New Jersey school district. Over the last 15 years, he has written nearly 1,000 Contemporary Christian and worship songs, several of which have received extensive radio play. Uniquely, though he does sing, he writes lyrics, melodies, and chords without playing an instrument. 

​

In the past year, Steve’s gifts as a writer and love of reading the Word of God out loud to his three children have inspired him and John to create Cross & Crown Story Time. Their hope is that it will inspire parents everywhere to get into the Bible with their kids and spark meaningful, faith-building conversations that will continue for generation after generation.