Skip to main content

CIU alumnus makes his music “a matter of faith”

CIU alumnus Mitch Townley (Photo: Tennessee Department of Tourism)
Mitch Townley performs in Knoxville, Tennessee.

CIU alumnus Mitch Townley

When Mitch Townley was in seminary at Columbia International University, he enrolled in a Christian songwriting class. The instructor was impressed with his lyrics, but added, “These are lyrics desperately in search of a melody.” 

Townley has come a long way since then. While most days he can be found at West Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee where he is director of children’s ministry, the 1996 CIU alumnus can also be heard playing his original music at various venues around Knoxville.

Townley’s most famous work is “This Side of Sunday” which he co-wrote with Scott Parker. The song earned them the 2018 Inspirational Country Song of the Year award from the Inspirational Country Music Association. Country Music artist Brent Harrison recorded the song, and in the spring of 2018, it spent eight weeks at the No. 1 position on the Christian Country Countdown. 

Townley’s music caught the attention of The Daily Times in Maryville, Tennessee. Read the article, “Mitch Townley makes his music a matter of faith.”

Discover where a degree from Columbia International University or Columbia Biblical Seminary may take you. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.  

Explore 
Degree Programs

Are you ready to transform your life?