Christ (rhymes with “wrist”) John Otto is the founder of Belonging House.   He is named after his great-grandfather.  The name “Christ” comes from the German word for “christian” and may have been adopted by his great-great grandfather to hide his Jewish identity.  

After a major life crisis, his priest-confessor, Father Al Durrance, recommended that he “listen to the Lord and do what he tells you.”  That advice has become a life motto, message, and is the foundation of Belonging House International.

He first began working as a freelance artist in 1996 at the age of fifteen.  He has worked as a sign and lettering artist, muralist, textile artist, and designer.  He has worked as a professional musician, vocal coach, and voice artist.  In the late 1990’s Otto was one of the first wave of “prophetic artists.”

Christ John Otto completed his M.Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary and earned a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Christian Education from Houghton College.  

He was very involved in the charismatic renewal in the Episcopal church, the Toronto Blessing, the 10 Days of Prayer, and the Prayer Movement.  He helped plant two churches, and also coordinated renewal conferences at Asbury and St. Luke’s in Akron, Ohio.  He is grateful for the opportunities to work some incredible leaders, and is indebted to the healing ministry of Leanne Payne. 

He is an independent scholar and thinker, the author of twelve books, and hundreds of online teachings.   He has led artists’ retreats, and has been a sought after conference speaker.   He currently divides his time between Boston, Massachusetts, and London, England.