You probably remember the harmonies. If you grew up in a Christian household in the 1990s, you couldn't escape them. They were everywhere—on the radio, in church bulletins, and on those iconic Word Records CD covers. But if you haven't checked in for a decade or two, you might be surprised to see who is actually standing on stage these days. The members of Point of Grace have changed quite a bit since the group first formed at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
It started as a quartet. Just four women with incredible vocal chemistry and a dream of singing contemporary Christian music (CCM) that felt fresh. They called themselves Say-So originally. Honestly, that name didn't stick for long. By the time they signed their big deal, they were Point of Grace.
They were the darlings of the industry. Twenty-four consecutive number-one hits. That is a statistic that sounds fake, but it's absolutely real. No one else was doing that. But behind the scenes, life happens. Babies are born. Husbands have careers. Vocal cords get tired. The story of the members of Point of Grace is really a story about how to age gracefully in the public eye while keeping a brand alive even when the faces change.
The original four: Where it all began
The core lineup that most Gen X and Millennial fans remember consists of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, Terry Jones, and Heather Payne. This was the "Gold" era. These four women define the classic sound of 90s CCM.
Shelley Breen is the glue. She’s the only one who has been there from the literal day one until right now in 2026. She’s got this rich, versatile voice that has anchored the group through pop, country, and acoustic phases. Denise Jones was the other pillar. She stayed with the group for nearly three decades before finally stepping away in 2021 to work in the booking and management side of the industry.
Then you have Terry Jones. She was a powerhouse. However, she was the first to realize that the grueling tour schedule didn't mesh with raising a family in the way she wanted. When she left in 2004, it was a massive shock to the fanbase. People thought the group might fold. Instead, they pivoted.
Heather Payne was the fourth original piece. Her soprano was unmistakable. She stayed until 2008. Her departure felt like the end of an era because it left only two of the original founding members. At that point, Point of Grace transitioned from a quartet to a trio. They never looked back.
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The transition years and the Leigh Cappillino era
When Terry Jones left, the group had to find someone who could not only sing those complex arrangements but also fit the "vibe." You can't just plug anyone into a group like this.
Enter Leigh Cappillino.
She joined in 2004. Honestly, she might be the most underrated part of the group’s longevity. She wasn’t an "original," but she has been a member for over 20 years now. She brought a slightly different edge to the group. Her husband, Dana Cappillino, has also been a massive part of their musical direction as a band leader and guitarist.
The dynamic shifted. They moved away from the glossy, high-production pop of the 90s and started leaning into a "rootsier" sound. It was smart. They knew their audience was growing up too. People who liked "The Great Adventure" were now listening to Lady A or Little Big Town. By the time they released How You Live in 2007, the members of Point of Grace were successfully retooling themselves for a country-adjacent market.
Why the lineup changed (The real talk)
People always look for drama. Was there a massive fallout? Did someone throw a microphone?
Basically, no.
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The changes in the members of Point of Grace were incredibly mundane, which is actually refreshing for the music industry. Heather Payne left because she had four children and wanted to be a present mom. Denise Jones left because she had spent thirty years on a tour bus and wanted to try something new.
It’s important to understand the physical toll of being a touring CCM artist. In the 90s, these women were doing 150+ dates a year. They were the face of Everywoman’s Christian life. That’s a lot of pressure to maintain. When Terry Jones left, she was very open about the fact that her heart was at home.
The current trio as of 2026
If you go to a show today, you’re going to see:
- Shelley Breen (Original member)
- Leigh Cappillino (Member since 2004)
- Frances Dederick (The newest addition)
Frances joined more recently to round out the trio after Denise’s departure. She fits that classic Point of Grace mold—great hair, better voice, and a genuine connection to the message. The vocal blend remains tight. While the 90s purists might miss the four-part harmony, the trio format allows for a more acoustic, "storytellers" style of performance that works well in theaters and churches today.
The "Fifth Member" and the support system
You can’t talk about the members of Point of Grace without mentioning the people who stayed behind the scenes.
Robert Sterling was their producer for the early years. He’s the one who crafted that wall-of-sound harmony. If the girls were the soul, Robert was the architect. Later, they worked with guys like Brown Bannister. The group has always been smart about who they let into their circle. They didn't chase trends desperately; they evolved slowly.
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Surprising facts about Point of Grace members
- The "Say-So" Connection: Before they were Point of Grace, they were a trio called Say-So. Heather, Denise, and Terry. Shelley joined a bit later to make it a quartet.
- The Granny Awards: They’ve won countless Doves and had Grammy nominations, but they often joke about being the "elder stateswomen" of the genre now.
- College Roots: They didn't meet at a casting call. They met in the choir at school. That’s why their blend is so natural; it was built on literal years of singing hymns together before they ever saw a recording studio.
- The 24 Number Ones: It is a record that likely will never be broken in CCM. The way radio works now, with streaming and fragmented charts, makes that kind of streak nearly impossible for a modern artist.
What you can learn from their journey
Looking at the history of the members of Point of Grace offers a bit of a roadmap for anyone interested in career longevity.
First, they prioritized the relationship over the brand. When members wanted to leave, the group supported them. There were no messy lawsuits or public spats. This allowed the fans to stay loyal. If the fans feel like the "family" is still intact, they’ll keep buying tickets.
Second, they knew when to change their sound. They didn't try to sing "Great Adventure" style pop for thirty years. They transitioned into Americana and Country because it suited their voices as they matured.
Third, they leaned into their strengths. They knew they weren't the "edgy" group. They were the group that sang about grace, motherhood, and faith in a way that felt accessible. They stayed in their lane and mastered it.
Practical steps for Point of Grace fans
If you want to catch up with the group or dive deeper into their history, here is how to do it effectively:
- Listen to the "A Beautiful Name" Podcast: Shelley and Denise (even after leaving the group) have been involved in sharing stories here. It’s the best place to hear the unvarnished history of their touring days.
- Check out the 25th Anniversary Collection: If you want to hear the evolution of the members of Point of Grace, this album is the best "auditory timeline." You can literally hear the voices change and the production styles shift.
- Follow their social media for "Homecoming" moments: Every once in a while, the original members will pop up in a photo together or attend an event. It’s a great way to see that they are all still friends.
- Look for the "Roots and Wings" era: If you only know the 90s stuff, go listen to their mid-2000s work. It’s arguably their best vocal work, even if it didn't have the same chart-topping mania of their early years.
Point of Grace isn't just a nostalgia act. While the roster has shifted, the "point" remains the same. They’ve managed to do what very few groups in any genre do: survive the departure of key members without losing their identity. Whether it’s the original quartet or the modern trio, the focus on harmony—both musical and relational—is what kept them on the charts for three decades.