About
Greetings! My name is Chris and I’m a Confessional Lutheran (LCMS) parish musician in the lush Pacific Northwest. I play the organ, piano, handbells, and a bit of the alto recorder.
My interest in church music and Lutheran worship and theology have grown hand in hand. Luther wrote, “Music is an outstanding gift of God and next to theology.” The study of Lutheran worship and theology informs and influences my vocation as a parish musician and the music I play (or choose to avoid).
“The richer the background in Lutheran doctrine, mores, and music, the more nearly will the musician approach the true ideal of a Lutheran musician and servant of God in church.” — Hugo Gehrke
This blog, then, is a reflection and commentary on the interrelationship between music, Lutheran worship, and theology. And what an important relationship it is. Ultimately your theology reflects how you worship, and how you worship reflects your theology.
I encourage you to come along for the ride. We might both learn and grow together in this journey culminating in an everlasting feast of victory. Until then, we feast on the gifts Christ gives us through His means of grace – His Word and Sacraments. What could be better than forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation?
Contact & Stay Connected
- Contact me by clicking here.
- Subscribe to the RSS feed or via email and receive each new blog post.
- Follow on Twitter.
Opportunities for Exploration
- Looking for some other great blogs and websites? Visit the Links & Blogroll page.
- There are A LOT of blogs and posts out there. When I find interesting posts related to worship or church music, I share them via my shared items feed at Google Reader.
Here is a photo of the pipe organ console I have the privilege of playing each week. It is a 7-rank Moeller pipe organ that has been unified to the max. It is on the small size for the sanctuary that it serves, but it is a very versatile instrument and leads singing quite well.

Great website. I too am an organist (not prefessionally trained), serving a very small church in rural Western Nebraska. Keep up the good posts.
Thanks for the articles and insights – from a fellow LCMS music minister…
Robert S. Potterton III
Minister of Music & Organist
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Dedham, MA
Dean, Northeastern CT Chapter
The American Guild of Organists