Chris believes in teaching Scripture as it applies to everyday life, just as Jesus did. With both a church and school, Trinity has been given the gift and opportunity to build educational excellence upon a solid Gospel foundation.

Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Concordia Chicago with a background in secondary education and a Master of Arts in Theology from Concordia Irvine with an emphasis in cross-cultural ministries. He received his Certificate of Ordination from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Following his ordination, Chris spent eight years of ministry in Idaho, including being a part of launching a brand new mission plant before becoming associate pastor of the largest church and school in the LCMS Northwest District. He is honored that God has called him here to Trinity. God is good!

His eclectic background and skill sets allows for flexibility, innovation, and creativity in his approach to ministry. He has written full-length plays for fundraisers, produced “The Living Last Supper”, and written and been a part of VBS curriculums and skits. Chris has even launched full-fledged Ballroom Dance programs, teaching several classes a week, and writing a Ballroom Dance-based Couples Bible Study.

Chris was born and raised in the Chicago area. A life-long learner, his passions include picking things up: lifting weights, picking up his kids, elevating his wife, lifting burdens from the shoulders of others by being with people, and holding Jesus high.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Bryan and Stacy Widstrand are both from a long line of Lutheran families and traditions. They met at Concordia University Chicago (River Forest) in the touring choir, Kapelle, and within a year and a half were married. Stacy obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music, with her certificate as a Director of Parish Music. Bryan obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, concentration in Biblical Languages, with a certificate of completion for the Pre-Seminary program.

Bryan began working in the wine industry in Paso Robles, and eventually became a winemaker in Tasmania, Australia. In 2018, Stacy’s mother, Cindy Steinbeck, invited Bryan and Stacy to join the 6th generation in the 140-Year family business, Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery.

Stacy worked as a called Director of Parish Music at a congregation in Illinois for two years after graduation. Since then, Bryan and Stacy have led and performed music with varied musical ensembles in multiple worship settings in California and Australia.

In 2021, Bryan and Stacy accepted the positions of Worship Directors of Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Paso Robles. They lead worship each Sunday in a style and philosophy which pulls from traditions, both old and new, with multiple instrumentations, including some of their original works. Deliberate in Biblically-faithful lyrics, they focus on encouraging the worship of those they lead and pointing to the preaching and Bible readings of their Sunday services.

Bryan and Stacy have three beautiful children: Joryn, Allora, and Cyrus, who all love to sing and make a joyful noise.

‭Colossians‬ ‭3:16

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” —Colossians 3:16