Church Staff

Senior Pastor – Rev. Christopher Simmons

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

Worship Directors – Bryan and Stacy Widstrand (Newkirk)

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 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.

“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

Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator – Samantha Simmons

Perhaps better known as Mrs. Simmons to her students across the parking lot at Trinity Lutheran School, Samantha is the part-time Family Ministry Coordinator this year at Trinity. Samantha has a habit of helping to start new things, such as churches, church youth programs, dance studio locations, and school theatre departments. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and a second degree in Theatre and is in process of both her Master of Education and the Lutheran Colloquy program.

While in college, Samantha spent summers assisting, starting, and running church youth groups in Sonoma County, as well as a summer working with students age 6-12 as part of Concordia Chicago’s Young Actors’ Workshop. She is in her eleventh year as a middle school teacher and has taught dance to all ages for many years.

When she isn’t at work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and friends, and attempting to grow vegetables in the backyard. Samantha is looking forward to stepping into this role of serving families at Trinity.

Church Office Manager – Käthe Reuter

Käthe, which is pronounced Kay-da, grew up in San Jose, California. She spent many summer breaks tagging along with her Grandparents and Mom volunteering at their respective churches. She saw from a young age how important it is to give back with your time and appreciates every volunteer that helps to keep Trinity great. Käthe received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Sonoma State University in 2010. After graduating college, she moved back home where she worked as a Project Coordinator for a General Contractor. In 2015, she relocated to San Luis Obispo where she worked in Construction Management on the Cuesta College campuses.

She met her husband, Russ, shortly after relocating to San Luis Obispo and got married in July of 2018. They now live in Paso Robles and have two girls who keep them busy but entertained with all their activities.

Head Elder – Jack Perry

Jack was born and raised in Paso Robles, representing the 6th generation of his father’s family and the 4th generation of his mother’s family in north San Luis Obispo County. He was baptized and confirmed at the original Trinity Lutheran Church on 9th and Vine Street, so it is safe to say he knows his way around town.

After graduating from Paso Robles High School—where his team won the CIF Football Championship during his senior year—Jack went on to earn a BA in Business Economics from Fresno State University. He worked in construction throughout college and pursued it as a full-time career upon graduation. By the time he married his wife, Debi, he had earned his General Contracting License and was working across residential, commercial, and civil projects.

God blessed Jack and Debi with two sons, Jared and Marc. Jared is currently a Captain with the California Highway Patrol, and Marc works in software development. Their family has since grown to include their daughter-in-law, Kristen, and three grandsons: Rylan, Bennett, and Andersen.

For years, Jack maintained a demanding schedule—working 10-hour days, six days a week—while Debi ran the household and raised their boys. Everything shifted the day a church member invited him to serve as a trustee for Trinity. When Jack explained that he was simply too busy, the gentleman replied with a line that has stuck with Jack ever since: “Jack, everyone is busy.”

Thrown off guard by the honesty of that comment, Jack knew in his heart the man was right. Since that moment, he has made it a priority to pull his weight rather than assuming someone else will handle the work. He remains deeply passionate about Trinity’s ministry of teaching Jesus and actively encourages members to get involved beyond attending service for an hour on Sunday morning—always keeping that classic reminder in mind: “Hey, we’re all busy.”