A Leader’s Story
An insight into the past and present of one of our extraordinary leaders.
Chris Keipert
Chris Keipert is the Worship Director for Coffs Harbour’s Family Service, having been in this role since returning to in-person services in November 2020. Originally from the Northern Beaches area in Sydney, Chris and his family moved to Coffs Harbour just over a decade ago. He and his wife, Annie, are nearing their 16th anniversary this September, and the two have four awesome kids - Tahlia, Josh, Ezra, and Adelaide. Since coming to Faith Family Coffs Harbour (previously known as Harbour Church at the time), Chris has always been a part of the Worship Team in some capacity, whether it be as an acoustic or bass guitarist or as a vocalist or band leader.
“I’m passionate about the role of music in how we worship as a church family – whether that’s part of praise & worship in our regular Sunday services, celebrating the musical gifts of congregation members in performances, or as part of our community outreach at special services like Easter and Christmas.”
As well as a passion for music, Chris also has education and training in multiple fields, including an honours degree in Forensic Science (graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) in 2007), a degree in Secondary Education (graduated from UTS in 2011) and even a black belt in taekwondo! Chris says that following high school, he had always wanted to work in the field of forensic science and never as a teacher (ironically, his current profession). Both his mother and father were teachers before him and found, despite his own predisposition against the idea, that he was strongly drawn to it across much of his younger years - while he lead Youth, when he taught at Sunday School, while he tutored for Maths and Chemistry, as well as when he taught at university while a student himself. Chris eventually became unhappy in his forensic science role but found fulfilment in the role when opportunities presented themselves for him to teach and educate others, so he decided to explore that further instead.
Chris’ time as a teacher thus far has led him to consider this one of the most rewarding aspects of his career:
“The ripple effect you can have on others’ lives long after they’ve left your classroom – I’m still in contact with many former students to this day, building and strengthening relationships that began a long time ago. I can see the difference I’ve made in their lives, and that is so rewarding!”
Much of Chris’ work as a teacher has direct correlation with skills and traits necessary for strong and healthy ministry - here are three aspects that he identifies as important for long-term health and success in his field:
A passion to work with young people, day in and day out - I have never felt simultaneously more up to date and out of touch than I do hanging out with teenagers every day!
An acceptance that the job is never “done” and that you may never get to see the fruits of your labour - you can only do what you can do, the rest is up to them!
Professional-level juggling skills - gotta keep all the balls in the air!
When asked about advice he might share to younger readers who may be considering their future prospects in teaching, Chris has this to share:
“Don’t just consider a career in terms of what you’re passionate about – passion comes and goes and changes as we grow older. Choose something that you can find fulfilment in and suits your personality. If you want to consider teaching, you should never think of it as a “back-up plan”. It is a career in itself – without it, we wouldn’t have doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, etc.”
Chris Keipert is an encouraging and supportive worship leader for our Faith Family and has a deep passion for helping to lead others in their worship of our Heavenly Father through music and song. If you are interested in getting to know Chris better as a part of the Worship Team in Coffs Harbour, or just generally have a question for him, feel free to email legacy@faithfamily.com.au with any questions for Chris or with your request to join the Worship Team!