Bios aren't supposed to be written by the artist. They are supposed to be written in another person and sound like an increadible review. Something like:

"With soulful artistry and steaming talent, Chris Heesch is the next up and coming big thing. Tender lyrics, wicked guitar skills, and a sultry voice- Chris's music can even make a soldier cry"....

......This isn't one of those bios. I'm writing my own. Why? Well first of all, I'm not a rockstar, and second of all, I know my story and my music better than anyone.

Music ministry started for me in college. Leading worship for Campus Crusade for Christ, I also began to write music with a friend. Forming the acoustic duo "Christopher Matthew", we wrote, performed, and had a great time. After a few years though, I decided it was time to go my own direction.

In the meantime, I finished college, and joined Embrace Church as Worship Leader, which I continue to do today. Having taken a bit of a break from writing and performing my own music, I picked it up again in the fall of 2009. I began writing again, found a band, and began performing concerts for churches, communities, and music festivals. The music and ministry journey culminated in August, 2010, when I released my first full studio album, "Change My Mind".

The album is an exploration of my faith and my walk with the Lord. Often, the message is an understanding of Romans 12:2," Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." To really know Jesus, to experience the life and hope He promised, to be the person we want to be in Him......we must allow God to change our minds and our hearts. Often, this leads to a battle of what we want to do and what we actually do, but we continue to hold hope in God's redemptive work in us. The album closes with "This is the Cross",  an acknowledgement of this work- God's willingness and heart to continually redeem His people.



However, we are all more than a hobby, and more than a career. So what is my personal story? I was raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus into my heart at a very young age at a Gospel Bill camp - you get bonus points if you know what that is. Like many however, as I grew up my faith was most often a shallow commitment. At the age of 16, I sensed a call to renew my commitment to Christ with " no strings attatched". While I've by no means lived perfectly, I have tried to walk with Him since.

I'm no saint though. I need God's grace like anyone else in the world. Part of my journey has been merely trying to hang on to the Lord while dealing with difficult issues- in college I battled with severe depression and anxiety- even debating suicide. My faith has helped me walk through those times. Seeing God's faithfulness, healing, and desire to work through me despite who I am is sewn into the words that I write and the reason I worship.

Today, I continue to write, play concerts, and lead worship. In fact, I've been on staff with Embrace Church as their worship leader since 2007. I love to share my story and process faith through music. Because I write on such a personal level, many people seem to find common ground in my songs. I was also hugely blessed in May, 2009 when I married Nicole, who has been an awesome partner and friend to me in music, life, and faith. She's my biggest fan! 

If you're ever at a concert, please stop and say hi, I'd love to hear your story as well.......