Steve Lawton - Director of Worship & Music
Steve Lawton, Director of Worship and Music and Senior Adult ministry, believes the gift of music is ours to appreciate. The Gospel shines through Steve’s ministry at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church in a symphony of praise and family worship. Steve has the greatest number of years of continuous service in ministry at our church. He began serving the Lord here on June 15, 1998. He began in full-time ministry with Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church in 1975 as Minister of Music. He is also a professional photographer and poet.
With great purpose, Steve enjoys writing worship services, leading the congregation in singing and choral music, writing hymns, and conducting Evensong worship. He is thankful for the wisdom he receives from the “senior saints” of our congregation, and they appreciate his wit and attention to detail.
You may never have heard of it, but “Les Choriste” is Steve’s favorite film, demonstrating the power of music to transform troubled lives. Steve enjoys history, and especially that of the WWII European theatre. Some of Steve’s other interests are historic jazz and blues, Renaissance music, classic literature, independent films and documentaries. You might also find Steve doing yard work, cooking in his kitchen, or enjoying a live music performance. As an avid photographer, serving many years as photography staff for the PCA general Assembly, Steve is never too far away from his camera.
Steve often partners with his wife, Cathy, who is also a talented musician and music educator. Both feel called to minister to our congregation in a meaningful way. Citing a great irony of creation, he enjoys the fact that “the gift of music, when given back to God in worship, powerfully strengthens and encourages our hearts as well.”
More about Steve: ordained a deacon in the PCA
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Choral/Vocal concentration,CovenantCollege, 1973. Further study with Roger Wagner, Paul Salamunovich, UCLA.
Interesting facts: Steve plays ragtime piano for fun, and is an amateur philogist (one who enjoys studying word etymologies and idiomatic expressions.) His father, S. Sgt in the 82nd Airborne, was twice decorated on D-day and in theBattle of the Bulge.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite food: a good cup of Kenya AA coffee
Favorite quote: “Aim at Heaven and you get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you get neither”. C.S. Lewis
To email Steve, click here.
