As a church musician, Dr. Chris Headley brings nearly three decades of worship leading experience to Carson-Newman as an Associate Professor, Director of Worship Leadership, and Chair of the Department of Music. His commitment to the theological study of worship led him to The Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship Studies where he studied with faculty that included Dr. Lester Ruth, Dr. Andrew Hill, and Dr. Constance Cherry. Additionally, Dr. Headley holds an M.A. in Worship Studies from Liberty University as well as an M.M. in Choral Conducting from Messiah University. He is a Past President of the Tennessee Baptist Church Music Conference and a frequent session leader, speaker, and consultant in the areas of worship theology and worship technology.
His choirs have been recognized for their skill with invitations to premiere three church choral works. They were also featured at one national convention as well as at three separate meetings of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Under his direction at Carson-Newman, Redemption, the University’s contemporary worship ensemble, has led worship at the national Southern Baptist Church Music Conference as well at the annual meeting of Tennessee Baptists.
Prior to coming to Carson-Newman full-time, Dr. Headley served the First Baptist Church of Dandridge for nearly 15 years where his wife, Dr. Kristel Headley, also served as church pianist. Kristel is also a Professor of Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor. The Headleys have three children – a daughter, Ellie, who attends Lakeway Christian, and a son and daughter-in-law, Micah and Laura Headley, who live in Oklahoma.