Christopher Goodson has served as Director of Music and Arts at Plymouth Church since September 2017, where he oversees a vibrant and growing program of worship, concerts, and arts initiatives. Under his leadership, the PK–12 music program has experienced consistent post-pandemic enrollment growth. He directs the Chancel Choir and Instrumental Ensemble and collaborates with more than 30 professional musicians, directors, and teachers on staff, as well as over 300 volunteers and participants engaged in Plymouth’s Music and Arts ministries. Christopher also serves as Wedding Director, supporting couples in planning and executing meaningful and beautiful wedding ceremonies. 

A frequent presenter of concerts and special services, Christopher’s recent conducting highlights include Requiems by Maurice Duruflé, Gabriel Fauré, and John Rutter; Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams; Gloria by John Rutter; The Many Moods of Christmas by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett; Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg; and multiple “Sounds of the Season” Christmas concerts, including Carols of John Rutter and Christmas pops programs. He has conducted more than a dozen performances of the Christmas portion of Messiah by George Frideric Handel. The Chancel Choir’s repertoire typically encompasses nearly 100 compositions each year, spanning a wide range of styles and periods. 

Known as a detail-oriented rehearsal technician, Christopher collaborates closely with singers and instrumentalists to help ensembles achieve their highest artistic potential. His work seeks to unite musical excellence with meaningful worship, crafting experiences that engage the emotions, introduce fresh artistic voices and texts, and offer new ways for communities to express contemporary spiritual needs. 

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Christopher holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Wind Percussion Emphasis, cum laude) and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Worship Studies from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies. 

An active performer, he plays clarinet with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble. Christopher is a member of the American Guild of Organists (Central Iowa Chapter), the American Choral Directors Association—where he served three years as Iowa Repertoire and Resources Chair for Music in Worship—and the United Church of Christ Musicians Association. 

Christopher is married to Sohee Lee, Plymouth’s Organist and Associate Director of Music. The couple was married in a public ceremony at Plymouth Church on May 3, 2024. Their musical partnership extends beyond Plymouth, where they also serve together as Choir Director and Collaborative Artist at the Deerfield Retirement Community, Urbandale, Iowa. 

Collaborating regularly as colleagues and performers, Christopher considers their shared music-making one of the great joys of his life and artistic work. 

Outside of his professional life, Christopher enjoys tennis, cooking and baking, walking and hiking, travel, menswear, and personal finance. He and Sohee share their home with their cat, Miss Kitty. 

Contact Christopher for anything relating to the Music & Arts program or Weddings at Plymouth Church.