Burt Kettinger’s rich bass/baritone voice has been a source of much comfort and encouragement to many over the years. Having grown up at the piano, his keyboard stylings add to the versatility and beauty of his concerts. Burt often hears how his music relaxes people, but most importantly, people frequently tell him how God has spoken to them through his ministry and how they sense the presence of Christ in his life. This is Burt’s main goal, in order that Jesus Christ may be glorified.

Although he wants a concert to be a concert, Burt is also committed to giving people insight into the Word of God. He loves to sing songs that either have a biblical text, or are at least based in the Scriptures. He firmly believes that those are the only words which can bring life, hope, and guaranteed results.

In addition to having a master's degree in voice from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Burt is also an ordained minister with the Evangelical Free Church of America. As such, he does a good deal of preaching in addition to his singing as he journeys wherever the Lord opens a door for ministry.

Burt has been traveling full-time since June 1974. Much of his work in earlier years was in affiliation with The Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Burt was the solo voice on Moody Presents from 1974 - 1987, and can now be heard each week as one of the soloists on Songs in the Night from Historic Moody Church. Thanks to Moody Radio, his musical ministry has traveled much farther than he has personally gone.

Burt's ministry has reached into 49 of the United States and to six continents. Sound Servant Ministries (SSM), located in Wheaton, Illinois, is the corporation under which Burt travels in his concert/preaching ministry. SSM’s vision — as well as Burt’s heartcry — is to encourage all who are in pilgrimage with Jesus Christ, as well as to bring new followers into His Kingdom.

FAMILY . . .

Burt and Sharon (Meads) were married in 1968 in Spring Arbor, MI. Sharon is a retired teacher, having spent 28 of her 32 years at Emerson Elementary School in Wheaton, IL. Since retirement, she has been helping to supervise student teachers for Wheaton College. She is also a highly desired substitute in the Wheaton public schools. Sharon has helped develop a disability ministry at the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, the Kettinger's home church. She also serves on the board of Joni & Friends Chicago. So much for "retirement!"

God has given the Kettingers two children. Daughter, Shauna, is a 1992 graduate of The Moody Bible Institute with a degree in voice—a requirement of the house! In 1994, she and Burt recorded a duet, "No Wonder," which can be found on Burt's Stand in Awe recording. Shauna is married to Carl Hauert and they have three beautiful children. Shauna and Carl are both active in the ministry of the Three Rivers Evangelical Free Church in Plainfield, IL.

Nineteen years later, B. J was born to Burt and Sharon. How's that for family planning? B. J. is an energetic 17 year old with Down Syndrome, a winning smile and a goofy spirit! He is in his sophomore year at Wheaton-Warrenville South High School. While he has huge speech challenges, still B. J. is learning to read and write quite well. He also loves anything athletic. He works out with the wrestling team at South. He also takes golf lessons through the special recreation district. He has done some rock climbing and karate through Easter Seals. He is active with Special Olympic playing softball and running track. He and Burt also love taking bicycle rides of up to 8 miles.

Both Burt and Sharon were raised in Free Methodist parsonages. As a result of this rich heritage, they are well aware of the need for families that model the presence of Jesus Christ. It is their great desire that the Lord be seen in them and glorified through them. As the Lord brings them to your mind, lift them to Christ in prayer that others will see Jesus in them.

For further recording/concert/speaking ministry information, please contact Burt.