Our Senior Pastor

At Charis, we love our Senior Pastor very much.  His name is Jesus, and we believe and cling to His every word; we seek to emulate Him in everything we do.  Under Jesus, we have pastors/elders that pay particular attention to Jesus' words and actions to help the rest of us follow and listen to Him.  These words and actions are summarized in the Pastor-Elder's Covenant between each elder and the congregation. The following Bible passage provides a glimpse of Jesus:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."  Colossians Chapter 1, Verses 15-20

Teaching Pastor/Elder - Jon Bricker

Jon oversees the Vision, Teaching, and Gospel Communities of Charis.  He is the lead pastor, and holds full membership in the Acts 29 Network of church planters.

Family/Work:  Jon and his wife, Beth, have been married since 2001, and are the parents of 3 boys:  Noah, Eli, and Liam.  He works full-time as the primary teaching pastor of Charis.

Interests:  Jon enjoys talking about the Gospel of Jesus, playing with his kids, dating his wife, and hanging with friends.  He also loves BBQ and reading.

Favorite Scripture:  "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.  By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." - Romans Chapter 8, Verses 1-4

Pastor/Elder - David Branch

David oversees the Children's Ministry of Charis, called Charis Kidz, in addition to the Finances.  David was part of the original leadership team, which planted Charis.

Family/Work:  David and his wife, Callie, have been married since August of 1999, and are the parents of Isaiah, Owen, Levi, and Norah.  He currently works as a Systems Analyst at State Farm Insurance.

Interests:  David directs a free soccer camp in NYC for Spread Truth Ministries, called One Touch Soccer.  And he also enjoys coaching his son's soccer team.  In his spare time, he enjoys reading.

Favorite Scripture:  "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seats of scoffers; but his delight is in the Law of the Lord and on his Law he meditates night and day." - Psalm Chapter 1, Verses 1-2

Pastor/Elder - J. D. Bridges

J. D. oversees Charis' Communications, Finances, Vision, and Leadership Development.  J. D. was part of the original leadership team, which planted Charis.

Family/Work:  J. D. and his wife, Amy, have been married since December of 2005, and enjoy being parents of Ella.  He currently works as the VP of Operations & Finance for Spread Truth Ministries.

Interests:  J. D. has coached varsity football at Normal Community West high school since 2005 as running backs and strength & conditioning coach.  He enjoys playing bass guitar, reading, and hanging with his wife.

Favorite Scripture:  "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians Chapter 2, Verses 8-10

 Pastor/Elder - Craig Stimpert

Craig oversees Charis' Gospel Communities, Tripods, and Counseling.

Family/Work:  Craig and his wife, Lisa, have been married since December 2003 and are the parents of two children, Andrew and Maryjane.  He currently works for Spread Truth Ministries as Director of Church Partnerships.

Interests:  Craig enjoys bicycling and swimming.  He loves working outdoors in his yard and spending time with his family.

Favorite Scripture:  "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews Chapter 11, Verse 6