Who We Are

We are a church that’s excited about God’s love for every person. Our vision is that all people, no matter their story, will come to know, follow and worship Jesus. Together, we seek the lost, love the hurting and make disciples of Jesus Christ. In everything we do, we want to offer a hurting world the love of Jesus Christ in ways that are relational, authentic, honoring and redemptive.

History | Over 35 years ago, a handful of young adults began reaching out on the streets and in bars in the Fox Valley to tell people about the God who loves them deeply. The street outreach led to a crisis hotline, and a growing number of people became new followers of Jesus. As they began pursuing healing and growth in Christ, many were unable to find church communities where they felt accepted. They began gathering weekly at Riverside Chapel and eventually became Christ The Rock Community Church. Our heart remains the same as it was in those first days! We hope everyone will hear about and join God’s story of love and redemption, follow Jesus with their whole hearts, and reach out to people to make more disciples of Jesus Christ.

What Makes CTR Unique | Every church has a unique God-given purpose. In keeping with our beginnings, one of our main callings is being a warm and welcoming place for all people, no matter their story, loving people who are hurting, and helping them grow in Christ. Whether you are parents doing your best to raise kids to know and love Jesus, a single person who desires to live for Christ, someone battling an addiction, or a survivor of abuse or trauma – God knows you, sees you, and loves you. No situation is too big for God, and we want to meet you wherever you are in life.

Leadership

We believe in transparency and accountability in church leadership, and we have a shared leadership model. Our Elder Board provides doctrinal guidance and annual direction. Our Senior Leadership Team leads our pastors, staff, and volunteer ministry leaders as they carry out our vision and mission, with the Elders’ guidance.

Senior Leadership Team

(left to right, front row) Pastor Kris Schneider (Transform Team Leader) and Lynne Paba (Support Team Leader)

(left to right, back row) Pastor Micah Neely (Reach Team Leader), Pastor Deb Richards (Restore Team Leader), Pastor Joel Zeiner (Lead Pastor).

 

 

Elders

Staff Pastors

Non-Staff Pastors

In addition to our staff pastors, Christ The Rock has ordained people who have shepherded people well over time, in a variety of settings:

Reach Team

Micah Neely – Reach Team Leader

Sarah Van Abel – Reach Coordinator

Pastor Kevin Kelly – First Response Care Pastor, Staff Coach

Transform Team - Discipleship

Pastor Kris Schneider – Transform Team Leader

Cortney Ascher – Assistant Discipleship Director

Children's Ministry Team

Tom Potter – Children’s Ministry Director

Theresa Goyette – Late Childhood Coordinator

Jen Reetz – Early Childhood Coordinator

Melissa Zwach – Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant

Student Ministries Team

Tom Potter – Middle School (AMPED) Leader

Sara Steinbrink – Student Ministries Administrative Assistant

Weekend Services Team

Pastor Steven Bruce – Weekend Services Director

Alex Hayes – Technical Arts Coordinator

Ben Korinek – Teaching Pastor

Jerilyn Hidden – Administrative Support

Restore Team

Pastor Deb Richards – Restore Team Leader, Staff Coach

Jerilyn Hidden – Restore Team Administrator

Pastor Peter Leschke – Restore Team Pastor

Megan Ekholm – Restore Team Ministry Coordinator

Pastor Deb VanThiel – Pastor of Counseling

Support Team

Lynne Paba – Support Team Leader, Staff Coach

Monica Betters – Maintenance Administrative Assistant

Gloria Fochs – Operations Director

Kathy Hansen – Bookkeeper

Sharon Wiedenhaupt – Assistant Bookkeeper

Nancy Leschke – Communications Coordinator

Ann Meyers – Volunteer Coordinator

Stacey Meyers – Fireside Café Manager

Julie Owens – Activity Coordinator

John Reider – Maintenance Coordinator

Julie Wilson – Administrative Assistant and Reception Coordinator

Ministries & Staff Contacts | Alphabetical by Ministry Name

Amped (Middle school) – Tom Potter

Baptisms – Jerilyn Hidden

Benevolence – Pastor Deb Van Thiel

BreakOut (Grades 3-5) – Jen Reetz

Building & Grounds – Al Van Thiel

Building Maintenance – John Reider

Care & Support Groups – Pastor Deb Van Thiel

Celebrate Recovery – Pastor Deb Van Thiel

Character Development Class – Jerilyn Hidden

Child Dedications – Jen Reetz

Children’s Ministry – Tom Potter

Communications – Nancy Leschke

Counseling – Pastor Deb Van Thiel

Crossing (Young adults) –  Pastor Kris Schneider

Discipleship Groups – Cortney Ascher

Finances – Gloria Fochs

Fireside Cafe – Stacey Meyers

Food Pantry – Pastor Micah Neely

Freedom Fighters for Men – Pastor Peter Leschke

Funerals – Pastor Kevin Kelly

Guest Services – Pastor Kris Schneider

Hospital Visitation – Pastor Kevin Kelly

Ignite (Children’s worship) – Theresa Goyette

Journey Groups – Jerilyn Hidden

Local Outreach – Pastor Micah Neely or Sarah Van Abel

Membership – Megan Ekholm

Men’s Ministry (Men of The Rock) – Pastor Kris Schneider

Mission Trips – Pastor Micah Neely or Sarah Van Abel

Moms Inc./Kids Cove – Jen Reetz

Prayer Intercessors – Megan Ekholm

Premarital Class – Julie Owens

Recovery Groups – Pastor Deb Van Thiel

Room Rentals – Julie Owens

Scrip Program – Julie Owens

Small Groups – Cortney Ascher

Student Ministries (Middle and high school) – Pastor Kris Schneider

Teaching Pastor – Pastor Ben Korinek

Technical Arts – Alex Hayes

Volunteering – Ann Meyers

Weddings – Julie Owens

Women’s Ministry (Women of The Rock) – Pastor Kris Schneider

Weekend Services – Pastor Steven Bruce