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. 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 grow to share His persistent love for people who don’t yet know Him.
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.
Statement of Faith
Leadership
We believe in transparency and accountability in church leadership. 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) Lynne Paba – Support Team Leader and Micah Neely – Reach Team Leader
(left to right, back row) Pastor Kris Schneider – Transform Team Leader, Pastor Joel Zeiner – Teaching Pastor and Weekend Service Director, Pastor Deb Richards – Restore Team Leader, Pastor Curt Drexler – 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
Heather Jhost – Reach Team Administrator
Pastor Kevin Kelly – First Response Care Pastor, Staff Coach
Transform Team - Discipleship
Pastor Kris Schneider – Team Leader
Pastor Joe Pullen – Discipleship Director
Cortney Ascher – Discipleship Administrator
Children's Ministry Team
Tom Potter – Children’s Ministry Director
Theresa Goyette – Late Childhood Coordinator
Jen Reetz – Early Childhood Coordinator
Sara Steinbrink – Children’s Ministry Operations and Support
Student Ministries Team
Lisa Coulson – Team Leader
Dave Coulson – High School (NarrowPath) Leader
Tom Potter – Middle School (AMPED) Leader
Sara Steinbrink – Communications Coordinator
Weekend Services Team
Pastor Joel Zeiner – Weekend Services Director
Pastor Steven Bruce – Worship Arts Director
Alex Hayes – Technical Arts Coordinator
Ben Korinek – Teaching Pastor
Restore Team
Pastor Deb Richards – Restore Team Leader, Staff Coach
Jerilyn Hidden – Restore Team Administrator
Pastor Peter Leschke – Restore Team Pastor
Nola Sweet – Restore Team Ministry Coordinator
Pastor Dave VandeHey – Restore Team Pastor
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
Nancy Leschke – Communications Coordinator
Ann Meyers – Volunteer and Membership Coordinator
Stacey Meyers – Fireside CafĂ© Manager
Julie Owens – Activity Coordinator
John Reider – Maintenance Coordinator
Jennifer Schmalz – Human Resources Coordinator, Coach
Deb Sorenson – Assistant Bookkeeper
Al Van Thiel – Building and Grounds Coordinator
Julie Wilson – Administrative Assistant to the Lead Pastor
Ministries & Staff Contacts | Alphabetical by Ministry Name
Amped (Middle school) – Tom Potter
Baptisms – Nola Sweet
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 (Son Harbor) – Tom Potter
Communication – Nancy Leschke
Counseling – Pastor Deb Van Thiel
Crossing (Young adults) –Â Pastor Kris Schneider
Discipleship Groups – Pastor Joe Pullen or Cortney Ascher
Finances – Gloria Fochs
Fireside Cafe – Stacey Meyers
Food Pantry – Micah Neely
Freedom Fighters for Men – Pastor Joe Pullen or Pastor Peter Leschke
Funerals – Pastor Dave VandeHey
Guest Services – Pastor Kris Schneider
Hospital Visitation – Pastor Kevin Kelly
Human Resources – Jennifer Schmalz
Ignite (Children’s worship) – Theresa Goyette
Journey Groups – Jerilyn Hidden
Membership – Pastor Dave VandeHey
Men’s Ministry (Men of The Rock) – Pastor Joe Pullen
Mission Trips – Micah Neely
Moms Inc./Kids Cove – Jen Reetz
NarrowPath (High school) – Dave Coulson
Prayer Intercessors – Nola Sweet
Premarital Class – Julie Owens
Recovery Groups – Pastor Deb Van Thiel
Room Rentals – Julie Owens
Scrip Program – Julie Owens
Small Groups – Pastor Joe Pullen
Student Ministries (Middle and high school) – Lisa Coulson
Teaching Pastor – Pastor Ben Korinek
Technical Arts – Alex Hayes
Weddings – Pastor Dave VandeHey
Women’s Ministry (Women of The Rock) – Pastor Joe Pullen
Weekend Services – Pastor Joel Zeiner
Worship Arts – Pastor Steven Bruce