Who We Are

We are a church that’s excited about making disciples of Jesus Christ, and we take our direction from Matthew 4:19. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of people.” God loves every person, no matter their story, and we passionately believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives, heals families, and transforms communities.

We define a disciple as someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and committed to the mission of Jesus. As a church, we want every person who is part of CTR to live The Intentional Life as a follower of Jesus, investing time:

  • daily with God in prayer and Bible study
  • weekly as we gather to worship and learn in community with our church family
  • consistently in a small group, a temporary care/support/healing group for a time, and a Discipleship Group for the long-term
  • continually as we go, living on mission with Him, serving, giving and making disciples.

History | Over 40 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 want to share God’s story of love and redemption, and make disciples who make more disciples of Jesus Christ.

What Makes CTR Unique | We are passionate about making disciples of Jesus. In keeping with our beginnings, the way we do that includes being a warm and welcoming place for all people, and helping them grow as disciples of Jesus 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. 

Statement of Faith

 

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.

(back row, left to right) Cortney Ascher, Discipleship Director; Pastor Joel Zeiner, Lead Pastor; Pastor Ben Korinek, Creative Arts Team Leader; Lynne Paba, Support Team Leader

(front row, left to right) Pastor Deb Richards, Restore Team Leader; Pastor Micah Neely, Reach Team Leader

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

Pastor Micah Neely – Reach Team Leader

Dawn Foat – Reach Coordinator

Cortney Ascher – Discipleship Director

Pastor Kris Schneider – Connections Pastor

Jamie Lane – Family Ministry Director

Theresa Goyette – Late Childhood Coordinator

Jen Reetz – Early Childhood Coordinator

Elle Klein – Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant

Tom Potter – Student Ministries Director; NarrowPath (high school) Leader

Brad Creighton – Amped (middle school) Coordinator

Sara Steinbrink – Student Ministries Administrative Assistant

Pastor Ben Korinek – Weekend Services Director, Teaching Pastor

Pastor Marcus Gresham – Worship Pastor

Nancy Leschke – Livestream/Communications Coordinator

Megan Ekholm – Administrative Support

Pastor Deb Richards – Restore Team Leader, Staff Coach

Jerilyn Hidden – Restore Team Administrator

Pastor Kevin Kelly – First Response Care Pastor, Staff Coach

Pastor Peter Leschke – Restore Team Pastor

Lynne Paba – Support Team Leader, Staff Coach

Drew Baum – Maintenance

Monica Betters – Maintenance Administrative Assistant

Nancy Leschke – Communications Coordinator

Ann Meyers – Volunteer Coordinator and Database Management

Kathy Scherer – Fireside Café Manager

Dustin Ott – Building & Grounds Coordinator

John Reider – Maintenance Coordinator

Sharon Wiedenhaupt – Bookkeeper

Julie Wilson – Administrative Assistant and Reception Coordinator

Melissa Zwach – Human Resources Assistant

Amped (Middle school) – Brad Creighton

Baptisms – Megan Ekholm

Benevolence – Pastor Kevin Kelly

BreakOut (grades 3-5) – Jen Reetz

Building & Grounds – Dustin Ott

Building Maintenance – John Reider

Care & Support Groups – Jerilyn Hidden

Celebrate Recovery – Pastor Kevin Kelly

Character Development Class – Jerilyn Hidden

Child Dedications – Jen Reetz

Children’s Ministry – Theresa Goyette

Communications – Nancy Leschke

Counseling – Jerilyn Hidden

Crossing (Young adults) – Pastor Kris Schneider

Discipleship Groups – Cortney Ascher

Finances – Sharon Wiedenhaupt

Fireside Cafe –Kathy Scherer

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

Membership – Cortney Ascher

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

Mission Trips – Pastor Micah Neely

Prayer Intercessors – Open

Premarital Class – Megan Ekholm

Recovery Groups – Pastor Kevin Kelly

Small Groups – Cortney Ascher

Student Ministries (high school) – Tom Potter

Student Ministries (middle school) – Brad Creighton

Teaching Pastor – Pastor Ben Korinek

Volunteering – Ann Meyers

Weddings –Megan Ekholm

Weekend Services – Pastor Ben Korinek

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

Worship Ministry – Pastor Marcus Gresham