Who We Are
Lead Pastor
Though he doesn't often act or look the part, Nate Ferguson is really a country boy from Western Illinois . He grew up in Burnside Illinois , a little town with a fabulous church. His Dad was the minister, and that is probably where his heart for the ministry began.
During his junior year at Lincoln Christian College , God began to show Nate a glimpse of his future. Nate met Rachelle (who soon became his wife) and he started working for FCC in Morris on the weekends as a youth minister.
Nate and Rachelle married and began their life in Morris. During their 10 year ministry, God expanded their growth and leadership with youth activities, small groups, and even a young adult service. He also filled their hearts with two extraordinary boys; Kaden and Carder. During that ministry, Nate finished his graduate degree from Lincoln Christian Seminary.
Then in 2004, the leaders at FCC gave Nate the challenge to plant a church in the Minooka/Channahon area. The past six years have probably been the most faith-filled, anxious and joyful years for the Ferguson family.
If you visit this church, you will see that Nate loves to teach the Bible in a way that people can understand and apply to their lives. He also strives to create an environment every Sunday where people who don't usually come to church can walk through the doors and feel comfortable and relaxed. Nate and Rachelle can't wait to meet you as you visit The Village Christian Church, and their two sons will be happy to play with your kids in Kid Village
Arts Pastor
Jared grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. While living in "Sin City," he came into a relationship with Christ through Central Christian Church. As he was serving at the church, he developed a passion for ministry which sent him all the way to Illinois where he attended Lincoln Christian College. At Lincoln Christian College, his passion became more defined as a worship leader and youth minister. Jared loves to fall face down at the feet of God singing praises.
Jared served as the worship leader for the 6:07 outreach ministry at First Christian Church of Morris for one year. While at First Christian Church, he also filled the role of Youth Ministry Intern. This experience helped him to grow and to learn that there are many ways to approach and worship God. He tries to incorporate these different aspects into each worship service. When Jared served at First Christian Church he had the opportunity to lead adults and students in worship. He really enjoys leading both groups, but he especially enjoys the energy that a student ministry can bring as they worship God.
Jared is an energetic worship leader. You cannot catch him standing still while worshipping. He loves to dance while leading people to the presence of God. There is nothing in life that gives him more joy than this.
Jared and his wife Candace were married May 28th of 2005. In march of 2010 they welcomed their first child into the world, Isaiah D.
It is both Jared and Candace’s goal to grow the kingdom of God by showing people of the Minooka/Channahon area the love of Christ.
Children’s Ministry Director
Amy is a native Oregonian who was "stolen" from her beloved Pacific Northwest when she married her husband, Mike. While her view has changed from evergreens to cornfields, and her fear from earthquakes to tornados, her mission remains this: to affirm, serve, and sustain the purposes of Christ in the lives of children, youth, and adults.
Her passion developed while she completed a Bachelors Degree in Biblical and Christian Ministry Studies, and graduate courses in serving at-risk youth and diverse populations, at Northwest Christian College. During college and beyond, Amy served at Northwood Christian Church for seven years in various capacities, including Children's Ministry Coordinator and Junior High Minister.
Amy and Mike now reside in Coal City where he is a science teacher and soccer coach at the high school. They have a four-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter to keep them busy! The Kostbades enjoy coffeeshops (and mochas), being outdoors, and spending time with their extended family and friends.
Student Minister
Nick was raised just south of Morris, IL in a small town called Verona. A farm boy through and through, Nick found the time to travel to First Christian Church of Morris where he was a part of Nate Ferguson’s youth group. Through high school, Nick began to dream of life off the farm and in youth ministry. After a short stay at Joliet Junior College, the door opened to attend Olivet Nazarene in Bourbonnais, IL.
During his time spent at ONU, Nate Ferguson and Jared Baker ventured away from First Christian to start a church in Minooka called “The Village Christian Church.” This became a fortunate experience for Nick as he began to see how God was working through a core group of 40 people to begin furthering the Kingdom in Minooka.
At the very first service, Nick bumped into a friend he grew up with from First Christian Church named Lauren and they celebrated the new church opening with lunch together. Three years later Lauren Gronski and Nick Sandeno were married by Nate in their home church of First Christian.
Although leaving Nate, Jared, and Amy for a summer internship in Naperville and a two year stint in construction, it was clear to Nick and Lauren that The Village Christian Church was where they would call home. In January of 2009, Nick came to work for The Village Christian Church as the Student Minister. Nick and Lauren are now living in Morris, IL and are passionate about leading the people of Minooka and Channahon back to a relationship with God.
