The Village Staff

Nate Ferguson
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 three years have probably been the most faith-filled, anxious and joyful years for the Ferguson family. 

Jared Baker
Arts Pastor

Jared grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. While living in "Sin City," he found Jesus at 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. He also delights in working with students.

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 hopes that soon the Village Christian Church will be in need of their own youth service where he can lead students, as well as adults, to the throne. 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. They live in Morris, IL and have a dog named Miles. It is their goal to grow the kingdom of God by showing people of the Minooka/Channahon area the love of Christ.

Amy Kostbade
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 three-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter to keep them busy! The Kostbades enjoy coffeeshops (and mochas), being outdoors, and spending time with their extended family and friends.

Nick Sandeno
Student Ministries Director

Nick was raised just south of Morris, IL in a small town called Verona. He was a graduate of Seneca Township High School and is currently a Junior at Olivet Nazarene University. Nick was actually a part of the youth group that Nate Ferguson organized for over ten years at First Christian Church of Morris.

Nick was raised to have a heart for Christ and with time, has developed a love for Junior High and High School ministry. He is a Christian Education major at Olivet with an emphasis on Youth Ministry. Nick has spent the previous two years teaching Sunday school and helping out at youth group events.

Nick’s goals are to have God’s will for his life played out in all he does. God has placed a strong direction in his life to minister youth at The Village and to be used wherever else he can be helpful.

Nick loves to spend time with friends, especially getting to know new friends with the same beliefs as him. His hobbies are sports and playing guitar. Still nothing makes Nick happier than seeing people brought to know Christ on a deeper level.