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.
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 sons will be happy to play with your kids in Kid Village
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.
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.
