Reverend Roger Jenks
Senior Pastor, Grace Community Christian Church
Roger@Graceccc.org Twitter- rogerjenks1
Roger was born in Pekin, Illinois. He has a degree from Illinois State University and a M.Div. degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has served four churches (counting Grace Community) since his ordination in 1973 in Illinois. He has a varied background, having been a teaching tennis pro, a religion correspondent for a CBS affiliate, developer (with Michelle) of the Summit Youth assembly, the Pastor’s Academy (in Illinois), published music compositions and wrote a biblical literacy program that is in use in churches of 12 different denominations. One of his passions is biblical literacy so he has written a number of adult curriculum studies and developed "Sprint Through the Bible" (a telling of the Bible story in one day) to help people learn to live and think biblically. On occasion he is also teaching staff for Grace Institute (see Michelle’s bio). He is the senior pastor and head teaching pastor for Grace Community, overseeing administrative matters, leadership development, spiritual nurture, pastoral care, worship planning and vision clarification.
Pastor Michelle Jenks
Pastor of Growth Ministries and Worship Development & Director of Grace Institute Michelle@Graceccc.org
Michelle, born in Champaign, Illinois, has a degree in Literature with Philosophy and Bible minors from Wheaton College and graduate school at Illinois State University. Michelle spent 6 years as a volunteer trainer and counselor at women’s shelters before working in the corporate world as a sales and management trainer and coach. She has been involved in regional work and has co-authored adult curriculum. She was called by our board in 2006 to work on staff in church growth and to be director of Grace Institute. In 2009 she had the responsibility of worship development added to her job description. She splits her time between the two. She was licensed by the Christian Church in Illinois/Wisconsin in 2006. (Licensing carries with it the title of Pastor with all the rights and privileges and responsibilities of ministry—weddings, funerals, pastoral counseling, etc.) Her work with Grace as Pastor of Growth Ministries (1/2 time) focuses on assisting the Vice Moderator in oversight and direction of the Ministry Leadership Teams, leading training sessions, overseeing the Community Group ministry, assisting in worship leadership and development, preaching, teaching and counseling. She also works with newcomers in helping them find ways to get connected and begin serving in the life of our congregation. She also carries out other duties as assigned by senior staff or the board. For information on her Grace Institute duties, click here:
Diane Thomas,
Pastor of Adult Formation
Diane@graceccc.org
Born on the south side of Chicago, Diane holds a B.A. degree from Eureka College, a M. Div. from Lexington Theological Seminary, and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University (Illinois School of Professional Psychology). She has worked as Minister of Christian Education in Virginia and spent 10 years working as a counselor with the Department of Psychiatry at Cook County Jail. Group Counseling, individual therapy and educational seminars were her focus as she worked in outpatient behavioral mental health and with at- risk youth in an alternative high school setting. Currently, she is working in the position of Director of Faith Formation to help adults of the congregation deepen their spiritual lives through workshops and participation in small group ministries.
Debbie Kokaska
Administrative Assistant
Office@Graceccc.org
Debbie was born in MN and grew up in Red Wing, MN. Studied Music and Religon at Concordia College, St. Paul, MN. Moved to Chicago with her husband. Debbie and Bill have a son and daughter and 3 grandchildren. Debbie manages the office for the church and is in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays of each week. She is responsible for publishing the newsletter, the bulletin, keeping the calendar current, and providing ongoing information about the programs of the church.
Gina has a long history in working with children and youth. Before she came on staff she had headed the C & Y team and helped build a solid program. Since moving on staff, the children's program continues to grow and the youth program has developed more depth. She relates well to children and parents alike. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she is a great recruiter.
Gina Apostolos
Director of Children and Youth
gina67@sbcglobal.net
Joe Thomas
Moderator
Thomas3235@att.net
The Moderator of the church helps oversee the administration of the business of the church and is ex-officio on all committees and teams.
Moderator The Moderator of the church helps oversee the administration of the business of the church and is ex-officio on all committees and teams.