Staff and Leadership Team

I grew up in a Christian home; and my parents kept me involved in church as far back as I can remember-I am deeply grateful to my parents for this upbringing and the loving home they provided.  
It was not until college that I really had to confront my beliefs and the big questions in life.  Studying biology and chemistry for pre-med, I was faced with questions about the origin and meaning of life.  This forced me to ask if I believed what I had grown up believing.  After 4 years of working through these issues with the help of friends and trusted professors I came to see the coherence of my Christian faith and had grown in my awe of God.   
Upon graduation I did not pursue a medical degree, but enrolled at Concordia Seminary, in Saint Louis.  After 3 years of study, 1 year studying at Cambridge, and a yearlong internship I received my Master of Divinity degree.  I was not quite done though.  I stayed an additional 2 years and finished up a Master of Sacred Theology degree, focusing on the biblical languages and the development of scripture.
During this time I met my wife Brandy, who also received a graduate degree from Concordia in theology (my beauty is a geek!)  We were married July 16th, 2005. We currently have 4 beautiful children: Clara, William, Adella, and Jack.
In 2007 we took our first call to Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal Lake, Ill.  I served there as assistant pastor for 3 years.  From 2010-2014 I served at Community of Faith to help restart the congregation with a group of 10-12 people.  In 2015-2022 I headed just a bit further north to the Madison area, to help restart Community of Life. In each of these places we have loved our time and the people we were so blessed to meet and walk with. Mentors, friends, heroes, defenders, and advisors in each-God is so faithful!
We are excited to be here in Rockford now. The diversity of people, ages and backgrounds are a great opportunity to see what God is accomplishing through Christ the Rock. The past few years have been a significant reset in life as individuals and as a culture. I am proud and honored to be part of the Christ the Rock family as we figure out ways to love and walk alongside people, with Jesus as our leader.
To God be the Glory!

Doreen is not only our Preschool Director, but she is our Preschool Teacher as well. She is from the Rockford area, a graduate of Rock Valley College, and is an active member of CTR. Doreen has been a blessing to many children as their teacher over the last 25 years. The children's smiles fill our hallways as they come to school and love their class with Mrs. Peterson! 

Michael serves as the Office Administrator at Christ the Rock and has been part of the team for nearly two years. He brings prior experience as a church communications manager and enjoys supporting ministry behind the scenes. Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, time with friends, and spending time with his dog, Xero.

 

 

 

 

Justin is our local maintenance man and custodian.  He's been working here at Christ the Rock Lutheran Church for 12 years now.  He has lived in the area his whole life. He enjoys spending time outdoors and loves nature and wildlife.