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These are the people that will greet you when you visit Chicago West. Their mission is to equip you and encourage you as you mature in the Lord.
Pastor Jon was born in Chicago and raised in Philadelphia. Growing up, he spent most of his teens in and out of juvenile detention centers as he tried not to get killed in the streets. As a 19-year-old he found himself in prison for his role in a shooting that left a young man dead. It was in his prison cell that he received a copy of God’s Word and began reading. After reading from Matthew to Hebrews, Jon’s eyes were opened. He was immediately gripped by his sin and his need for salvation in Christ. He gave his life to Christ in his prison cell.
Expecting to spend the rest of his life in prison, Jon was shown mercy and received a 6-20 year sentence. After serving 6 years, Jon was released on parole and began attending Christian Stronghold Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. It was there that he met his wife and best friend, Danielle, while serving in youth ministry. In 2011 Jon moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute where he studied Systematic Theology. After Graduating from Moody, he attended Wheaton College and received his Masters Degree in Biblical Studies. He is currently earning his Doctorate of Ministry (Dmin) in Global Missions at Southern Theological Seminary in which he plans to help establish residencies and training resources for church planters and missionaries in under-resourced minority neighborhoods. Jon previously served as a Family Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel (2012-2015) in downtown Chicago prior to becoming the Lead Pastor of Chicago West Bible Church. He also serves with Prison Fellowship in the role of Justice Advocacy and Church Mobilization where he helps to equip church with many of Prison Fellowship’s resources to care for individuals and families impacted by crime and incarceration. He and his wife Danielle have been married for almost 10 years and have been blessed with two boys: Benjamin and Judah.
Kent grew a love for the city and the people of Chicago at 18 years of age when he came to be trained at Moody Bible Institute in Biblical Studies and Ministry. He met his wife Deanna while serving together as MBI students in Cabrini-Green housing. He then served at Breakthrough Urban Ministries in Chicago for 9 years. God gave Kent a clear call to pastoral ministry through a local church. In 2001, he joined Harvest Bible Chapel as the Pastor of Compassion Ministry. In 2016 Pastor Kent joined Pastor Jon Kelly in planting Chicago West Bible Church.
Kent and his wife Deanna are privileged to come alongside of Pastor Jon and Danielle in serving the body at Chicago West! Kent and Deanna have three children, Riley, Rayna, and Roslyn. Kent enjoys exploring cities, ethnic restaurants, firing up a good barbecue, and participating in almost any outdoor activity and sport!
Since September 2018, Jerome has served as an Elder. He and his wife, Stefanie, have three children and have been members of Chicago West Bible Church since its inception in 2016.
Since September 2018, Matt has served as an Elder. He and his wife, Bridgett, have two teen-aged children and have been members of Chicago West Bible Church since its inception in 2016.
Pastor Kent has served as a pastor and elder since the inception of Chicago West Bible Church in 2016.
Pastor Jon has served as a pastor and elder since the inception of Chicago West Bible Church in 2016.
Pastor Jon serves by caring for the church body, equipping the saints, and is the primary preaching pastor at Chicago West.
Pastor Kent faithfully serves by helping to care for our church body. He also leads our church in all Community Outreach initiatives.
Angie helps to run all of our behind the scenes logistics which allows our ministries to function. Faithful, Prayerful, and Humble; Angie serves on staff at Chicago West.
Rayna faithfully serves as our Children Director by helping children find and follow Jesus. She is excited to enable and equip adults to love and disciple children in a safe environment. Rayna serves on staff at Chicago West.
Mike, along with his wife Angie, are the primary leaders of our Prayer Ministry. Mike is a faithful prayer warrior and faithfully serves in whatever capacity he is needed. Mike is also a Biblical Soul Care Counselor.
Samuel serves the Chicago West church body by developing leaders, training disciples, and organizing healthy structures for ministries where needed. Samuel is married to Kristina, who often leads worship on our worship team; Samuel and Kristina are proud parents of their daughter, Anna.
Danielle faithfully serves the women of Chicago West by leading our Women’s Ministry team. Proud wife of Pastor Jon Kelly and mother of two rambunctious boys, Benjamin and Judah. She loves to podcast and read in her leisure time.