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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.
Jon Kelly was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. He has a B.A in Theology from Moody Bible Institute, a M.A in Biblical Studies at Wheaton College, and a Doctorate in Global Missions from Southern Theological Seminary. As someone formerly incarcerated, Jon has a heart for serving families that have been impacted by incarceration and who are often forgotten. He and his wife Danielle have been married for 12 years and have 3 sons.
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 June 2024, Andrew has served as an Elder. He and his wife, Hannah, have four children and have been coming to Chicago West Bible Church since 2018.
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.
Catherine serves as the Children’s Director for City Kids Ministry, bringing years of experience and a deep love for shepherding children in their faith. As a mother who has guided her own children into adulthood, she offers wisdom and care to both kids and parents alike. Catherine is passionate about creating a welcoming space where children can grow in their understanding of God’s love. She and her husband, Darryl, live in Oak Park.
Mark, a native of Chicago’s west side, is an accomplished musician and songwriter. He has several passions which includes music, missions, and mentorship. Mark holds a Bachelors in Pastoral Ministry with an interdisciplinary in Urban Missions. His goal is to impact the city and be a positive influence in the lives of children and youth.
Karis helps meet the behind-the-scenes administrative needs to Pastor Jon and Pastor Kent. She is grateful to serve in this role to enhance the functioning and fluidity of the pastoral ministry at Chicago West.
Karis and her husband, Daniel, have enjoyed establishing roots here since they move to Chicago in 2019.
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 and both lead worship occasionally on Sunday mornings. 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 and a bonus son, Khaalid. She loves to podcast and read in her leisure time.
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 “Cope” is our Church Planting Resident, preparing to launch a new church on the South Side of Chicago. Before stepping into pastoral ministry, he worked in nonprofit and development work overseas, utilizing his background in Business Administration. Sensing a call to shepherd God’s people, he earned an MDiv from Southeastern Seminary and is passionate about helping others grow in their faith and worship God in all of life. Samuel and his wife, Emily, live in Chicago with their three daughters, Ella, Eva, and Emilia.
Darnell Lewis is our Pastoral Resident, spending the next few years growing in his gifts and experience in shepherding, organizational leadership, and preaching. He currently oversees our Welcome Ministries, bringing warmth and encouragement to everyone who walks through our doors. Darnell has a deep love for the church and a desire to serve God’s people with wisdom and care. He and his wife, Tia, are excited to be part of what God is doing in this season of ministry.
Member since 2020
Why I serve as a deacon: I’ve always seen our church as a hospital that ministers to those who’ve grown weary in doing well, experienced hurt in various ways, and are in general need of a physician. I seek to serve, learn, and grow as a “nurse” for the men in our church, to come alongside our elders in that work.
Member since 2017
Why I serve as a deacon: I just want to show others the same love Christ has shown me!
Member since 2017
Why I serve as a deacon: I am fully persuaded this is my calling. I love the examples set by Chicago West leadership; I will follow them as they follow Christ!
Member since March 2022
Why I serve as a deacon: I love the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus! I seek to love and serve the broken and hurting and sometimes helpless individuals in this community or our local church.
Founding member (Spring 2016)
Why I serve as a deacon: I have always received such joy from recognizing when someone is hurting and being able to encourage them. Its seem like that’s what being a deacon is all about.
Member since 2018
Why I serve as a deacon: I believe God has called deeper in knowledge, study, and wisdom in the faith. In turn, I believe He desires for me to aide others in these areas as I walk my personal journey.
Member since 2017
Why I serve as a deacon: Christ came to serve, not to be served, and it’s my joy to follow after Him.