Staff

Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He and his wife Krista are graduates of Cedarville University (’04) and both hold Th.M. degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary ('10). They live in Chicago with their four children: Claire, Violet, Cora, and Jude. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God’s Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. He can be heard on the weekly Moody Church Hour radio broadcast on over 700 stations nationwide. Philip enjoys cycling on the Chicago lakefront, Lou Malnati‘s deep dish pizza, Garrett’s Carmel Crisp popcorn, and Henry Weinhard's root beer. For more information about Philip and his family, visit www.moodychurch.org/new-pastor.

Bill joined the staff of the church in October 1994 after a year teaching in Nigeria and an internship at College Church in Wheaton. He received a B.A. from Biola University in 1988; an M. Div. from The Master’s Seminary in 1991 and a Th. M. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1993. He completed the Doctor of Ministry program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2012. Bill’s primary responsibility as Executive Pastor is to oversee the ministries and the ministers of the church. He has held this position since 2012 and is grateful to the Lord to serve with such a gifted and godly staff. Bill and his wife, Carmé, have been married since 1996 and have four adult children: Hannah (Andrew), Jonathan (Olivia), Michael, and Elena, along with two grandsons.

On May 22, 2016, after 36 years of faithful service as Senior Pastor of The Moody Church, Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer transitioned to the role of Pastor Emeritus. In this role he acts as a “goodwill ambassador” for The Moody Church, continuing his broadcast, speaking, and writing ministry in Chicago and around the world. Pastor Lutzer was born and reared near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He became Senior Pastor in 1980, and served in that role for 36 years. He is an award-winning author of more than twenty books, a celebrated international conference speaker, and the featured speaker on three radio programs: The Moody Church Hour, Songs in the Night, and Running to Win. These programs are available on the Moody Broadcasting Network, the Bible Broadcasting Network, Trans World Radio, and many Christian radio stations around the world. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and have three married children and eight grandchildren. Pastor Lutzer's sermons can now be found on Moody Church Media.

Jonathan grew up on a dairy farm in northwest Illinois before heading to college at Eastern Illinois University and then on to graduate school at the University of Florida. While he grew up attending church, Jonathan's faith and true commitment to Christ began while attending school in Florida as a result of a friend from class asking him to attend a viewing of The Passion of the Christ. In 2004, Jonathan moved to Chicago for work, where he subsequently met his wife, Susie. They had both started to attend Moody Church in 2005 and were married at the church in 2007. They currently serve in the children and youth ministries, and are part of the Mosaic Community. He and Susie have two sons, Mason and Graham, and they currently reside on the north side of Chicago.

As the Managing Director of Operations & Media, Michael oversees day-to-day operations of the church and overall direction for Moody Church Media. He came to The Moody Church in 1992 and became involved through the church’s singles ministry. Before joining the staff as Managing Director of Operations, he worked for consulting firms Towers Perrin and Arthur Andersen. He holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting/business from Cedarville University. He and his wife, Peggy, have a daughter, Emily, and a son, Michael.

Sean and his wife, Cristina began attending The Moody Church in 2019 after moving to Chicago. They began serving as mentors in the Crossroads Community in 2020, and in 2023 Sean joined the church staff as Assistant Pastor of College Students. Before coming to The Moody Church, Sean worked in telecommunications and was involved with planting churches in Kansas and Indiana. Sean holds an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana and an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies. Sean and Cristina have 4 children: Connor, Elena, Zechariah, and Virginia. In his time off, Sean enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his family.

Rachel and her husband, Rob, began attending The Moody Church in 2022 after moving to Illinois from Texas, where Rachel previously served as Women's Ministry Director at their church. Both Rachel and Rob are graduates of Cedarville University ('06) and Dallas Theological Seminary ('11) where they earned Masters of Theology degrees. Rachel is passionate about seeing women grow in their love of God through studying His word and sharing their lives with other women.Rachel and Rob live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago with their two children. In her free time, Rachel is always reading something, and enjoys spending time outside, exploring nature, and crocheting.

As Pastor for Community Life, Mark is responsible for helping The Moody Church members catch a vision for what it would be like to live a totally God-centered life and for getting people connected into nurturing relationships that promote a God-centered life. His main responsibilities include TMC Communities and Small Groups. He also helps to oversee Camp and Precepts ministries and some church-wide events. Mark was raised in a strong Christian family in Wayne, Ill. He grew up in a (large) family that was regularly involved in the life of the church. Dinner conversations typically revolved around aviation (Mark’s father was a pilot for United), church life, and/or arguing over theology. Family members (like mom) who wanted to talk about something else you needed to speak up quickly and loudly. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Divinity School, he was called to the Moody Church in June of 2003. Mark and Patti were married in 1996 and have three children: Joshua, Taylor Ann, Alexandra. Mark enjoys sports (especially the Bears), reading, and spending time with his family.

Josue R. Reyes has served as the Hispanic Ministry Pastor since the fall of 2014. He was born into a Mexican-American family in Mexico City; he and his family moved to Texas in 1990. Josue attended the University of North Texas and graduated with a BA in Radio / Television / Film. In 1999, he married Karina, and in 2000 they relocated to Chicago to work in full time ministry. Both Josue and Karina attended and graduated from Moody Bible Institute. They have three children, and The Moody Church has been their home church since 2008.

Tim Stafford has been on the music ministry staff at The Moody Church since 2001, serving as the Pastor of Music Ministries since September 2008. He is also an adjunct faculty member of Moody Bible Institute in the Sacred Music Department. He graduated with a sacred music degree from MBI in 2001 and completed a masters degree in choral conducting from Northwestern University in 2008. As a vocalist, guitarist, and conductor, he is committed to serving the local church by facilitating corporate worship that is Christ-exalting and transformational, while displaying the unity of the Spirit. He and his wife Heidi have been married since 2002 and have five children.

Bill joined the staff of The Moody Church in the summer of 2019 to give leadership to the Global Outreach and Stewardship ministries.  In these roles, Bill leads The Moody Church's efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations in fulfillment of the Great Commission. He is also responsible for helping God’s people understand and embrace the opportunity we have to give back to God from the gifts he has given us, whether it be our time, money, or talent, and to participate alongside Him in the unfolding of His plan to renew all things.  Bill attended Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. Bill, his wife, and their 3 children live on the north side of Chicago.

As if being blessed with His wife Carolina wasn’t enough, the Lord has given Jon four boys who ensure he never falls victim to boredom or a good night’s sleep. He enjoys his free will in his free time. There are many books he’ll never get to, but this is not the case with meals. He eats them all.

Michele Forrider serves as the Director of Children’s Ministry. After serving in TMC Kids for many years, God opened a door to ministry and clearly called Michele to serve Him at The Moody Church in December 2016. In this role, Michele provides vision, direction, and oversight for the various children’s ministries from birth through fifth grade. Because each child is a gift from God, Michele is passionate about investing in the lives of the precious children that God brings to The Moody Church. Her vision for TMC Kids is to partner with parents and caregivers to raise kids that would come to truly know, love, and serve Jesus and commit their lives to bringing Him glory. Michele lives with her husband, Joe, and daughter, Hannah, in Chicago. As a family, they enjoy road trips, visiting baseball stadiums across the country, and reveling in all the activities that Chicago has to offer. Michele holds a BS in Elementary Education from Cleveland State University.

Simone Halpin is the Executive Director and co-founder of Naomi’s House. Naomi’s House (NH) began in 2016 after years of preparing and researching the best way to serve Survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. The field to offer Survivors the best resources with trauma-informed, comprehensive, and faith-based services was narrow. NH created a model over five years that went from serving five women annually through residential services to hundreds of women annually in multiple programs across the Chicagoland area. Simone has served on the staff of The Moody Church since 2010, she serves on the Board of Directors of Collective Chicago, and is weekly contributor to The Next Level Podcast produced by her church, Glen Ellyn Bible Church. She met her husband, Anthony, while studying at Texas A&M University (B.S. in Health, ‘02), she a graduate of Moody Theological Seminary (M.A. in Biblical Studies, ‘08) and a doctoral student at Wheaton College pursuing her Doctor of Ministry. Simone and Anthony reside in Wheaton with their four children.

Ron began attending The Moody Church in 2001 and began staff ministry work at the church in October of 2008. Prior to assuming staff responsibilities, he served as a volunteer in this same ministry. Education credits include an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Education and a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management. Ron loves the Lord and desires to see many meet God and learn to live in His grace.

After serving as a volunteer to children in Cabrini-Green for five years, Donnita stepped down as president of an advertising agency in the year 2001 to establish By The Hand Club For Kids. By The Hand Club For Kids is an after-school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child — mind, body and soul.  Located in four of Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods, By The Hand Club is dedicated to helping 851 children have new and abundant life. Donnita received her MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management in 1996. Awards and recognition include Today’s Chicago Woman “100 Women Making a Difference” (1998); Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2010), the Chicago Bible Society Gutenberg Award (2010), and Mayor Daley’s SAGE Award (2010). Donnita serves as a full-time volunteer at By The Hand Club For Kids.

Emily joined The Moody Church staff in June 2022 as the Assistant for Children and Student Ministries. She is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute where she studied Bible and ministry. Emily has served in various communities around the church since 2016 and is looking forward to serving the children and families of our church. Emily is an Ohio native but loves exploring new places in Chicago with her husband Nate.

Genesis 1:26-27 — I’m inclined to create because Our Creator designed me this way. I create because I was born into a family that nurtured my inclination towards the arts. For me, creating is a mode of exploration (the inanimate, animate and spiritual), communication (my story and the stories of others), and proclamation (the Good News message of Jesus the Christ). Bryan Butler has been engaged in the visual arts for many years and specializes in illustration, fine art, and graphic design. He earned his BFA (with honors) in 2009 from the American Academy of Art, Chicago, with a focus in Illustration. He has been the in-house designer for The Moody Church since 2014. Bryan has also served as a mentor in the Crossroads college ministry since 2011, is on the Artist Circle Ministry leadership team, and is a regular rotating drummer for the music ministry. Over the years, Bryan has worked with organizations such as Lurie Children’s Hospital, the Chi-Town Jazz Festival, Living the Language school, YMCA, the West Loop Community Organization, Moody Bible Institute, and others, along with many private clients. He previously worked full-time as an in-house graphic designer for GModelo USA, LLC. Bryan has been married to his lovely wife, Erin, since January 2, 2010. He and Erin have one daughter (Gabriella Jayne), who is with the Lord due to miscarriage. Bryan and Erin serve together in the Crossroads Ministry and on the Artist Circle leadership team.

Jordyn joined the music ministry staff at The Moody Church in September of 2022. Following her studies in vocal performance at Moody Bible Institute, Jordyn has worked in administrative capacities in non-profit music ministries alongside her growing musical theater career. Though Jordyn began attending The Moody Church in 2021 with her husband, Joshua, she has been a joyful volunteer in various music and student ministries since 2017. She has a great desire to connect people through music and the church and is grateful the Lord has led her to serve this body of believers.

Lori joined the church staff in 2007 following 22 years of service as an Executive Assistant at The Moody Bible Institute, including 13 years in the President’s Office. Lori began attending The Moody Church in 1985 and met her husband, Chris, while both attended the church’s singles ministry. Chris serves as a Deacon and coordinates the Communion ministry at the church. Lori and Chris have two young adult sons. Lori holds a Bachelor’s degree in business from Cedarville University. She grew up as a PK (pastor’s kid) in a small town in Central Illinois. As an Executive Assistant she oversees administrative functions for the following ministry staff to allow them to focus on their God-given preaching, teaching, and training ministries: 

• Pastor Philip Miller, Senior Pastor
• Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus
• Dr. Bill Bertsche, Executive Pastor
• Pastor Bob Gunter, Pastor of Family Ministries
• Michael Pitts, Managing Director of Operations & Media

Kaitlyn joined the Moody Church staff in August 2017 as the assistant for Global Outreach, Local Outreach, and Compassion ministries. She is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute where she studied Bible and ministry. An Illinois native, Kaitlyn has a deep love for the local church. She is grateful to be serving alongside her husband Corbin in various ministries, and in their free time, the Wisniewskis enjoy playing board games, hosting friends and family, and reading books.

Elsa joined the ministry staff at The Moody Church in August of 2013. She is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, where she studied vocal performance. Elsa Has been attending The Moody Church since 2008, when she was invited to join the choir by Gerald Edmonds. She quickly became involved in the various musical ensembles and found great joy in serving the church body through music.

Jonah joined The Moody Church staff as the Ministry Assistant to Community Life in November 2023, helping with the organizing of community groups and small groups and managing the church database. He grew up in Winona, Minnesota and came to Chicago in 2017 to study at the Moody Bible Institute (MBI) to learn more about the Bible and Linguistics. Throughout his time at MBI, Jonah became involved at The Moody Church through the Crossroads college community. Jonah lives in the Rogers Park neighborhood with his wife, Allison, and enjoys biking, reading, and learning other languages.

Michael Arman joined The Moody Church staff in 2005. Serving as Audio/Visual Coordinator, Mike oversees the technical production for Sunday services, conferences and other meetings. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute in 1995 with a BA in Electronic Media, Mike served for 10 years as a production specialist for MBI. Mike and his wife Charlotte have one son, Nicholas; and they make their home in NW Indiana.

As Communications Assistant, Sydney supervises the internal and external communications at The Moody Church. When she felt the call to ministry, she moved to Chicago from Michigan to study Communications at the Moody Bible Institute and quickly began attending The Moody Church. She and her husband Evan enjoy exploring the city and spending time with the Crossroads community.

Kristian Chelstrom has been attending The Moody Church since coming to Chicago for seminary in September 2010. He graduated with a M.Div. in Pastoral Studies from Moody Theological Seminary in December 2013, and also has a background in mechanical engineering.  Finding an opportunity to gain additional experience in family ministry, he became an assistant to Pastor Bob Gunter in September 2014 and worked part-time on the church facilities crew. In 2018 he transitioned to the Facilities Coordinator position. Kristian has a passion for teaching and equipping families to live fruitful lives in Christ, and for promoting excellence in serving Christ.

Neelu Joseph is a Financial assistant for The Moody Church. Her primary responsibilities include Accounts Payable, Payroll and Purchasing for the Church Office. She has been on the Staff since September 1999. Her goal is to live for Jesus and be available for God to use her in His grand scheme of things. Prior to joining TMC, she worked for Citigroup, N. A. and has a background in Banking & Finance. She has also taught children at the Elementary School. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a degree in Elementary education. She is married to Promod Joseph and they have has two children; they reside on the north side of Chicago.

Richard has been attending The Moody Church with his wife, Margaret, since 2000.  Originally from Oak Forest, IL, he has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, with over 25 years of experience as a General Contractor. In November 2014, Richard joined the church staff as Facilities Coordinator, and transitioned to Facilities Director in March 2018.  He and his wife have one daughter, Laura.

Kent Schmidt is Director of Finance and Administration for The Moody Church. He oversees contributions, payables, financial reporting, payroll and employee benefits administration. He joined the church staff in March 2003. Prior to joining The Moody Church, he worked for Accenture. Kent holds a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University. “Our promise is that The Moody Church is a ‘trusted place where anyone can connect with God and others,’” he said. “Therefore, one of my goals as Director of Finance and Administration is that The Moody Church be trusted in the area of finance by ensuring all contributions are posted and used as designated and that all transactions reflect good stewardship and adherence to biblical and legal guidelines.” Kent’s family, including his parents and brother and his family, live in Indiana. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and traveling.

Kevin Baloue was born and raised in Chicago, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at age 10. After an honorable discharge from the US Marine Corps in 1988, Kevin returned to Chicago and began working in the IT industry. Kevin has worked as a Data Integration Analyst for 24 years, contracting for multiple companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, 3M, MGM Studios, IBM, CGI Technologies & Solutions, and Gordon Food Service. He met his wife Sharon on a blind date, and they married two years later. Kevin and Sharon have two adult sons, Marcus and Steven. Before coming to The Moody Church, the Baloue family were members of Broadview Baptist Church for 14 years. It was during this time that they began to grow in their faith as they studied God’s word and served Him as a family. In 2007, the Lord led Kevin and Sharon to look for a new church home, and in 2008 they became members of The Moody Church. Over the years, Kevin has served as a Deacon, an Usher, a member of the Men’s Leadership Team and the Education Committee, and Team Captain and Assistant Director of the Parking Committee.

Joseph Carré attended The Moody Church for the first time in 1994, after faithfully tuning into its programming on Moody Radio. The sound biblical teaching he heard on the broadcast week after week compelled him to attend and get involved in church life. Today, Joseph most appreciates The Moody Church’s emphasis on the Word of God and the fellowship he finds here. Throughout the years, Joseph has served the church as a Precept Bible Study teacher, Deacon, and Christian Education Committee member. He joined the Elder Oversight Council in 2013. Joseph has practiced medicine since 1985, previously as an OB-GYN physician and currently as a board certified radiologist. He has served as President of Medical Staff at both Provident Hospital of Cook County and St. Bernard Hospital. He currently serves as Chairman of the Radiology Department at St. Bernard Hospital. Joseph and his wife, Mary, live in Chicago.

Antonio “Tony” Durns was born and raised in Chicago. At eight years old Tony accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Tony was introduced to The Moody Church in 2006 when his family started attending AWANA and Wednesday Evening prayer meetings. Not long after that, they became members. There are many things that Tony enjoys about the church, but what he is most excited about is the excellent biblical teaching and diversity. Over the years, Tony has served as an AWANA leader, Deacon, Vice Chairman of the Christian Education Committee, Director of Ushers, and continues to serve on the leadership team of the Your Marriage Your Family TMC Community. Tony has worked for the City of Chicago for 15 years; he was a project manager in the Office of The Mayor during the Mayor Richard M. Daley administration and currently works in the Department of Transportation. Tony and his wife, Senia, have been married since 2000 and have three sons.

Steve Giere is a Chicago-area native, born and raised in Naperville, IL. He and his wife, Connie, first met and began dating in high school. His faith journey began in connection with the faithful influence of Connie’s family, and culminated when he surrendered his life to Christ shortly before they married. They served together for many years in the Evangelical Free Church of Naperville, now called the Compass Church. After moving to Chicago in 2007, Steve and Connie began attending The Moody Church, becoming members in 2008. They continue ministering together in leading the Next Chapter TMC Community, which began in 2010. Steve served as a Deacon for two years and continues as a member of the Global Outreach and Christian Education Committees. He was elected a member of the Elder Oversight Council in October 2015. Steve is a Registered Investment Advisor with a Christ-centered investment firm in the Loop. His ministry work outside The Moody Church involves Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), The European Leadership Forum, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and ministries in the inner city of Chicago. He and Connie have two grown children and ten grandchildren.

Berv Peterson, chairman of our Council of Elders, grew up in a Christian home on a dairy farm in Minnesota. After serving time in the military, he moved to Chicago to work at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Berv was introduced to The Moody Church by his then-girlfriend (and future wife) Mary. Dr. Sweeting was Senior Pastor at that time, and Jim Gwinn was the youth pastor. They befriended Berv and drew him into ministry. Their friendship and others, along with the Christ-centered teaching, attracted Berv to The Moody Church, and he became a member in 1968. Since that time, Berv has taught Sunday school classes, sponsored the high school group, served as a Deacon, and been a member of the Parking Committee, Christian Education Committee, Trustee Board, and Elder Council. He currently works in the renovation and management of multi-family rental properties in Chicago.

Scott Pratt joined The Moody Church in 2008 when he and his wife Susan moved from First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, where he served as Deacon as well as a member of the Youth Ministry Team, Sunday School Teacher, and Building Committee. Scott has served The Moody Church for nine years as a Deacon, a member of the Global Outreach and Social Committees, and a Prayer Partner. He has also volunteered with By The Hand Club For Kids and Naomi’s House. Scott and Susan are both architects, and have four adult children and six grandchildren. Scott and Susan enjoy every opportunity to participate in the Equipping Ministry, and they particularly enjoy serving together as Prayer Leaders on the Fusion Leadership Team.

Tom Sawyer has been an Elder of The Moody Church since 1991. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, History, and Economics from Indiana State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law in Bloomington. He has practiced as an attorney in Chicago for over 30 years and is now semi-retired. Tom has attended the church since 1982. He reads widely in the areas of Christian apologetics, philosophy, history, law, and economics and desires that he and other Christians meet the Scriptural command of “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Tom met his wife Johanna at The Moody Church, and they were married at the church in 1987. They have four daughters: Rebecca, Esther, Johanna Laura, and Hannah.

Phil Zahn was introduced to The Moody Church in 1992 by a colleague who invited him to the Moody Business Network’s monthly luncheon. Phil attended the luncheon and soon began attending the church. In just a few short months, he gave his life to Christ. Today, Phil most appreciates the excellent teaching available at The Moody Church, along with its faithful witness to the city of Chicago and its diverse congregation. Over the last 22 years Phil has served the church in a number of ways while growing in his faith and encouraging others to grow in theirs. He has served as a Deacon, Finance Committee member, and Fellowship Committee member. Phil also met his wife, Ruth, at The Moody Church. Together they have served as small group Bible study leaders for over 15 years and previously led the Impact TMC Community. Phil has been a member of the Elder Oversight Council since 2012. Phil currently works as a financial analyst at a bond rating agency. He and Ruth live in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago.

Bill joined the staff of the church in October 1994 after a year teaching in Nigeria and an internship at College Church in Wheaton. He received a B.A. from Biola University in 1988; an M. Div. from The Master’s Seminary in 1991 and a Th. M. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1993. He completed the Doctor of Ministry program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2012. Bill’s primary responsibility as Executive Pastor is to oversee the ministries and the ministers of the church. He has held this position since 2012 and is grateful to the Lord to serve with such a gifted and godly staff. Bill and his wife, Carmé, have been married since 1996 and have four children: Hannah, Jonathan, Michael, and Elena.

As the Managing Director of Operations & Media, Michael oversees day-to-day operations of the church and overall direction for Moody Church Media. He came to The Moody Church in 1992 and became involved through the church’s singles ministry. Before joining the staff as Managing Director of Operations, he worked for consulting firms Towers Perrin and Arthur Andersen. He holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting/business from Cedarville University. He and his wife, Peggy, have a daughter, Emily, and a son, Michael.