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Meet Our Staff |
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Lead Pastor - Chris Chappotin
Email & Blog
Chris is living out the bumper sticker that reads: "I wasn't born in Texas, but got here as fast as I could!" He was born in southeast Iowa, but moved to Texas the summer before beginning Kindergarten. He is a 1996 graduate of Keller High School in Keller, TX, and a 1999 graduate of Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX. In June 1995 at Mercado Juarez Mexican Restaurant in Fort Worth, Chris met Heidi, the love of his life, and they were married July 25, 1997. Remind him that 10 years is coming up next month! In college, Chris & Heidi began their ministry career as they worked in inner city neighbhorhoods with New Life Church. After leaving Abilene in May 2001, Chris became the Youth Minister at the Westside Church of Christ in Cleburne, TX, and served there until February 2003. Next, he spent one year as an Information Technology Project Manager, and began to experience the calling into church planting in October 2004. Chris & Heidi have two children, Torie (7) and Ryan (1), and three boxers: Maddie, Molly, and Mikey.
Education: B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Biblical Studies - Abilene Christian University; Abilene, TX; currently pursuing Master's of Divinity at Abilene Christian University
Currently playing on my iPod: DC*B, Hillsong, Rob Bell, Matt Chandler, David Vandervelde, PTI, Around the Horn
Currently reading: Recovering the Scandal of the Cross, Holy Conversation, Live To Tell
Favorite Restaurant: Pei Wei
Random Fact: When in youth ministry, Chris seriously asked a church elder (kinda like a boss) if he could have a Wed night off to tryout for American Idol. Not a smart move.
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Youth Pastors - Blake & Morgan Kahla
Blake's Email & Morgan's Email
Blake & Morgan met during their time at Abilene Christian University. Blake's marriage proposal occurred one day before his birthday and in front of Morgan's 3rd grade class, and they were married on November 18, 2006. Currently, Morgan serves as a 1st grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School in the Crowley Independent School District, and this June, Blake accepted a position teaching English in the same district at Crowley High School. We're excited to have our youth leaders around students all day every day! Blake & Morgan have just moved into a new home in Burleson that they open each week for youth group house church on Sunday nights.
Education: Blake - B.A. in Youth & Family Ministry and currently working on Master's in domestic church planting. Morgan - B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Minor in Elementary Education.
Currently playing on my iPod: DJ Maj
Currently reading: I am: Biblical Women Tell Their Stories
Favorite Food: Enchiladas, Fajitas, Stir Fry, anything you can put hot sauce on!
Random Fact: Blake learned how to kayak on the Nile River, and Morgan can say the Pledge of Allegiance in three languages: Sign Language, Spanish, and English.
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Administrative Coordinator - Wendy Thompson
Email & Blog
Wendy is a 30-something CEO of her home. She has 3 beautiful girls (Thompson Girls Rock by the way if you didn't know that!) Since June 1995, she has been married to a wonderful man, James. She stays busy working with her family and for God. Wendy was born and raised in Oregon and moved to Texas by herself at the age of 18. During her life, she has had 3 jobs: 1) At 16, she worked at a grocery store to pay for car insurance, etc. 2) After graduating from high school in June 1992, she moved to Vancouver, Washington, enrolled in the International Air Academy, and received a certificate to work in the travel industry as a travel agent, and 3) After graduating in January of 1993, she moved to Arlington, TX for a job that would make the DFW Metroplex her permanent residence. After an 8-year journey that took her from agent to assistant manager, Wendy and James had their first child, Catie. In addition, during this time, Wendy went to work at Alcon Laboratories in Fort Worth, TX in their onsite travel department. Wendy describes her 5 years at Alcon as learning that "working in a Christian environment is so much more than just professing love for Christ." Now, Wendy stays at home with her Catie, Miranda and Jessica, manages Pre K, softball, elementary school, and working for our awesome, spirit-filled Christ Journey Church.
Education: 1992 Graduate of Grants Pass High School; 1993 Graduate of International Air Academy; Currently, a work in progress learning to grow with God.
Currently playing on my iPod: Casting Crowns
Currently reading: S.H.A.P.E., Power of Motherhood, Discipleship Essentials
Favorite Restaurant(s): Logan's Roadhouse, Antonio's Mexican Restaurant, and on special occasions, Boi Na Braza
Random Fact: Wendy's first job was at a grocery store called Price Chopper. She worked there for 2 years, and only called in sick one time with bronchitis. When she put in her 2-week notice, she felt so guilty for leaving that she became sick on her last day and could not go to work. She did not go into the store for another month, because she felt so bad for leaving. Needless to say, she is pretty dependable!
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