Chicago, IL - October 4th, 2011

Pastor James T. Meeks: Salem Baptist Church of Chicago

Reverend Senator James T. Meeks has quickly risen to become one of the most dynamic religious and civic leaders in the nation. He is the founder and senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. Located in Chicago's Roseland community, Salem is the largest African American church in Illinois with over 20,000 members and one of the fastest growing in the nation. In 2002, Rev. Senator Meeks successfully ran for Illinois State Senator for the 15th Legislative District. His win made him the first Independent legislator ever elected to the Illinois Senate. Rev. Senator Meeks considers this position and duties an extension of his ministry to those in need. He also serves as the joint chairman of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Driven by his passion for education, Rev. Senator Meeks opened Salem Christian Academy in 1990, where children in grades K-8 receive quality educational instruction combined with Christian based principles to ensure young people of today are prepared to become tomorrow's generation of leaders. He is the author of two books, "How To Get Out of Debt and Into Praise," and "Life-Changing Relationships" which have been received with critical acclaim. Rev. Senator Meeks received his B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Bishop College in Dallas, TX.

Chicago, IL - October 4th, 2011

Pastor Jon Ferguson - Community Christian Church

Jon serves as Teaching Pastor, Chicago Network Leader and leads the team of staff Champions for adult, student, children's, and creative arts ministries across all Community locations. He is also the co-founder and Movement Architect of NewThing whose mission is to be a catalyst for a movement of reproducing churches.

Chicago, IL - October 4th, 2011

Pastor Greg Eilders - Peoples Church

My wife, Elaine and I have been in ministry since 1984, serving as youth pastors for 4 years and one previous pastorate in Minnesota, prior to moving back home to Bourbonnais, IL in October, 2000. We had a burden to reach the hurting, wounded and lost in Kankakee County. We have overseen the building of a new worship facility in Bourbonnais, IL. The church has seen steady growth from small beginnings, to a thriving congregation now worshipping in two services on Sunday, with an emphasis on discipleship in order to reach the community which we have been called. Peoples Church is a positive influence in the area, with many active ministries to impact our community. Elaine and I have three children: Nate, a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in business; Preston, a Senior Biology Major at ONU; and Alyssa, a sophomore at ONU. Each one involved in some form of ministry at Peoples Church.