Meet the Team

Looking for Spiritual Guidance, Counseling, or Coaching?

Chad De Jager

Teaching Pastor

I’m a farm kid from Iowa who has worked for churches in Michigan and New Jersey. For the last 9 years, I have lived in Homer Glen. Since I was a little boy, playing basketball has been one of my favorite activities. It is great exercise, but it is also a great way to build friendships. You can learn a lot about someone on the court. I still play once a week and coach my kid’s teams whenever I can. If you ever want to play HORSE after church, I’m in! I also enjoy mountain biking, hiking, reading, watching Chicago sports (Go Cubs Go!) and strategy board games.

My highest responsibility at Christ Community is to love and spiritually lead the people that call this church their church home. I do that on Sundays by making connections, listening to their needs, teaching from the Bible and building a community of hospitality. The rest of my week is spent meeting with people, leading our staff and keeping our ministry focused on the most important things. There are so many wonderful churches, but this community is a great fit for me. We care about the same things: relationships, families, mercy, hospitality and service. I’ve grown as a follower of Christ here because I have been loved, supported and challenged. This is the best job I’ve ever had!

Bible Verse:
Let the bones you have crushed rejoice. – Psalm 51:8b

I read Psalm 51:8 when I was going through a really hard and scary season in my life. The words are a prayer from David when he was hurting and uncertain about the future. I look back decades later and see that God has answered my prayer. The wounds of my past have shaped me to be the person I am today. My tests from that time have become my testimony. God can use our pain to bring hope and guidance to others. I know it because I see it every day!

Justin Wilke

Pastor For Discipleship

I like to say that I’m from just about everywhere. While originally from the South, I mostly grew up in Las Vegas before moving around the country to do ministry in San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and a few places in between. I’m a lover of good coffee, and it’s a dream of mine to own my own cafe so I can introduce people to incredible brews while creating space for community to flourish. If I’m not brewing coffee, I’m usually reading, woodworking, cheering for my Georgia Bulldogs, hiking, listening to the latest indie music, or chasing my kids.

My responsibility at Christ Community is to guide people to the hope of Christ and help them be formed into His image. Most of my time is spent in relationships with others, helping people connect with God and each other while creating opportunities for them to take the next step in their faith journey. I love that I get to really step into my passion for formation and discipleship here at CCC as I help us create a holistic vision for what it means to follow Jesus from birth through adulthood.

Bible Verse

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-13

This verse constantly reminds me of three things: 1) That my calling as a pastor is to serve and equip others. 2) That every person has been called to use their gifts to serve their faith community. 3) That the goal of all our work isn’t self-glorification but mutual edification as we seek to help each other grow into Christ-likeness.

Lisa Applegate

Executive Director of Ministry

I am from Holland, MI and currently live in New Lenox, IL where I love to walk, garden, read, and go to my kid’s activities. Most spring, summer and fall evenings you will find me outside playing in my flowers: watering, dead-heading, and pulling weeds. I find it extremely soothing and rewarding to grow and care for my flowers. Also, it has to be tulips because deep down, I am still a Dutch girl from Holland, MI.

I oversee new and existing ministry initiatives throughout the church while providing direct guidance for leaders within the church and a clear volunteer pathway. Also, I will be the Community Connection leading our Thrift Store and Community Center in overseeing project management for building, benevolence, and budget. Having worked at the church for 11 years with the kids, it has been extremely rewarding watching the kids grow in their love for Jesus. For that same reason, I am very excited about working with the whole church as they grow in their faith and as we go into the community with a Thrift Store and Community Center.

Bible Verse
Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it. – Mark 16:20

We have so much excitement here at Christ Community and I am thrilled that we are taking that out into the community, with our new endeavor of a Thrift Store and Community Center.  The Lord is going before us in this adventure and it is going to be amazing to see what He does with it.

Kate Cagney

Director of Kid’s Ministry

Having been born in Woodridge, IL, I now live in Lemont and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I especially like being outside — on a boat, walking the dog, watching a sporting event, listening to live music, sitting around a campfire, or just playing with my kids outside. Along with making shirts for special occasions such as birthdays, sports, vacations, and school events, I also like to add extra flare to things around the house like a mustache on Mr. Coffee and pink sparkly lips on “Mrs. Coffee,” the espresso machine, thanks to my 5-year-old’s suggestion.

At Christ Community I am responsible for the ministries for kids from birth through fifth-grade. Through these ministries, I partner with their caregivers to build a foundation of faith, hope, and love of Christ. In addition, I plan and host community events geared towards families. I love to build relationships with kids and families. It is an honor to see the joy and excitement as children discover who God is and all that He has done for them, and to hear stories on how their hearts have been changed by the teachings and how they love and live like Jesus in our community.

Bible Verse
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – John 5:16

Jorie De Groot

Coordinator of Kid’s Ministry

I am from Homer Glen, IL and currently live with my family in Lockport. Three things I love — people, shopping, and coffee. I find so much joy in grabbing a good cup of coffee with my sisters and heading out for a day of shopping! I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, playing games, going out to eat, decorating, and riding my bike.

In support of the Kid’s Ministry, I oversee birth through 5th grade kid’s programming on Sunday morning, and recruit and support our Kid’s Ministry volunteers. I help plan and run events for our church and community families. I love working at Christ Community Church and feel like it is a joy and a privilege to be able to teach children to know Jesus and to remind them how much He loves us.

Bible Verse
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

This verse has always been special to me ever since I was little. Knowing there’s no way I can do things alone I need Christ in all I do!

Peter Dikeos

Ministry Resident and Leadership Consultant

I was born in Chicago, IL and now live in Homer Glen. I attend seminary and run for-profit businesses, and when I’m not working, I enjoy cooking for others and playing the drums. As an early teenager, I fell in love with the drums and have remained engrossed in all things related to drumming since. I also love to cook and use my cooking as a tool to be hospitable to people.

I assist Pastor Chad and Pastor Justin with developing adult discipleship pathways and provide resources and ideas for the teaching plan. I also help deepen our missional partnerships and am a leadership coach for the staff. I enjoy working at CCC because it is a welcoming and loving community. The staff is focused on the spiritual growth of all generations of our congregants. There is a genuine desire to see people grow in their faith and a genuine caring for those who walk through our doors.

Bible Verse
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” – Romans 14:13

In a world of division and pointing fingers at each other, I find comfort in this verse.

Jess Gardner

Director of Community Youth Ministry

I grew up in Homer Glen and now live in Lockport, and I love animals, reading, traveling and spending time with my family and friends. Although I am definitely a people person, curling up with a cup of cocoa, my dogs, and a good book is my favorite way to recharge.

My role at Christ Community is to walk alongside middle and high school students and help them to grow in their faith. I serve students within our church as well as out in the community through our partnership with Young Life. Building relationships with students and their families is an absolute privilege and a joy to me! I love hanging out with students, attending their games, concerts, plays and competitions, and being a listening ear when they are looking for support.

Bible Verse
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-16

Caleb Gulbro

Director of Worship and Tech

I was born and raised in suburban Illinois. I am from Yorkville, IL and currently still live there. I enjoy being active, whether it’s hitting the gym or playing pickleball; I love doing it all! I am probably one of the biggest football fanatics you will ever come across. My family and I are die-hard Philadelphia Eagle fans and love to root them on together. I love spending time with my friends and family, and most of all, my dogs.

At Christ Community, I oversee everything related to Worship and Technology. I plan, schedule, and lead all of the musical worship that happens on Sunday morning and oversee and schedule the tech team (sound, camera, live stream, slides) as well. I am extremely passionate about Worship and glorifying God not only through music but also in my everyday actions.

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

I love the book of James. This verse highlights the essence of the entire book. James uses a few words to make us rethink how we live our lives as followers of Christ. I have always loved reading this chapter as a reminder of how to best honor God in our everyday lives.

Marciana Kozuch

Coordinator of Young Life

I was born in Chicago but have been living here in Homer Glen since I was two years old. I love spending time with my family and friends, especially each Sunday when we have family day where all of my siblings, nieces, and nephews come over to my parent’s house and we all hang out and spend time together. In addition to leading Young Life, I am a full-time nursing student that needs a lot of caffeine. On my days off and on my vacations, I try new coffee shops and use that time to spend with God and start my day on a good note!

As staff and director at Young Life, I plan club each week which includes games and a talk that helps students to learn more about who Jesus is and all that He has done for us. I also meet with students outside of club to form true relationships with them and break down walls that might be stopping them from pursuing a relationship with Christ. I love making these connections and watching them take their faith, make it their own, and even share it with others.

Bible Verse
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrew 10:23

Whenever there are stressors in my life, I always turn back to this verse to remind myself that God is faithful. If He brought me to it, He will bring me through it. I find the strength and the energy to get through the hard things with God by my side, He has never failed me.

Kim Mlyniec

Office Manager

Raised in Chicago, I live in Homer Glen, where I love to paint and sell fine art paintings in my Etsy shop. It brings me relaxation and joy, lets me be creative, and I can then sell paintings to people I have never met and bring them happiness. I also love to try different restaurants with family and friends.

As the Office Manager, I ensure that the office operates smoothly while supporting and assisting the staff, consistory, and church ministries with various administrative processes. I take care of day-to-day needs and things like accounts payable, tracking building usage, and communications for weekly emails and marketing. I work at Christ Community because the congregation and staff are friendly, and I can use my gifts of hospitality and organization. This role has helped me grow and learn more about faith, my life, and my professional career, and I learn something new each week, which I love.

Bible Verse
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10