Meet the Team
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marciana Kozuch
Student Staff, Young Life Director
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!
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.