Thank you for supporting Christ Church’s many ministries. Our online giving webpage makes giving easier than ever. Any questions, please contact Christ Church’s business director, Kim Prater.
Other Ways to Give
Sunday Services - Weekly or monthly offering envelopes are available. Please email kim@christumc.org to start receiving envelopes today.
Bill Pay - Talk to your financial institution about how to send a payment directly to Christ Church. Please use the Kettering Campus Address 3440 Shroyer Road, Kettering, OH 45429 if utilizing this service.
Stock Gifts - Please contact kim@christumc.org for additional information on gifts of stock and the transfer instructions.
Legacy Giving - Click here for more information regarding Christ Church’s endowment fund program.
Brian is the Lead Pastor of the Christ Church Network. He was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University, a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Seminary and a graduate of the Beeson Doctor of Ministry program at Asbury Seminary with a degree in preaching and church leadership. Brian has served appointments in the Cincinnati and Zanesville area. He is married to Kelly, who is a 6th grade language arts teacher. Brian and Kelly have three adult children, Rebekah, who is married to Brandon, Samuel, and Jackson who are both in college studying music. Brian loves spending time with family, whether it is eating dinner together, watching movies or playing board games. Brian also enjoys listening to music, photography and smoking all kinds of meat.
Lance is a passionate worshipper and Christ Follower. His 40 years of music experience combined with 16 years of professional corporate experience led him to his current dual role at South Campus. Among his favorite things to do at work is putting the music together for Sunday morning worship and special events. Lance says he feels so blessed to be able to spend time at work finding ways to honor and glorify God through music and he feels privileged to lead a congregation with it. His very favorite moments are when he sees someone in the congregation really connecting with God through the music. Lance also enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.
Pastoral Ministry is a second career for Pastor Steve as he spent 20 years in sales prior to answering his call, predominantly at Johnson and Johnson in Pharmaceutical Sales. Steve strongly believes that the local church is still the greatest tool God uses to change the world. He is particularly passionate about the people who have had a bad church experience or have no church history at all and bringing them to know a life with Christ. He believes we have God given talents so that we can share them with others. His favorite saying is “We are blessed to be a blessing.” Steve is from the Dayton area and has been married to Tina since 1999. They are the proud parents of teenage sons Brady and Tate. Steve loves to perform music, is a huge super hero geek (prefers marvel) and is most happy if he is wherever his wife and kids are.
What makes Kristi feel most alive is connecting to God and people in real ways. She believes God's presence is most powerfully experienced in the honesty of our brokenness. There is no need to pretend or to try and impress her. She would much rather talk to you honestly about her struggles and God’s mercy. She has learned that religion does not need to be acover up for our sins but instead can be a chance to uncover God’s grace. From an early age Kristi dreamed of becoming a missionary and sharing God’s love. Through the years she has served as leader in youth, women’s, and singles ministries. She has also loved being a worship leader, Bible study teacher, and director of pastoral care. Her most challenging roles are that of being a widow and empty-nester. On October 4, 2011, Kristi became a widow when her husband died suddenly at the age of 48. This new season of life as a widow has placed her in a unique position to infuse others with renewed hope. Kristi is the bestselling author of “DREAM…a guide to grieving gracefully.” With a degree in Psychology and 30 years of ministry experience, Kristi has a solid knowledge of how the mind, body, and spirit work together. It is this spiritual perspective that transcends the traditional view of life and brings authentic power. (For more info about Kristi’s book visit dreamsmithbooks.com) As the Family Ministry Director at South Campus, Kristi begins the next stage of her life with new dreams in her heart. She says it is important to dare to dream, at any age and any stage. She loves live music, belly laughing, meeting new people, hanging out with old friends, and visiting her family. Be sure to ask her to tell you about “The Potty Parable."
Glenda and her husband, Chip, joined Christ Church in 1998. Glenda graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Business Marketing and Management. After 8 years with NCR, she stayed home to devote more time to her two children, Lauren and Josh, and support her husband’s business. During that time, she served as small group leader in Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) and at Christ Church, as well as serving on the Spiritual Growth Lead Team. Managing The Welcome Zone (registration and communication center for families and children) has been her passion for many years. After running their children around to their many activities, she and her husband love dinner and a movie. As a native Hoosier, you must know you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take Indiana basketball out of the girl! After worshipping, serving and learning here for many years, she is thrilled and honored to assume the role of Spiritual Growth Director, connecting people to Christ for transformation. You will find her regularly welcoming new folks at church. She has experienced the Holy Spirit as a type of change agent in her life and wants to promote that relationship in the lives of our congregation. Glenda hopes everyone will stop by to learn more about getting connected!
Kraig is a bi-vocational pastor who works full time as an organizational change project analyst with PNC Bank. He is married to his wife Amy and has three boys and a daughter in law; Matthew (married to Brittney), Hunter, and Michael. Exciting news with a first grandchild arriving in October (it’s a boy!!) Kraig loves to sing and play music, especially the harmonica and guitar. He is a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Spending quality time with his family is his greatest joy! Becoming a pastor was a dream and a passion that has recently come to life for Kraig. He loves his role at Christ Church where he can build relationships, share the love of God, and be there in any way he can to help the congregation and staff to pursue the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ! He is also very passionate with nursing home ministry and has a focus on intergenerational care.
Chris is originally from the Dayton area and grew up in Xenia, OH. He and his family moved back to Dayton after receiving his bachelors and masters degree from Anderson University in Indiana. Chris recognizes what God has done and is doing in their lives and is excited to see how God continues to prepare them for the future. It is his deep belief that through each rich life experience, God has been building and preparing his family for each next step. He looks forward to drawing from all of those previous experiences in order to serve in this important ministry at Christ Church. The Gospel calls us to serve each person with grace, compassion and above all, love. Within his new position, Chris will continue on the tradition of service that has been established by his predecessor here at Christ Church. "I feel encouraged to be working with such a dedicated group of staff, volunteers and members."
Danielle is an avid supporter of the power of music in worship. Raised in Massachusetts with a family of musicians she has always been surrounded by the majesty of harmony. She received her Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance from The Hartt School and a Master’s of Music in organ performance from CCM in Cincinnati. A firm believer in the guidance of God, she never ceases to be amazed by his ability to guide people where they belong. She knows the Lord brought her to Kettering and is excited to continue worshipping him for many years with the Christ Church family. When not at church, Danielle is probably enjoying one of her many hpbbies; she loves to run, bake, craft, and play games.
Katie is excited to be in such a welcoming community as Christ Church, and is extremely grateful for her supportive friends and family. She received her Bachelor’s of Music in piano performance from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and is currently working towards receiving her Master’s of Music in collaborative piano from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. She is excited to have the opportunity to strengthen her faith throughout this experience. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, and playing with her pet bunny, Millie.
Seth enjoys getting to know the congregation on a personal level and leading them in worship. Seth is also a worship leader in the Emmaus community and serves on teams and gatherings every month. During the work week, Seth is a Code Enforcement Officer in several communities with National Inspection Corporation. He works hand-in-hand with firefighters, police officers, and city officials making the communities he serves cleaner and healthier each and every day. In Seth's spare time he enjoys all outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and watching baseball. He loves playing video games with his son, Ben. Seth and his wife, Kimberly, also enjoy watching Ben play lacrosse and hiking on their days off.
Linda enjoys working with the children of the church and community as together they discover the deep love God has for all of His children. Linda has taught elementary school and was grateful to stay home to raise her two daughters, Stephanie and Christina, when they were young. Her husband, Steve, is a biology teacher at Fairmont High School. Her mother and father, Nancy and John Price, are long-time members of Christ Church. Linda has a special appreciation for music and art of all kinds. Linda has been a part of many choral groups, theater experiences, including set design, and has taught piano lessons. Having grown up in the church, wanting to teach children and to serve God through Christ, and having led a life filled with music and art, she is blessed to be on staff at Christ Church where she prays she may encourage children to know of God’s love for them through Christ and to discover the unique gifts God has given them.
Laura grew up in Kettering and has always called Christ Church her home. She married Mark, whom she met in student ministry and dated while they both attended Miami University. They have 3 daughters; Jennifer, Megan, and Brittany. Laura has always actively served at church. She has enjoyed volunteering in many aspects from Godly Play, Kids' Camp, youth activities, small groups, women’s events, and various committees. As Children’s Ministry Assistant, her true passion is seeing the children actively learn about the love of God through stories of Jesus and God’s people and growing in their faith. Through this learning, Laura hopes the children sense God’s love and presence not only in the Kids’ Zone but also in the world around them. It is also a thrill to connect kids in the classroom, hoping they build faith-filled memories and friendships together.
Sam joined the staff at Christ Church after spending 8 years in Lexington Kentucky. He is a born and bred Centerville Elk though. After graduating high school he moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky. During his time in college he met a great girl who also happened to be from Centerville…they just never met until moving to UK. Having spent 4 years after graduation ministering to college students, he and his wife Melissa felt a call from God to return to the Dayton area. He is currently finishing up his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. Sam met the Lord for the first time when he was in high school. Because of this, he has a passion for seeing students come to know Jesus. If you are in the mood for frisbee, skate boarding, road tripping, watching the office or drinking a fresh cup of coffee (especially with a new baby), Sam is your guy!
Abbie has been with us here at Christ Church since June 2018 and always enjoys greeting our students and families while tending to the needs of our preschool-childcare program. Abbie received her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Wright State University and has 13 years’ experience in teaching preschoolers aged 3-5 and childcare administration. She particularly loves teaching math and learning about science. Her favorite hobby is reading and her favorite children’s book is Charlotte’s Web. Abbie has two children, Ethan and Brooklyn, who love to be outside or just hanging out together; along with 3 dogs (Smokey, Annie and Roxie). In her opinion, the best part about being a preschool teacher is watching children experience their “AHA!” moments when they finally reach a goal or achieve a new task.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Kate has been an Early Childhood Professional for over eight years. She began with a love for teaching Preschool and found her calling advocating for early childhood as an Administrator, landing her here at Christ Church as our Assistant Preschool Director. Kate currently holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, graduating as a Phi Theta Kappa Honor student, with a future goal to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree. Born in Kettering, raised in Riverside, and now residing in Beavercreek, OH, Kate’s biggest joy in life is raising her daughter, James, along with having a deep love for photography and scenic views, freshly baked cookies, and family traditions. Her family is her greatest blessing, coming from a large extended family of Methodist values and upbringing. Kate greatly enjoys coffee and home-cooked foods, experiencing the peace of nature, seeking knowledge, and anything involving Autumn and the Holiday season.
Nate has a deep passion for media and its influence on worship. Growing up in Seattle, Washington, under the local tv master control station, Nate is rooted in technology and a love for coffee. Through the years Nate has combined all the technology for the worship services to one easy-to-use program that can be operated from a cellphone! Nate is always looking for a volunteers and will teach a volunteer anything they need to know to serve in the media department at Christ Church. In addition to Sunday services, Nate creates most of the graphics found around the church (Kettering and South Campus). He believes in going the extra mile, above and beyond what is expected, from making house calls, addressing computer issues, or setting aside time to help others get up to speed on their new tech gadget. Apple computers are his specialty and he will talk your ear off about it if you ask. If you ever see Nathan around the church or out and about feel free to stop and chat!
Rachel was led to Christ Church South Campus in the summer of 2010 when they needed a new sound technician. She grew up in Springboro, OH and graduated from Springboro High School in 2014. She attended Wright State University majoring in Theatre Design and Technology in Stage Management, Sound, and Carpentry. In September of 2016, Rachel joined the staff as the audio coordinator. She currently resides in Cincinnati. When she’s not at church, she’s spending time with her 8 pets which include a dog, cats, snakes, lizards, and a fish. She loves listening to music and spending time with her boyfriend, Tom, and her family.
Ron serves as the Operations Director for both the Kettering and South Campus. He is a long-time member of Christ Church. His parents carried him into the building nearly 60 years ago. His role at the church is to manage the facility in a clean and orderly fashion while looking for areas to improve through capital investment. He works with the custodial staff to accomplish these duties. In addition, he schedules most of the Christ Church and outside groups events looking for space to have a gathering. He has background in manufacturing, safety and environmental management, and sales along with his skills in building maintenance. Ron and his wife, Susan, raised three children and now enjoy hanging out with the three grandkids that are a joy of their lives. Annually, Ron and Susan raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He enjoys riding his bike, motorsports and gardening.
Kim is originally from Syracuse, NY and came to Ohio to get her Bachelors degree from Marietta College in advertising and public relations. Upon graduated in 2000, she moved to Dayton in 2001 with her fiancé at the time, Seth. They wish they would have found Christ Church when they first moved here, but are a firm believers in God's timing and it wasn't the right time. The Praters attended Normandy church a few times and then stopped attending because they got busy planning for our out-of-town wedding in Buffalo. In 2007, Kim and Seth welcomed their son Benjamin into the world and life got even more hectic. Finally when Ben was almost 3 they started church shopping again and found Christ Church! The following weekend they attended South Campus and were skipping down the longest hallway known to man afterwards. The Praters found their church home and have been faithfully attending ever since! So, needless to say you will probably find Kim at South Campus on most Sundays as she loves to watch the babies and toddlers in the Cuddle Zone or make coffee and watch Seth play and sing in the worship band. Kim's work background is in graphic design, art, wedding planning, retail management and payroll processing. Yes, it is varied, but all of those areas have helped to shape her into who she is today. In spare time, when Kim is not writing calligraphy, she loves hiking with family (including dogs, Ruben and Sherman), practicing yoga, and scrapbooking.
Kim Swift joins the Christ Church staff after four years as an assistant teacher and bus driver at Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool. Kim has been an active member of Christ Church since 2012, first while serving in student ministry then moving to more of an administrative role. She serves on South Campus’ Lead Team and enjoys teaching the 4th/5th grade group in the Kids’ Zone on Sundays. Kim grew up in the South Dayton area before attending Bowling Green State University to study Elementary Education. After 9 years in the Cincinnati area, she and Dan, her husband of 27 years, moved back to South Dayton in 1998. Kim and Dan have two children. Alex, who graduated from Ohio State and is a city planner in Statesville, North Carolina, and Becca, who attends Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources this fall. Kim enjoys attending concerts and the theater, as well as supporting local businesses and restaurants. She also enjoys traveling and hopes to be able to see more of God’s amazing world now that she and Dan are empty nesters.