Chris serves as the Director of Faith Formation. Before joining the Faith Formation team, he served as a pastor at First Hamilton CRC (ON) and at Plymouth Heights CRC (MI). Whether through consulting with church leaders, leading workshops, preaching, or teaching in classrooms, Chris loves walking alongside others as they seek to grow in their calling and capacity to make disciples. Along with contributing regularly to The Banner and Reformed Worship, Chris is the author of Cultivating an Evangelistic Character (Wipf & Stock, 2018), which explores worship and discipleship in the missional church movement. He is married to Hennie, and they have four children. When opportunity allows, Chris enjoys hiking, board games, and backyard BBQs. Learn more about Chris in this CRC News article.

Karen De Boer is the Creative Resource Developer for Faith Formation. The author of Home Grown Handbook for Christian Parenting, and the contributing editor of  You’re Invited: a Week of Devotions for Families on the Lord’s Supper and God’s Big Story Cards, Karen has been involved with children since she was a kid herself and says some of her favorite people are 4 years old. Karen and her husband Ron have four daughters and live in Kitchener, Ontario. Connect with her if you have any questions related to faith formation and children, families, and/or intergenerational ministry. Learn more about Karen in this interview.

Christine Dekker works as the Administrative Coordinator for Faith Formation. She is working on making everything we do runs smoothly. She makes sure “i's” are dotted, “t's” are crossed and that the processes in place are working and being followed. Christine has a background in administration and loves to be able to further the kingdom by using her skills to assist others in completing the bigger tasks. Christine and her husband, Jim, moved to Grand Rapids from Chicago in the snowstorms of December 2013. They are transplanted Canadians, so the snow was a familiar friend. They have two daughters and a son-in law. Christine loves to cook and is a strong believer in the holy hospitality of food and fellowship. Contact Christine to assist with planning workshops and general questions. Learn more about Christine in this interview.

Jill Benson is the Dwell Curriculum Coordinator. She has previously interacted with Dwell as a teacher, parent and Children’s Ministry Director and is passionate about bringing the big story of the Bible to kids of all ages. Jill enjoys in-depth study of God’s Word and holds degrees in Biblical Languages and Old Testament from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She lives just outside of Pittsburgh, PA with her husband, Steve and their two children. Jill fills her spare time with reading, drinking coffee, knitting, writing and enjoying God’s beautiful creation with her family. If you have any questions related to Dwell curriculum contact Jill.