Leadership Team
Our Ministry Team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The New Testament uses such words as Elders, Deacons, and Overseers to discuss those who work in His Body. Study shows that these three performed different functions in the early church (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pet 5:1-2). At The Journey, we refer to them as Elders, Deacons, and Pastor. We don’t believe in lording one office over another, but believe these offices must work shoulder-to-shoulder, hand-in-hand to faithfully follow the highest authority — Jesus, Who is the Head of the church.
Every person will one day stand before God one day and give an account for how they lived and responded to His Body (Heb 13:17). The Elders and Deacons at The Journey have accepted the responsibility of leading, casting the vision, preaching and teaching the word of God, and judging doctrinal issues. They have committed themselves to prayer, modeling the love of Christ, loving, caring for, and protecting those who consider The Journey Church to be their home. Their passion and goal is to encourage and equip believers for the Work of the Ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
Jack and Barbara Stoops, Pastors
Pastor Jack has a deep passion for carefully unpacking the truths of Scripture. He has spent the past several decades studying and serving churches in the Midwest. Pastor Jack has served in Effingham and surrounding areas for the past thirteen years. He and his wife Barbara have five children and eight grandchildren.
Steve Linton, Assistant Pastor
Gary Linton, Minister
Phil McLauglin, Men’s Ministry
Steve Edwards, Minister
Suzy Edwards, Children’s Ministry
