Our Pastor
The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the Church and has oversight of the spiritual life of the Church in conjunction with the Church Council. He should live a consistent Christian life, ruling his own house well, and having a good testimony with non-Christians (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 12; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
The responsibilities of the Pastor are giving oversight, protection, leadership, and direction to the Church; praying for and with the congregation; feeding the congregation spiritually by reading, expounding, and preaching the Word of God; counseling with members of the Church as different needs arise; administering the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism; performing weddings and funerals as the need arises; having all the privileges afforded an Ordained Minister; and serving as an official member of the Church Council.
Pastor/Teacher Donald A. Raickett and his wife Karen Raickett.
Pastor Don and Karen have been married for 50 years. They have three adult children; Deborah Wilson, Stephen Raickett, Rebekah Horton and five grandchildren. Pastor Don and Karen have a life verse for their marriage… Romans 8:28. Before his pastorate, Pastor Don was in a youth ministry for 10 years and in the pastorate for about 35 years. His ministry statement: “Impacting Lives for the Lord Jesus Christ”
Our Elders
The Elders are chosen representatives of the congregation, and in conjunction with the Pastor, they govern, discipline, and oversee the spiritual interests of this Church. The office of Elder shall be accepted by men of character, and of good reputation; men who manage their households well (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
The responsibilities of an Elder include directing the affairs of the Church; managing the responsibilities of his particular area or group; reporting to the Senior Elder (Pastor), who is over the Ministry Teams; receiving and dismissing members; serving as a Trustee of the Chicagoland Bible Fellowship, and being responsible for holding, overseeing, maintaining, and caring for all church owned property as the Articles of the Church Government direct; praying for and with the people over the needs of the people; exercising discipline; visiting the membership, giving counsel, and comforting those with special needs; and performing weddings, conducting funerals, and leading in baptismal and communion services, which are provided under the advisement of the Senior Pastor.
Doug Johnson
Doug and Donna Johnson have been married for 31 years. They have five daughters—Lisa, Kim, Kathy, Veronica, and Adrienne—with one son-in-law—John Hamron—and two grandsons—John and Major. Doug has been a part of church leadership for 26 years. He serves as an elder at CBF, teaches Sunday school, and is involved in youth ministry and evangelism. Doug’s life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 and Donna’s life verse is Psalm 27:4. Doug and Donna love the Lord and people, and their desire is to be an encouragement to others and to build up the body of Christ.
Our Deacons
The purpose of a Deacon is to assist the Elders in serving the needs of the members of the Church.
The duties of Deacons are to assist in meeting the spiritual, physical, material, and temporal needs of the members; to encourage and develop individual moral and spiritual character; to serve as advisors and a support group to the Elders; to guard the unity of the Spirit within the Church, and to perform other duties and responsibilities delegated and prescribed by the Church Council.
Darius L. Taylor
Darius has been involved in various ministries within the Church for over 13 years. Darius has served as Treasurer at the Chicagoland Bible Fellowship church since its inception in 1990. He has also been involved in teaching, mentoring and the Benevolence ministry over the years.
Darius and Cynthia have been married almost eight years and have no children of their own. However, both have been used of the Lord in pouring into the lives of a host of god-children, nephews, nieces and other church family children over the years. Their life verse for their marriage is Jeremiah 29:11. Darius’ life verse is Psalm 16:11 and Cynthia’s life verse is I Corinthians 15:58. Their heart’s desire is to be an encouragement to the Body of Christ and to use their home and resources to minister to the needs of family and friends.
Brandon Savage
Brandon and Richelle Savage have been married for 20 years. They have four children—Myka, Kayla, Brandon Jr., and Brock James. Brandon and Richelle’s life verse is Ecclesiastes 4:12. Brandon currently serves as a deacon and works with the youth ministry. “It’s our job to pour into our young people, so that they will become future leaders who will impact the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”
Peter Morrison
Peter and Lisa Morrison have been members of the Chicagoland Bible Fellowship since its inception. Pete has served as a deacon of the church for 25 years. II Chronicles 16: 9 is their life verse: “For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward him.” Pete and Lisa serve as leaders in the community outreach ministry, help teach Sunday School and childrens’ church and work with the teens in the youth group on Friday nights.
Rolland Craig
Rolland and Hope Craig have been married 20 years. Their marriage verse is Colosians 3:17. They have three children—Isaiah, Victoria, Joseph. Rolland received Christ on April 12, 1992 and has been a member of CBF since 1994. His Life Verse is Matthew 6:33-34. Rolland was ordained as a Deacon on June 27, 2004. Says Rolland “My heart is in encouraging men to grow in Christ”—Proverbs 27:17.
