Meet the Team
Meet the team serving Illinois Ministries. Each member brings a heart for ministry, a commitment to God’s Word, and a desire to encourage and equip pastors and churches across Illinois. Together, we are committed to strengthening leaders, supporting healthy churches, and advancing the mission of the Church of God throughout our state.
Our Team
Eric Livingston: Regional Pastor
Eric has served as Regional Pastor since 2009, following 22 years as pastor of Shorewood Church of God. In 2024, he returned to local pastoral ministry and currently serves as pastor of WatersEdge Church (Shorewood Church of God) while continuing his role with Illinois Ministries.
Eric’s heart beats for church growth and community impact. His belief in the power of healthy leadership is reflected in his dedication to mentor pastors and church leaders. As a certified emotional intelligence coach and co-author of material on Emotional Intelligence and Healthy Leadership, he continually guides individuals towards effective leadership.
Away from pastoral duties, he cherishes family time with his wife, Lisa, their daughters, and five grandchildren. A musician, worship leader, speaker, and most loved, a “Pa-pa”, Eric’s journey is one of faith, leadership, and love.
Email: Eric@IllinoisMinistries.org
Kayla Haug: Leadership Focus Administrator
Kayla has served with Illinois Ministries since 2020 as the Leadership Focus Administrator, helping guide and support candidates through the Church of God credentialing process. She is also currently completing Leadership Focus as she pursues her own ministerial credentials.
Outside of Illinois Ministries, Kayla works as a Staff Development Coordinator for Residential Hospice. She and her husband, Cody, have three children and attend WatersEdge Church of God in Shorewood, where Kayla serves as Director of Student Ministries.
Email: Kayla@IllinoisMinistries.org
Julie Rosa: Illinois Ministries Administrative Assistant
Julie serves as the Administrative Assistant for Illinois Ministries. She is an ordained and licensed minister with the Church of God and also serves as Connection Pastor at WatersEdge Church of God in Shorewood. Julie has a heart for helping people connect with Jesus, grow in their faith, and find meaningful connection within the church.
Julie and her husband, Troy, have four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, studying and teaching Scripture, and, whenever possible, escaping Illinois for some Florida sunshine.
Email: Julie@IllinoisMinistries.org
Fred Wright: Credentials Chair
Pastor Fred is the Lead Pastor at Word of Faith Ministries of the Church of God in Fairview Heights. He has served as Credentials Chair for a number of years and has also served on the National Credentialing Board of the Church of God.
Fred is married to Michelle, and they have four children and two grandchildren. Together, Fred and Michelle operate Michelle’s Academy, a daycare in the East St. Louis region, where they are committed to serving their community with excellence. They also have a dynamic marriage ministry.
In his free time, Fred enjoys golf—and Michelle enjoys watching Fred golf (a lot).
Email: Fred@IllinoisMinistries.org
Steve Greer: Church Service Team Director
Steve grew up in Wood River, Illinois, and received his call to ministry while in high school. He has served in ministry for more than 40 years, pastoring churches in Ohio, North Carolina, and Illinois. Steve also served for three years as Assistant State Pastor in Illinois.
Throughout his ministry, Steve has served in a variety of roles, including high school history teacher, Assistant State Pastor, and Director of a Crisis Pregnancy Center. He currently serves as pastor of Pekin First Church of God.
Steve and his wife, Trula, have two sons and six grandchildren.
Email: Steve@IllinoisMinistries.org
Current Elders
Cynthia Thomas, Langley Church of God – Chicago, IL
Mike Worrell, Grace Point – Dixon, IL
Zach Schaeffer, First Church of God – Vandalia, IL
Roberetta Young- Central Church – Chicago, IL
Mike Davis, First Church of God – Flora, IL
Dan Marler – Oak Lawn, IL
Credentials Team
Tim Lusitana- Decatur, IL
Diane Sergeant – Marion IL
Joy Sherman – Mt. Carmel IL
Carl Wagner – Joliet, IL
Brian Mack – O’Fallon IL
Darnell Starks – Peoria IL
