Meet The Team
Allow us to introduce the dedicated team propelling Illinois Ministries forward. Each member of our team is passionately committed to disseminating God’s word and fostering leadership development. Our collective focus is to equip our members with crucial resources and unwavering support, enabling them to flourish in their spiritual journey.
Our Team
Eric Livingston: Pastor
Eric has served as Regional/State Pastor since 2009 after 22 years at Shorewood Church of God, Eric’s heart beats for church growth and community impact. His belief in the power of healthy leadership reflects in his dedication to mentor pastors and church leaders. As a certified emotional intelligence coach and co-author to 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.
Kayla Haug: Executive Assistant Leadership Focus Admin
Kayla has served Illinois Ministries since 2020 bringing organized leadership to our Credentialing Process as Leadership Focus Admin and assistant to Pastor Eric. Kayla is married to Cody and has 3 children. She is an elder at WatersEdge Church of God and serves as a leader Student Ministry.
Fred Wright: Credential Chair
Pastor Fred is the Lead Pastor at Word Of Faith Ministries of the Church of God in Fairview Heights Church of God. He has served as Credentials Chair for a number of years as well as a member of the National Credentialing Board of the Church of God. Pastor Fred is married to Michelle and has four children and two grandchildren. He and Michelle operate a Michelle’s Academy, a daycare in the East St Louis Region with exemplary service and management. They have a dynamic marriage ministry and Michelle enjoys watching Fred golf (a lot).
Matt Hale: Director of Student Leadership and Development
Matt has served as a Youth Pastor in the Church of God in three different large and influential churches in the Church of God. He and his wife Becca stepped into a new adventure leading a Turn Around Congregation in Alton, IL in 2022. They have two adorable children and are enjoying being in the Riverbend area of IL and MO, where both of them grew up.
Current Elders
Monte Dillard, First Church of God Christian Life Center – Evanston, IL
Kevin Summers. Cross Pointe Church of God – Bloomington, IL
Zach Schaeffer, First Church of God – Vandalia, IL
Jeanette Cochran, First Church of God – Madison, IL
Jarad Houser, WatersEdge – Shorewood, IL
Andries Van Schalkwyk – Crossroads Church – Mt Vernon IL
Credentials Team
Jay Kroft – Springfield IL
Brenda White – Bolingbrook IL
Diane Sergeant – Marion IL
Joy Sherman – Mt Carmel IL
Brian Mack – OFallon IL
Darnell Starks – Peoria IL
Steve Greer – Pekin IL