Connection Christian Church is led by elders, ministry team leaders and staff who all enjoy working together
to bring people closer to God and each other.
CONNECTION LEADERSHIP
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The Scoop on Bryan...
Family: Bryan and his wife Kirsten have two daughters, Alyssa and Abby, and a chocolate Lab named Rosie (who will eat literally anything except the brown spot on a banana.)
Background: Bryan grew up in Union, Missouri and went to school at St. Louis Christian College and Lincoln Christian Seminary. Bryan's been with Connection since the beginning.
Best part about being at Connection: I love teaching the Bible and seeing how the Word of God is so relevant and useful to people today. I love to walk away from a conversation or teaching time knowing I’ve encouraged or helped someone, leaving them better than I found them.
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The Scoop on Jeff
Family:
My wife Joleen and I have been married since 2011. We have a beautiful baby girl named Sadie and a very lazy dog named "Cash" after the man in black.
Background:
I grew up in Northwest Indiana as a Pastors kid. Joleen and I have been blessed to be a part of some incredible churches in the last few years before accepting God's call to move to Missouri and Connection Christian in 2017.
Best part about being at Connection:
Having worked in many different church settings with many sized groups and types of people it becomes easy to see who is authentic. Connection has authentic people. We have loved the caring, sacrifice, and joy that you can see in people at Connection.
Other fun things:
In our spare time my wife and I love to build and refinish furniture. We love to do missions trips whenever possible and have been to Brazil, Belize, Grenada, Mexico and various other places.We love to take road trips, hike, and camp.
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The Scoop on Aaron...
Family: Aaron's beautiful bride is Katie. They were married in July of 2009. They live in Wentzville and have 3 children, Naomi and Josiah, and Hannah. They also have two dogs named Shelby and Rudy.
Background: Aaron grew up in O'Fallon, MO and graduated from Fort Zumwalt South High School in 2007 (where he met Katie). Aaron graduated with a Bachelor's in Student Ministry from St. Louis Christian College. Aaron began as the youth intern at Dardenne Prairie Church in 2008, eventually becoming the associate minister before joining the staff of Connection as Family Minister in 2014 (when the church families blended.) Aaron is a big sports fan and is always happy to talk about the Blues and Cardinals.
Best part about being at Connection: There is a ton of energy and excitement. It's full of Christians excited about their faith and ready to serve where needed.
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The scoop on Darrell...
Family: Darrell and his lovely wife Virlinda have three children, a nursing student age 20, a pre-dental student age 18, and a professional video gamer age 12. They also have two dogs, Cocoa, and Stella. Their favorite meal is homemade pizza.
Background: Darrell grew up in O’Fallon, Missouri and graduated from University of Missouri-St. Louis, and has a master’s degree from Lindenwood University. Darrell enjoys hunting and the outdoors.
Best part about being at Connection: I like the people and family atmosphere that we have at CCC. Sharing the Gospel and getting folks involved in mission work to help others is my favorite part. No matter your skill, I have learned there is a place for you in mission work.
Area of Oversight: Missions/Worship/Communications
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Dave Fails
elder/Board Chair
The scoop on Dave...
Family: Dave and his wife (and high school sweetheart) Debbie have three grown children, Matt and wife Elizabeth, Mike, and Katie and her husband Joe. They also have three grandchildren Beatrice, Elinor and Otto.
Background: Dave grew up in West St. Louis County, graduated from the University of Missouri and then served in the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot. He currently still flies a helicopter air ambulance for ARCH Air Medical Service. Dave is a huge St. Louis Cardinal and Mizzou Tiger fan.
Best part about being at Connection: Debbie and I have lived in Florida (twice), California, and Joplin Missouri before we moved to O’Fallon. During all those moves, finding a good church home was always important to us. The people of Connection Church truly have lived up to the name to connect to God and each other through their love of Jesus Christ.
Area of Oversight: Adult Education/Groups/Facilities/Helping Hands
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Jim Brauss
elder/treasurer
Family: Jim and his wife Kelly have two beautiful daughters, Emmah and Hannah. They also have two pups, Wally (shiatzu) and Charlie (mutt) who are spoiled rotten.
Background: Jim moved the family to Wentzville in 2005 but has lived in the area all his life. He has worked in the Commercial Office Furniture Industry since 1996 and currently manages the sales team at Warehouse of Fixtures in St. Louis. He enjoys golfing and tinkering with his tools!
Best part of being at Connection: “What I love about Connection is that we build true genuine relationships – we pray together, we work together, we worship together and we play together!”
Area of Oversight: Finance/Ministry Involvement/Student Ministry
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Rick Beauchamp
Elder
The scoop on Rick...
Family: Rick and Paula have been married for 43 years and they have four children and six grandchildren. Our family is very important to both Paula and I. Also, being grandparents have been a wonderful opportunity to teach our grand kids about God.
Background: I grew up in St. Louis County. I have had the wonderful opportunity as an elementary teacher for 13 years and as an Elementary Principal for 24 years in the Wentzville School District. Both Paula and I came to Connection when Connection and Dardenne Prairie Church merged in 2014.
Best part about being at Connection: I love working with our youth of the church. I work with the Children’s Church as a lead teacher and Paula and I sponsor “Camp Beauchamp” each summer for the church’s middle teens. As an elder, I strive to be a good listener and being a true leader for Christ in all of life’s experiences. It is a priviledge to serve the families of Connection!
Area of Oversight: Children's Ministry/Greeters & Ushers/Communion/Hospitality
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Scott Stone
Elder /Board Secretary
Family: Scott and his wife Michelle have two handsome boys, Kasyn and Ben.
Background: Scott moved the family to Wentzville in 2015. He was born and raised in Quincy, IL and his wife, Michelle was born and raised in the St Louis area. Scott has operated his own company in the real estate industry for over 20 years as a real estate developer, home builder and currently a sales professional. Scott has an electrical engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Best part of being at Connection: “What I love about Connection is the churches devotion to biblical teachings and the friendliness and fellowship of all the members from the first day I attended!”
Area of Oversight: Outreach, Technology and Men’s Ministry.
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Larry Degraaf
Elder
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Chad Remley
Elder
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