Chris Surber

Pastor Chris joined the church family of First Congregational of Peru after serving Churches in Florida and Michigan. A native of Northern California, he is a military veteran of ten years; serving in the Marine Corps and later in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He holds the Bachelor of Science in Religion Degree from Liberty University, The Master of Arts in Religion & The Master of Divinity Degrees from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, VA. He is currently pursuing The Doctor of Ministry Degree from Temple Baptist Seminary in Chattanooga, TN.

Pastor Chris lives in the parsonage of this beautiful, historic, and vibrant church with his children and his partner in life and ministry, Christina. She is an active part of the life of the Church, leading small groups, and as a constant encouragement to all. Along with an Associates Degree from Arizona Western College, service in the Marine Corps & Department of Veterans Affairs, and extensive volunteer church experience, she holds a Bachelor Degree and a Christian Master of Arts Degree in Christian Counseling from Pillsbury College & Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

His ministry is characterized by passionate preaching of the Bible and compassionate ministry to the community of faith and the community at large. His teaching is reflective of a high view of the Scriptures and the sovereign grace and mercy of the God they reveal. He says often that "We are pilgrims on the journey of life. The Christian journey is one of daily encountering the sacred grace of God, discovering the divine plan of God for our lives and following after Jesus Christ!"

Curriculum Vitae