Chris is the Director of Community Formation and Christian Education at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill. In his work, he focuses on the community aspects of church life—cultivating spaces that bring SCPCPH disciples and our neighbors together. His interests include cultural and religious polarization, community formation, and hospitality as a Christian practice, which helps faith communities move away from tribalism. He is dedicated to fostering environments where diverse people can engage with one another honestly, openly, humbly, and with trust.

Prior to joining Steele Creek at Pleasant Hill, he served as the Director of Music and Christian Education at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia, NC. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Mission and Community Engagement from McAfee School of Theology as well as a Master of Divinity from the Gardner-Webb School of Divinity. Additionally, he holds an MBA in Nonprofit Leadership and undergraduate degrees in music performance and theology from Lenoir-Rhyne University.

A native of Shelby, NC (the hometown of Earl Scruggs), Chris is an ordained Baptist minister affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Alliance of Baptists. He is active in the community, serving on the boards of the Gaston Choral Society and Displaced Roses. He is also an avid reader and freelance musician who takes Lord of the Rings and Wayne Shorter way too seriously. Along with his wife, Shelly, he is the proud parent of daughter Charley.