University News

Alumnus Named Lead Pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, IL

Posted: November 14, 2024



[ Oak Brook, IL ] The Board of Trustees of Christ Church, a multi-site campus, announced that the membership of Christ Church voted to call Rev. Steve Carter (BA '02) to serve as their next Lead Pastor when the Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer retires in January 2025.

After an extensive period of vetting highly qualified candidates from around the country, including in-depth interviews and a rigorous theological evaluation, the Board of Trustees held a Special Meeting on Sunday, October 27, 2024, to call Rev. Steve Carter as our next Lead Pastor. Over 96% of the members at the Special Meeting voted to elect Steve as Lead Pastor of Christ Church effective upon the retirement of Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer in January 2025. 

Steve joined the staff and began an orientation and onboarding process on November 6. After Dan's departure on January 19, 2025, Steve will be the Lead Pastor, and Dan will serve in an advisory role through the end of 2025.

Carter was the heir apparent to become the lead teaching pastor at Willowcreek Community Church in South Barrington, IL, upon the retirement of Bill Hybels, but chose to step down amidst developing news of Hybels' indiscretions and subsequent denials. 

Steve is a dynamic speaker, podcast host, and the author of several books, including two bestsellers, "The Thing Beneath The Thing" and "Grieve, Breath, Receive."

# # #

:: Watch video announcement

:: Steve was recently featured on CBN's "The 700 Club."