Belgrade Church of Christ - About Chris Crooks
My name is Chris Crooks & I serve as the minister for the Belgrade Church of Christ.
Here is a little bit about myself:
I grew up in Libby, Montana (Go Loggers!-class of 94!) before going to college at York University in Nebraska. I played tennis, served as the student body president, made lots of friends and studied occasionally. During those summers, I worked as a park ranger back in Montana. After graduating in 1998, I did a ministry internship in Dallas & then ‘ski bummed’ for a winter in Whitefish. After that, I got a job teaching English & Bible courses in Italy. This was a way for me to do something positive without making any major life decisions–and travel a lot! Two important things impacted me during the years I spent overseas. First, I believe that God really got a hold of my heart during this time & guided me towards serving Him in full-time ministry. Second, I met my wife Silvia, who grew up in Rome, Italy.
When we returned to the States, I did a ministry internship with the Great Falls Church of Christ and eventually served on the ministry staff there for 15 years. This opportunity allowed me to complete a Master’s degree from Harding School of Theology in Memphis.
In 2016, I (we!) prayerfully accepted the invitation to serve as a minister here in Belgrade. We believed that God was calling our family here to help make a difference for good. I believe God has answered this prayer and I’m really proud of what this church has become and the way they live for God in our community.
We love the Gallatin Valley and enjoy being involved in the community in various ways. I coach a kids soccer team, Silvia works as a nurse, has served in various parent / teacher organizations in the public school & helped organize the community market for many years. We have one kid in college & one that attends Belgrade High School.
You are welcome to join our church community as we live our "the abundant life of Jesus" together here in the Gallatin Valley.