Our Team

Bill Sargent

Lead Pastor

Pastor Bill Sargent has been devoted to ministry since 1997. For the past three years, he has served as the Student Pastor at Life Church, where he recently stepped into the role of Lead Pastor after being unanimously voted in by the congregation in 2023. Pastor Bill is passionate about reaching the lost in the community and equipping the members of Life Church to share God's love in their own circles. He has been happily married to his wife, Sarah, for 20 years, and together they have two children, Nate and Avery. Outside of ministry, Pastor Bill enjoys exploring new local eateries, playing Xbox with his family, and cheering on his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chris Schwartz

Executive Director of Life Church

Chris Schwartz is the Executive Director of Life Church. In his role, he manages daily operations and works closely with ministry leaders to ensure the church’s goals are met.

Chris has been married to his wife, Dani, for six years, and together they have a 11-month-old daughter named Eden.

Before joining Life Church, Chris had a background in film production and management. Three years ago, he felt a calling to use his skills in service of His church, and he has since been devoted to the mission and vision of Life Church.

In his personal life, Chris enjoys woodworking, his favorite movie is Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and he loves taking walks with Dani, Eden, and their golden retriever, Heidi. Chris is excited to see what God has planned for the future of Life Church and the city of Monroe.

JC Kellis

Life Kids Director

JC Kellis grew up in this very church, following in his parents’ footsteps by dedicating his life to ministry. With a deep passion for teaching children, JC infuses everything he does with his love for Monroe and his commitment to reaching the lost. He is not only a familiar face at Life Church but also in the wider community, where he coaches locally and is known for his genuine care and service to others, much like his parents, Tim and Patti. When he’s not at church or coaching, JC enjoys all things Tennessee and spending time on the golf course.

Todd Banks

Student Minister

Todd has attended Life Church since 2021 and started serving as Student Minister in 2023. A social worker by trade and an occasional DJ, Todd’s biggest passion is to study and share God’s Word. His drive for the students is to first know Jesus, then to grow in Jesus!

He is married to his sweetheart, Rachel. They became friends while serving in youth ministry in the early 2000s. Friendship led to courtship, courtship led to matrimony. Now Todd and Rachel keep busy with homeschooling their two young sons, going on various adventures, and chasing their hyperactive golden retriever.

Bud Baker

Worship Leader

Bud Baker has been a musician his entire life and is passionate about using the gifts God has given him to lead worship at Life Church. Along with his wife, Kim, Bud has dedicated his life to serving the community and the churches they have been a part of throughout their marriage. They share a deep passion for developing others, especially young people, through church camps and the worship team. Bud’s leadership in worship is marked by his commitment to fostering growth and inspiring others to use their talents in service to God.