Howdy folks! I'm Mike, and I'm the founding pastor of The Connection. I landed in the area in the fall of 2018, and am thrilled to call Edwardsville-Glen Carbon my home. I love this place, and may or may not have shed a tear when I found out I was only 25 minutes from Busch Stadium.

I have helped churches begin new ventures throughout my time in ministry in both Colorado and Illinois, and love consulting with other pastors and congregations on how to start new things for new people, as well. Some say I would talk to a coffee cup if it would listen, so feel free to give me a holler!

 I'm passionate about helping others know the hope and peace I've found in my relationship with Jesus Christ, so ask me questions, I'd love to chat! And when I'm not out and about enjoying all this community has to offer, I love spending time with family and friends, making music, and watching my St. Louis Cardinals win. 

Kyle is a wanderer who believes that God is found in broken & desolate places.

Kyle seeks 'ehyeh 'aser 'ehyeh [ I am who I am ]. He is breath & life, dust & bone. He believes "Love Does".
Kyle has joined the Rebel Alliance as bearded, bald, & beautiful.

He is a creative, outdoor enthusiast, dreamer, doer of ugly dancing, husband, father, son, brother, uncle,
friend, Metho-nerd, coffee addict, liberationist theologian, wanderer, seeker, sharer of hope, lamenter, rejoicer, broken, & made new.

His passion for others and community has led him to participate in ministries of justice with transient communities, clean water work with the Peace & Justice Commission in Liberia, & re-imagining what it means to be a community of faith as a church planter.

Hello!
I'm Emily and I am so happy to be part of the worship leadership team at The Connection.  I've been a part of ministry for 15 years and have found music to be quite powerful in other settings as well. I work as a Speech-Language Pathologist and find my time with both older adults and children very rewarding and life giving.

 I grew up in Belleville, IL and live in Edwardsville. I am excited to watch our faith community come together in this town that I love. In our free time, my wife, our 3 kids, and I like exploring nature with our dogs, participating in community events, and having fun in our own backyard.

This faith community has quickly become one of our most precious gifts in our hometown. We believe God's love is for everyone.  I would love to meet you, hear your story, and join in ministry with you. 

Hi Everyone! I am happy to join the team! I am a mother of 2 small boys. We have 2 young cats, and we recently adopted a Basset Hound puppy that is full of energy. So, yes, my house is full of energy from the boys and from the pets. I grew up in Nigeria, but moved to the United States when I was 16 years old. I finished High school and started College in Louisiana, until Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

I used that opportunity to relocate, and I selected St. Louis to be my new City.  Shortly after arriving St. Louis, I joined the U.S. Navy and served for 7 years. I then came back to St. Louis region after my time in Service, until God called me back into service to become a Chaplain.

 I went back in to serve in the Missouri National Guard and began the lengthy process of becoming a Chaplain.  Searching for a Pastor to learn from led me to Pastor Mike and the Connections Faith Community. I am here to learn, grow and serve.