CHrist's Hope Staff

CJ Powell
LEAD MINISTER

CJ grew up in South Bend, IN with his mother, father, and siblings. As he grew up, his home church prepared him for Bible college, where he would study Bible Theology and Christian Ministries. Outside of education and ministry, CJ enjoys exercising, hanging out with family and friends, camping trips, and he loves starting each morning with a cup of coffee.

He met Val at Michiana Camp and married her after building a strong friendship during his college years. They love each minute they spend together, whether it is streaming Netflix, grabbing a bite from a restaurant, or trying something new. As CJ loves to say, they make a great team.

His passion in ministry is helping people take their next step. This began as he stepped into his first ministry over teens and continued to grow as he worked with young adults. Some of his favorite things to do is lead small groups, Bible studies, and aid in service projects. Above all else, his greatest blessings are witnessing individuals give their lives to Christ.

Chris Rexroad
EXECUTIVE MINISTER

​Chris Rexroad grew up in Mexico, IN, and is a high school graduate of North Miami High School. He has played soccer most of his life, and having one of his favorite personal achievements was playing on the 1997 Amateur US International Soccer team in Amsterdam, Holland.

​His first profession was CNC and Tool & Die for 16 years until being called called into ministry in his early 30's. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University nondenominational program with an Associate degree in Christian Ministry and a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies. He credits his ability to make this awesome life change to God, his highly supportive wife (Jenni), his loving sons (Caleb and Carson) and the support from his family and friends. International missionary work has also had a large impact on his call to ministry.
​
In addition to the executive role, Chris presently oversees youth and children's ministries.

luke kjergaard
music minister

​Luke was born in Newport News, Virginia, but has lived in the Fort Wayne area since the age of 9. Unsure of his direction in life, he worked a variety of odd jobs until he felt a call from the Lord to pursue ministry in his early twenties. 
 
Luke lives in New Haven with his wife Shelby and their dog Max. In addition to spending time with them, he loves to read books and enjoy/play all kinds of music. Luke has been a multi-instrument musician for over 15 years and has a passion for exalting Christ through song. He is currently attending Grand Canyon University online in pursuit of a Christian Studies degree.

Jim Leinbaugh

Technology director

Jim has lived in Fort Wayne since high school after moving all over the midwest during his childhood.  He has been a video producer and director since the early 80’s - long before YouTube and Instagram! It has been his pleasure to provide media resources to a number of national, international and non-profit organizations over the years.


Jim and his wife, Jolene, have been married for over 30 years, with four children now out on their own and serving in the United States Air Force.  Jim and Jolene are both PKs (preacher’s kids) and were brought up in the church.  From stacking chairs and folding programs to leading various ministries, church has always been the core of their life together.  Jim was ordained into full-time ministry in 2008 and Jolene is a Biblical Counselor.


Jim is passionate about using the tools of technology to help spread the Gospel and foster a non-distracting worship experience in the local church.  When not working or serving, you’ll probably find Jim and Jolene camping in the great outdoors or busy with a home or auto restoration project.