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Our Leadership

Rev. Ron Heitman

Pastor Ron is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, with a B.A. in Bible and Christian Education. After his collegiate years he then became the youth pastor at Evangel Assembly of God in Schaumburg, Illinois, for six years. During his time at Evangel, Ron served as the Chicago North Youth Representative and taught youth ministry at Christian Life College in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

In 1992, Ron and Tamra were appointed as directors of Illinois Youth and College Ministries and served as the District Youth Directors of the State of Illinois for the Assemblies of God. For nearly two decades, Ron has traveled extensively as a guest speaker for churches, retreats, camps, conventions, leadership conferences, mission events, men's events and overseas speaking invitations. He has also been used strategically in leadership consulting as well as raising monies for Speed the Light across the nation to serve missionaries around the world.

In 1996, Ron introduced as the executive editor and co-author with an Illinois team of youth leaders, Youth Ministry Institute, a 350-page manual designed to provide pastors, youth pastors, and lay leaders with training and resources for youth ministry. YMI has been produced in various formats to serve Russia, Asia Pacific, Latin America and a recent cross culture format. The goal is to enhance youth ministry globally. In 1999, Ron served as executive producer of Next Generation Worship, an enhanced CD that consists of a live worship recording of a two hundred-voice youth choir and worship team. The CD contains Bible studies for students written by youth leaders from across the state of Illinois. In 2002 after years of personal study, Ron released and became the chief editor of The Miracle Study Bible. The study Bible is currently being published with the vision to impact the unbelieving world and the Church internationally as people pursue a need for God to work the supernatural in their lives. Ron served as Executive Producer of a second worship CD entitled, Like A Flood. He has also assisted in building two strong resources for students, parents and leaders in the format of websites, www.iycm.com and www.campcow.com.

Ron has served on the National Advisory Committee for the National Youth Department of the General Council of the Assemblies of God as well as chairman of the National Camp and Convention Summit. He has also served North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota as a member of the Board of Regents.

In 2004, Ron and Tamra accepted the invitation to become the Senior Pastors of Evangel Assembly of God in Hanover Park, Illinois where God's call in both of their lives are being thoroughly fulfilled in service to the Lord's Church.

Ron's passions include his beautiful wife and his little girls, preaching, the salvation of people, leadership development, the Church and his every breath pursuit of a miraculous God! Golf slips in there somewhere. Ron, Tamra and their daughters Makenna and Matison reside in Bartlett, Illinois. Dad says, "If you lined up all the little boys and all the little girls in all the world, he would choose Makenna and Matison!"

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME.....

What I want to be when I grow up: would have to be the voice of a great kids movie character and an author of a few books that someone would actually want to read.
My greatest accomplishment: would be summed up in two words, "Makenna" and "Matison!" I love my little girls!
The animal that most resembles me: that's an easy one, English Bulldog!
The past earthly experience that was major fun: had to be enjoying Paris , France with Tamra, playing golf at Pebble Beach , The Inn at Spanish Bay and Poipu Bay in Kauai , Hawaii .
Least favorite movie of all time: is none other than Dumb and Dumberer.
My most embarrassing moment: was while preaching I made a faux pas and something very different than what I wanted to say came out! If I told you anymore, your computer just might self-destruct!
The funniest animal of all time: The Naked Mole Rat! What a poor beast...and to think some people struggle with a poor self-image!
The least favorite restaurant to my pallet: would definitely be Applebee's.
If stranded on a desert island, the three things I would want with me would be: 1) My Family, 2) Full Service Hotel, 3) Helicopter .
Book In progress: "Execution" by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan - Crown Business
Music that soothes the beast: would definitely be Jazz and some Gato Barbieri, plus any great worship CDs!
The ultimate super hero of all time has to be: Wonderdog with an honorable mention of the Super Sleuth of all time...none other than Scooby Doo!!
The ultimate restaurant in the area that makes my mouth water: is none other than the incredible "Wildfire!"
The hobby that might surprise a few: would probably be my love for hunting...I gave up needlepoint years ago!

Tamra Heitman

Tamra graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield Missouri from which during her senior year, she took an evangelism trip called "Impact Week" to Evangel. It was there she met the then young youth pastor, Ron Heitman. The rest is history. Ron says he was immediately attracted her in an eternal sense when he saw tears streaming down her cheeks during a time of ministry and evangelism as she was burdened for the people. Tamra's heart for people is displayed in her relational style of hospitality and kindness.

As a full time Mom of two very busy little girls, Tamra takes pride in being a Mom that invests in her children as her number one priority. She connects that investment with the energy she gives to the church as she pours her heart out into the lives of the ladies of Evangel, and of course, the "Moms", plus the area of early childhood development that includes ministry for the nursery, the toddlers and their parents.

As a daughter in a pastor's home, Tamra grew up knowing the love and value of relationship between her parents and their congregation. She knows what it means to roll up her sleeves and work hard beside the people that God has placed in her life. Her relational and approachable style is strategic in loving and reaching people!

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME.....

What do I want to be when I grow up? A chef at my own restaurant creating fun desserts
My greatest accomplishment: Being a Mom
Favorite sport: The race I run every day to keep up with my girls.
The past major-fun experience: 10th anniversary trip to Hawaii
Least favorite movie: Pick any of Ron's favorites
Favorite movies: Any romantic comedy
Most embarrassing moment: Singing in a tanning bed with headphones on, not knowing that everyone in the salon could hear me when I left, the entire lobby clapped for me and my debut performance.
If stranded on a desert island, the 3 things I would want to have with me: my family, a pillow and something to read
Book in progress: Francine River's series, Elizabeth George books
My favorite music: Christian Contemporary and Jazz
The ultimate super hero: Super Mom, I don't think anyone's created her yet, but she's out there!
My favorite restaurant: If it's Italian and serves dessert, it's my favorite. Actually, I like Maggiano's.
Favorite sports team: Are you kidding, I watch the cooking and decorating stations!

Joe Kusak

Did You Know The great evangelist D. L. Moody said, "If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God." What a great testament to children and the importance of reaching out to them.

Pastor Joe Kusak is the Children's Pastor here at Evangel Assembly of God and he too believes reaching kids needs our focus. Pastor Joe joined the staff in August 2003. He came to Evangel from North Central University in Minneapolis where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. While at NCU he also minored in history and Biblical studies. Joe grew up in Schaumburg, IL and has called Evangel home since 1994.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME.....

What do I want to be when I grow up: A caricature artist at Great America because those guys have the power to make you look however they wish.
My greatest accomplishment: Would have to be graduation from North Central University and receiving an award as the Education Department's Student of the Year.
My least favorite movie of all time: The Three Amigos! I saw this movie when I was 8 years old and every joke went right over my head.
My most memorable childhood memory: Getting locked out of the house when I was 2 and not being able to get back inside.
If stranded on a desert island, the 3 items I would want to have with me would be: My Ipod, sun tan oil and my dog. I don't find any reason to want to get off this island, so I will just enjoy it!
The book I'm currently reading is: The Testament by John Grisham.
The ultimate super hero of all time is definitely: The Hulk! Every guy at one time or another wishes that he, too, has 28 biceps!
The hobby that might surprise a few would be: Crocheting. At a young age my grandmother taught me how to knit my own gloves and a hat from a ball of yarn. Okay that is not true at all, but it beats me talking about how I like to bowl!
The ultimate restaurant in the area is: Carlucci's in Rosemont or downtown Chicago!
The music that is loaded into my Ipod right now is: anything acoustic guitar driven or sung by U2!

Kendra Jones

Kendra Jones has served on staff at Evangel since June of 2001. Prior to working at Evangel, she was on staff with Illinois Youth and College Ministries (IYCM) at the Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God. In addition to her position as Senior Pastor's Secretary, Kendra serves on Evangel's worship team.

Evangel has always been home to Kendra and her family. The family began attending on Palm Sunday in 1979, and has been a part of the congregation since that time.

So, if you ever need a phone number, have questions about services or activities, or need general church information, please feel welcome to contact her at the church office.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME.....

Most embarrassing moment: Just one moment??? Way too hard to choose! But the most recent moment was walking into Starbucks before work one morning, slipping on the tile floor and doing the splits in the store! Good thing it wasn't in the middle of the morning rush!
Book I am currently reading:Three, by Ted Dekker.
Favorites:

  • Hobby- Anything relating to musical theater! Either in the cast, directing or studying it in my free time. I also enjoy studying theater history and techniques.
  • Fast food restaurant - Portillo's
  • Sit-down restaurant - Wildfire or Cheesecake Factory

Place I most want to visit: It's a toss-up Australia and Italy
Most memorable vacation: A cruise I took with my mom following my freshman year of college. On the last night before returning home, the ship experienced a major mechanical problem and was within 10 degrees of capsizing! (I said it was memorable.)
Music in my CD player: Casting Crowns, David Phelps, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin

 Children's Ministry

Tomasa, her husband, Richard, and six children have been active participants of Evangel and its ministries since 1986. She and her family have worked together in Children's Ministry, Noah's Ark Neighborhood Outreach and Youth. In addition to being on staff at Evangel, she presently directs the Hands of Hope food pantry. She is considered Evangel's Good Will Ambassador; she loves people and always tries to look for the good in everyone.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME.....

What I want to be when I grow up: I want to be like a little child - innocent, loving, carefree, happy, trusting and make everyone smile.
My greatest accomplishment: My marriage going on 30 years - our children and grandchildren.
The animal that most resembles me: Lady from Lady and the Tramp (so I've been told).
The past earthly experience that was major fun: My husband and I shared in the experience of our granddaughter swimming with dolphins. It was a day in paradise.
Least favorite film of all time: B-rated films where the lips move and words don't match.
My most embarrassing moment: On our wedding day after we were pronounced husband and wife, my father-in-law asked, "Well, where's the kiss? and I kissed him instead of my husband.
The funniest animal of all time: Our dog Saddie - also puffin penguins, they literally fly in the water, I could watch them for hours.
Least favorite restaurant: TGIFridays and a Thai restaurant near my house.
If stranded on a desert island, the three items I would want to have with me: Just my husband - he would figure out a way to be rescued or to survive.
Current book in progress: Life of Christ.
Music that soothes the beast would definitely be: A wide variety of worship music (Jeremy Camp, Selah, Glad, Fernando Ortega, Mercy Me, Rich Mullins, etc.).
The ultimate super hero of all time has to be: My husband
The ultimate restaurant in the area that makes my mouth water is: Ahhh so much food and so little time to experience it all - right now my favorites are Wildfire and Olive Garden.
The hobby that might surprise a few: I scrapbook - where's the camera?

Robert Sarafield

Robert Sarsfield has one of those servant hearts that are one in a million. His zeal for the House of God is so evident as he passionately heads up our weekly attack on our Evangel Church Campus along with our wonderful volunteers. The facilites and church grounds keep Robert always on the go but he responds with great quality work and excellence. If you see him tackling his projects over the weekend, don't be surprised if you here him say something like, "Gotta get ready for the Super Bowl!" Robert is married to Grace and they have 3 sons, Sam, Michael and Tyler.  They reside in Schaumburg and love their Evangel Church family.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME.....

What I want to be when I grow up: As complete in the Lord as possible
My greatest accomplishment: Still thinking
The animal that most resembles me: They are still looking for it
The past earthly experience that was major fun:  Setting up the chairs for Sunday service
Least favorite film of all time: Grease (Grace made me watch it!)
My most embarrassing moment: Too many to rank just one!
The funniest animal of all time:  our cat, Melanie
Least favorite restaurant:  McDonald's
If stranded on a desert island, the three items I would want to have with me: The Bible, my guitar and extra strings
Current book in progress: The Four Witnesses
Music that soothes the beast would definitely be: Classical (Bach)
The ultimate super hero of all time has to be: Batman
The ultimate restaurant in the area that makes my mouth water is: Chili's

The hobby that might surprise a few: Playing chess with my son, Sam


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