abideCR: guest speakers

Aaron is an Eastern Iowa native who has traveled the world on mission. He is passionate about sports and nature but these are merely platforms to fulfill his purpose of glorifying God and to make disciples. Aaron is on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as both Eastern Iowa FCA area director as well as regional director for ministry advancement. He is also on the speaking circuit for Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. He is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father of 4, with #5 on the way! 

A former math teacher and tennis coach, Andrew serves as the Family Life Director at New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids -- where he grew up. He believes that more discipleship happens in the home than anywhere else, and he is excited to empower and equip parents to lead their families to think, feel, and act like Jesus. In 2021, Andrew's role transitioned to working primarily with Small Groups. Andrew is married to Erin, his high school sweetheart, and together they have four boys under the age of 8. If Andrew had free time, he loves fitness and exercise, hunting and fishing, as well as reading and good coffee… but with rambunctious kids, those activities are few and far between.

Brandon is the Lead Pastor of Stonebridge Church (EFCA) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He holds an MA in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College Graduate School and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He also serves as an instructor for the Charles Simeon Trust Workshops on Biblical Exposition. He and his wife Carissa are both originally from Nebraska and have four children.

Jay started his college career at Purdue University, but transferred to St. Cloud State University after meeting his future wife, Jen, at Newport Beach, California, on a CRU summer mission project. After graduating and marrying in 2003, Jay was accepted into a discipleship program with Pastor Tommy Nelson in Denton, Texas. In 2004, Jay and Jen joined CRU staff and moved to Puebla, Mexico, for a year-long mission trip. Upon completion, they returned to Texas, where Jay began his first full-time ministry position and seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary. Jay also served in various pastoral positions in Texas, California, Minnesota, and Washington, currently serving as Lead Pastor at New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He lives in Marion with Jen and their two kids.

Matt Proctor, a native Iowan and an Iowa State grad, loves his bride (Carrie) and their four kids. He has served Cornerstone Church in Marion, Iowa, for more than 11 years. Matt enjoys all things sports, reads widely, and is an amateur DIYer. Matt loves to see people encounter Jesus Christ and then invest in the lives of their neighbors, community, and friends. He hopes AbideCR allows for all those in attendance to re-center their lives on Jesus and to receive rest for their souls in Christ.