Head Pastors: Charles and Kehinde Moodie

In response to God’s distinct call, Charles and Kehinde Moodie left New York in July of 2012 to minister in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, bringing with them their two sons Joshua and Josiah. The Moodies moved to Chicago knowing Englewood’s reputation as one of the worst crime areas in the country for its violence, drugs, and deep urban poverty. They had no church or job lined up and moved solely by faith. Once arriving in Chicago, they connected with Pastors Chris and Monica DeLaurentis, who would eventually trust them to head the ministry they’d established on the south side. 

In a community where babies die at four times the national rate and a high school education is the exception rather than the rule, the Moodies support families through facilitating the Life Center. Since pastoring Chicago City Life Center, Pastors Charles and Kehinde have fostered relationships with families in the community through holiday outreaches, weekly services, and street ministry. They serve faithfully: reaching Englewood for Christ by representing Christ’s character.

Spiritual Formations Pastor: Chris Butler

Chris Butler is passionate about communicating the Gospel of Jesus and mobilizing the body of Christ to carry the message and ministry of reconciliation into their communities and everyday lives. His heart is to see people discover their God-given purpose and live full, fruitful lives that glorify God and bring them lasting joy.

A longtime member of Ambassador Church, Chris has served in various roles throughout the years and was elected Lead Pastor in 2016. Under his leadership, the church is being transformed into a missional movement of spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy believers who are committed to impacting the world with the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.

Chris has also worked across a wide range of organizational settings, providing leadership and insight on institution-building and civic engagement to elected officials, organizational leaders, community organizers, and fellow faith leaders. He holds a BA in Civic & Political Engagement from Northeastern Illinois University and a Masters of Bible and Theology from Northwest University.

Chris and his amazing wife, Aziza, are the proud parents of six wonderful children.

Worship Director: Erin Copeland

Erin Copeland has been a part of the Chicago City Life Center since 2020. She leads the CCLC Praise and Worship team, dedicated to worshiping the Lord with a unified sound. Worship is not just an act; it’s a lifestyle and a commitment that requires attentiveness to God’s word.

Erin’s desire is to glorify the Lord by developing worship-leading techniques that enhance both spiritual and musical abilities of team members.

“Together, we lift up one sound, united in one Spirit and in one voice.”

Youth Ministry Director: Cashay Page

Cashay Page leads our ministry for students in grades 6 through 12. She is a lifelong member of the Chicago City Life Center. She is passionate about reaching the South Side of Chicago students. Cashay’s goal is to nurture each student’s spiritual growth, helping them develop a closer relationship with Jesus and understand the incredible things He has done to equip them for a lifetime of faith and purpose. Additionally, she plans to engage the youth in mission trips, providing opportunities to serve others, deepen their faith, and experience the joy of sharing God’s love in meaningful ways.

Children’s Ministry Director: Kaiyla Drake

Kaiyla Drake is the kid’s church leader at Chicago City Life Center. She has been attending CCLC her whole life and serving for half of it. From learning about Jesus to being able to teach others about him, each phase of her life with the church has been an experience she considers amazing. While learning and developing her own relationship with God, He revealed one of his visions for her is to teach children. Just like the leaders that poured into and introduced her to Jesus, Kaiyla aims to help children learn who Jesus is.

“Throughout this learning process I have the hope that your child will begin to develop their own relationship with Jesus and be transformed.” 

Chicago City Life Center Board

Melinet Ellison, Kurtis Ellison, Janisley Jackson