Pastor Jim Erb

During Jim’s freshman year of High School, a young couple started working with his church’s youth group and explained to him how he could have a personal relationship with God. As a result, Jim placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord on November 23, 1973. Jim’s life direction changed as a result of that decision. He decided to seek God with all of his heart and follow His leading for his life.

Jim attended Clarion State College (now Clarion University of Pennsylvania) because of its active Campus Crusade for Christ ministry. Invaluable spiritual lessons were the fruit of his four year involvement with this group of committed Christians. Not only did he grow in his understanding, he also developed skills that continue to aid his ministry today. In May 1981 he received his Bachelor of Science degree in the area of Speech Communication and Theater.

After two years in the workforce, Jim entered seminary to further cultivate his head and heart for ministry. He graduated in 1988 with a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL.

While serving an internship, Jim was hired to serve on the pastoral staff at the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey in Hershey, PA, where he ministered for 7 years (1987-1994). Jim’s major ministry responsibilities involved working with young, single adults, as well as developing the evangelism and discipleship ministries of the church.

In God’s providence, Jim was then asked to plant a church in Orlando, FL with the Southeastern District of the Evangelical Free Church of America. He accepted the challenge and was used by God to start Oakwood Church (now Crossway Community Church) on the east side of Orlando. He ministered in Orlando from 1994 to 2000.

In 2000, God brought him to the Evangelical Free Church of Lena where he has served ever since as the Senior Pastor. Jim is currently working to complete a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in the area of church management and leadership.

Jim has been married to Suzy since June 22, 1985 and has 3 children - Elizabeth, Joshua, and Daniel. He enjoys walking his two dogs, Scooter and Jackson, cheering on the Chicago Bears and enjoying different coffees from around the world.