Staff
Rev. Chris Kile
Hello! My name is Rev. Chris Kile (“Pastor Chris”) and I am very happy to meet you! I began my ministry here at the Neshanic Reformed Church on August 17, 2020. Born in Kingsville Texas, I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church and grew up in that denomination, nurtured by churches in Texas, Connecticut, Missouri and Pennsylvania as my family moved in support of my father’s career in a major chemical company. I grew up participating extensively in the church choir, Sunday School and youth fellowships and continued my affiliation with the Presbyterian Church, (USA) as an adult in Virginia and again in Texas before graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2001. Since then, I have served congregations in Hopewell NJ, Ivyland PA, and Cranford NJ.
For the past twenty years in parish ministry, guided by Christ’s “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:I8-20) I have come to believe that the church is called, first and foremost to welcome and grow disciples for Jesus Christ. With that in mind, I seek to encourage congregations to be like great extended families, providing nurturing and caring home for those disciples, no matter what their age. In addition to my parish work, I am also being trained to serve as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and look forward to using those skills as part of my vocation
Sharing my life with me are my wife Ashley and our children Jamie, Tia, Andrew and Cora. Throughout their lives, my kids have been shown love and guidance by many caring Christian “aunts” and “uncles.” I could not ask for a more nurturing environment for my children than the church. A social worker by training, advocating for foster children, people affected by HIV/AIDS, and children challenged by autism, Ashley serves as the Director of Youth Ministries for the Christ Church United Church of Christ in Summit New Jersey. To that ministry, she brings not only a passion for youth, but also for international missions having served in Kenya, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Zambia.
So there’s a little information about me. I do look forward to the ministry that we’ll share together in the years ahead at Neshanic. Even as we cope with the scourge of COVID, it’s an exciting time with much to do! Do not hesitate to contact me any time you want to talk about life, God, and our mutual ministry. Until then, know that God loves you so much. I look forward to meeting you!