If you spend time around the LCMS Northern Illinois District, chances are you will encounter Kris Whitby helping congregations, schools, and ministries strengthen their mission and ministry efforts.

Since joining the District staff in January 2020, Kris has served as Assistant to the President – Mission and Ministry. His work touches many areas of District life, including developing Bible study resources, helping congregations build vision for ministry, supporting international ministry efforts in Belize, and administering the District’s grant programs. At the heart of it all is a desire to help congregations and ministries faithfully share Christ’s love through Word, Sacrament, and witness in their communities.

Before joining the District staff, Kris served for 24 years as a parish pastor, including ministries in Jacksonville, Florida, and most recently as Senior Pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church and School in Mt. Prospect. Those years of congregational ministry continue to shape his approach as he works alongside pastors, church workers, and lay leaders throughout northern Illinois.

Kris is especially grateful for the opportunity to help coordinate ministry efforts and resources which position local congregations to carry out their unique missions. He finds great joy in supporting ministries that care for Jesus’ disciples while developing a winsome and joyful witness to those who have yet to know Christ.

Family is one of God’s great blessings in Kris’s life. He and his wife, Marguerita, recently settled in Mt. Prospect after many years in Arlington Heights and Palatine. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Brad and Kathryn, and their spouses, Lacey and Brent. Today, much of Grandma and Grandpa’s attention is joyfully focused on their three grandchildren—Colby, Harry, and Avery—whose laughter and love bring tremendous joy to family gatherings.

When asked about favorite Bible passages, Kris points to Galatians 6:9–10, which serves as a guiding theme for his ministry. These verses encourage Christians not to grow weary in doing good while reminding believers to care for all people and especially for fellow believers. He also treasures Isaiah 43:1–3a, where God promises His presence amid life’s challenges and reminds His people that they are known, redeemed, and called by name.

Interestingly, Kris did not originally plan to become a pastor. As a young man, he envisioned a career as an attorney. Through the encouragement of pastors, vicars, church members, and especially his pastor, Rev. Art Schudde, the Lord gradually directed his path toward church work. Looking back on more than 30 years in the Office of the Holy Ministry, Kris is thankful for those faithful mentors who modeled a love for God’s Word, God’s people, and a life of prayer.

For Kris, ministry is ultimately about helping people encounter the love of Christ. Whether working with a congregation, supporting a ministry initiative, or developing resources for the District, his goal remains the same: to help position God’s people to faithfully share the hope found in Jesus.

We are thankful for Kris’s work with the LCMS Northern Illinois District, and we pray for God’s continued blessings on her and her family.