About Us >

Meet the Team

Pastor & Elder

Jeromy Emerling

Jeromy was born and raised in Billings. He graduated from Northwestern University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with degrees in Biblical Studies and Journalism, and spent the first fifteen years of his post-college life working with marginalized communities in Christian community development work. Besides serving as a Pastor for several interim churches before being called to First Christian Church, Jeromy has also served as a trainer and mediator in the realm of biblical conflict resolution. The best part about our Pastor is his family; Jeromy is married to Deborah, and together they have five biological children, one foster child, and a menagerie of dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, and whatever else shows up on their doorstep. When given the chance, Jeromy enjoys fly-fishing, rafting, backpacking,walking, rock collecting, and anything else that allows him to be outside.




Pastor & Elder

Wes Muller

Wes grew up in Billings and after 22 years, God brought him back to serve Him here. He has a beautiful wife, Leslie and two amazing daughters, Addalee and Ellie. Wes went to bible college in Florida with a two-year plan that God turned into 10 before He saw fit to direct Wes back to Billings. He has experience with small church ministry as well as large church ministry and a diverse church background enabling God to use him in many different areas. Two areas he is really passionate about are teaching and small group ministry. He loves the outdoors but in reality, he is a workaholic and seldom gets out to enjoy it. His greatest pleasure comes from watching others grow in their relationship with the Lord to where they hear God’s voice on their own and step out in faith following Him.




Elder

Bob Hofmann

I have a been a member of First Christian Church for nearly seven years and an elder for around six years. I have lived in Montana all of my life and was raised in a Christian family. At about twelve years of age, I encountered Jesus personally and have sought to live my life in accordance to His will ever since. I have attended several different churches with different denominations during my life. Learning from the varying doctrines has given me a broad scope of knowledge. In addition, I have had the pleasure of having several mentors who are great theologians to teach me God’s nature, purpose, and plan. I would enjoy the opportunity to share some of this knowledge with anyone who seeks it.




Elder

Matt Krivonen

Matt has a big heart for people and for God. His life is filled with six kids and his wonderful wife, Laura. He pursues God through running in the morning, prayer, reading, working relationships, and trying new things.




Deacon

Justin Christofferson

Greetings! I grew up in a small Montana farming town with parents and a community that helped me build a solid foundation of faith from an early age. In college, I got connected to a campus ministry where Jesus captured my heart by inviting me into a much deeper, personal relationship with himself. My wife, Audrey, and I now work as campus staff for that ministry here in Billings with our toddler daughter by our side. We first got connected to First Christian back in the spring of 2022 as a part of a partnership with the church and our campus ministry. We quickly fell in love with the gospel-centered values and authenticity of the leaders and people in this church. I enjoy being outside, hosting and feeding people, and a good visit over coffee.




Deaconess

Terri Currid

I was born in Pocatello, ID and grew up in Idaho, Wyoming and Washington state. I have lived in several other states, as well as five foreign countries and two US territories. I was raised in the church and have been attending First C since moving to Billings about 8 or so years ago. It was the feeling of coming home when I first visited this church that first attracted me and has kept me coming here. I enjoy baking and cooking and working behind the scenes. I also have always been a bookworm; and I enjoy traveling and learning about this wonderful world that God has given us.




Deacon

John Geiger

I was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. In July 2012, my wife Melissa, our newborn son Caleb, and I relocated to Billings. Since 2004, Melissa and I have been involved in various ministries, both voluntarily and professionally. Upon moving to Billings, we joined First C congregation around 2014.

We've been blessed with two daughters, Adelyn and Emery. Sadly, our son Caleb passed away in a car accident and is now with his Savior. Melissa is currently an art teacher while pursuing her master's in counseling, and I serve as the Youth Works Director at CLDI.




Deaconess

Dixi Howery

Since 2008, Dixi has loved being a full-time stay-at-home mom after retiring from nursing, relishing the opportunity to immerse herself in her family life. She finds fulfillment in giving back to her community and lending her time and support to the church body. Married to her Montana native husband, Dan, since 2007, Dixi cherishes their two children and their journey together, which led them from Texas back to Billings in 2013. Family moments are treasured in her household and Dixi finds joy in volunteering, reading, and quilting.

 



Deaconess

Chanteal Stapler

Meet Chanteal from Billings, MT. Juggling roles as a wife, mom, ballet and Pilates instructor, and Family Promise coordinator, I'm deeply committed to serving God. As I take on the responsibilities of a deacon in our church, I'm excited to further extend my service, embracing the opportunity to serve God and support our church community.




Office Manager

Cindy Wodrich

My family and I joined First Christian church in 2015 after a season of searching. With young kids at home, and no real community, we finally found the place we "fit." In September of 2016 I joined the staff as office manager. My husband and I have four children; one daughter, and three sons. Our kiddos keep us very busy these days! We are avid cheerleaders for their activities and have loved watching softball, football, soccer, choir, and band, to name a few! We have loved finding our community at First Christian church and we are proud to raise our children in such a welcoming environment.




Custodian

Julia Kroll

My family and I have been members of First Christian since 2020. My husband and I were married here at First C in 2022 and I have been on staff since September 2023. I love this place and look forward to raising my kids in this church and growing closer to God.




Nursery

Sierra Sauskojus

Meet Sierra from Billings, MT. During a season filled with many firsts, God led Sierra and her family to First Christian Church. Since 2022, she, her husband Colin, and their two children have grown to cherish being part of their church family.

Sierra is a stay-at-home mom with over a decade of experience working in the field of graphic design. Her current path of life combines the responsibilities of home life with her creative expertise, allowing Sierra to balance family while honing her skills in the ever-evolving, artistic field of design.

In her free time, Sierra loves to travel, spend time with her family, and rock hound whenever she can - especially on the Yellowstone river. 




Children's Ministry

Danielle Eldridge

I have been attending First Christian for the last 2 years. My husband and I are raising 2 active boys. Growing up, church family was always an important part my life and one of my biggest support systems. For our family, becoming part of this church family was a result of a thoughtful, prayerful, and reflective faith journey. I am passionate about working with children both at church and in my professional life, as a child counselor. In Mark 13, Jesus says “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” I find so much joy in children’s curiosity and excitement for learning about God. I am excited to foster children’s growth and learning and to work with so many caring adults to help grow our children in their faith walk.




Youth Ministry

Calvin and Jess Peterson

I love worship and have been leading worship since I was 15. It is an incredible honor and it’s what brought our family to First Christian in 2021. My husband Calvin and I have been in Montana for 9 years. Before that, we were born and raised in Minnesota. I have a degree in Youth Development and Biblical Studies and have a passion for discipleship through relationship with teens. We have always been involved in worship and youth ministry since we were teenagers and we love serving First Christian in this way. We are so blessed to now have three little girls! I love homemaking and outdoorsy things. It's a joy to be part of the family here at First Christian and we are so grateful the Lord brought us here.