Elder: James Bardwell

My parents worked with people of other cultures and nations in Africa. Since growing up in Africa I've often gravitated toward internationals. In 1989 I moved to Illinois to begin an MA at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Shortly after starting there I visited Chicago International Church as a way to meet up with my college roommate who was attending Moody at the time. I quickly made friends and really felt part of the family. So much so that I'd often drive down from Deerfield, IL on Saturday, stay the night with friends/families in the church and then make a full day of fellowship before heading back to my more lonely life at school.

Since I'd been a member at my previous church I early on decided to become a member at CIEFC. I was elected to the Board as Executive Secretary--though I felt small to the task. But the challenge matured me. I loved serving and over the years was also Treasurer and Chair. In 1999 I was asked and elected to serve as an Elder. At the time I felt 'too young', but God grew my faith as I sought to please and obey Him more deeply. When Sam & Sharon Mall left to do church planting I helped on the Pastoral Search Committee, not knowing then that it would be a five year long, faith challenging process. Yet God's power and faithfulness were displayed in the calling of Pastor Martin Stidham and his family.

Over the 20+ years that I've been at CIEFC many more people have come and gone--all around the globe--than I can remember. Yet I hope some day to see each one, and from another very different vantage point to see the wonders of God's faithfulness working through a church that desires to honor Him and love people.

On February 24, 2007 I married a godly and lovely wife, Lieve, who grew up on Belgium. On October 3, 2009 God placed Hannah Elizabeth into our family. God is great and good.

Elder: Dale Voelker

I have been a member of the International Church for 9 years, and an elder for 5 years. I play keyboard, and lead Bible studies for seekers.

I am a Professor of Music at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois since 1995. I have studied in Germany and France, and have taken the Judson choir on many internatonal tours. I studied at Central Michigan University and Northwestern University, where I earned a Doctorate in Music. I also conduct the Washington Kantorei, a chamber chorus in Washington DC that specializes in unpublished choral music of the Baroque and 20th century. As an organist, I have played recitals in many countries in Europe and the United States

Elder: Brian Talbot

I was born and raised in South West Michigan. I came to Chicago in 1987 to attend Moody Bible Institute. I graduated from Moody in 1992 (diploma, '91) with a BA in Theology. I have served our church through the Board and lately as an Elder. I seek to serve the church through Biblical education.

Chicago International Church Board members

Back row (left to right): Brian Talbot, Martin Stidham, Dale Voelker, James Bardwell
Front row( left to right): Del Larkin, Cindy Gordon, Barbara Stidham, Andreas Agung