Matt Joiner became the Planting Pastor at Redemption City Church in April of 2023. Originally from Channahon, IL, he grew up in church but did not become a Christian until he was 20 years old. Shortly after Matt began following Christ, he felt God calling him to full-time ministry. In 2007 Matt moved to Louisville, KY, where he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving his Master of Divinity in Christian Ministries. While at Southern, Matt became the Student Pastor at a local church and served in that role for 9 ½ years. During his second year at Southern, he married the love of his life, Erin. Matt and Erin have two daughters, Ezra Mae and Ivy Louise, who are an absolute joy and blessing. Matt became the Associate Pastor at Redeemer Church Rockford in 2017. He developed several ministries at Redeemer Rockford, including the Children and Family Ministry, Life Group Ministry, Overseas Missions, and Biblical Soul Care Ministry. Matt is working on getting his Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.) at Southern Seminary in Biblical Counseling.

Matt is passionate about the church of Jesus Christ. He desires to see every Christian do their part for the Great Commission by sharing their faith and making disciples of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.

Darin and his wife, Sarah, were married in May of 2000 and moved to Belvidere in August that same year.  Coming to Redeemer in 2011, both serve in Redeemer Kids and as Life Group leaders. The Lord has blessed them with 4 children: Alexandria, Gabriella, Eliana, and Dane.  Darin is employed by the Belvidere School District as a middle school behavior interventionist, and Sarah is an amazing home-school mom. They love to spend time with each other (even after remodeling their home for the past 18-and still counting-years!) and their kids.  Darin also enjoys running, especially with his children.

June and her husband Chris started attending Redeemer Church in 2008. In 2017, she joined Redeemer’s staff as the children’s ministry coordinator. Since then, she also has served as ministry assistant, and is currently Director of Church Operations for Redemption City Church. She utilizes her gifts to keep the church functioning well, knowing it is the Lord who will cultivate growth.  

June holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she met Chris. They have two children, Calvin and Isabel, who are growing in their understanding and wisdom in the Lord. June loves spending time in museums, visiting new cities, dreaming of travel in Europe, and having deep conversations with friends and family.  

The Lord saved Mackenzie in 2019, and then placed in her a love for Him and deep desire to glorify Him through her life. She stepped into the Kids Coordinator position in April 2023, at the start of Redemption City Church. Through preparing lessons, managing volunteers, and overseeing Kid’s Service, her prayer is that Redemption’s children will find their delight and hope in Christ alone. She is passionate about cultivating environments where children are taught Truth both through teaching at church and parent discipleship at home.  

In her free time, you can find her outside enjoying the sun, studying as she pursues her degree in education, or planning her October 2023 wedding to her middle school sweetheart, Simeon. 

As Deacon of Global Outreach, Jamie Opperman brings a passion for reaching the lost and caring for the “least of these” around the world. In the future, he will also work on global missions opportunities and missionary care.

He and his wife Adeline started Purchase With A Purpose (now Christmas Market) in 2016 when God prompted them to care for the most vulnerable around the world. They have 2 kids, Landon and Lana. Jamie enjoys traveling and being outdoors with his family.