Meet Our Leaders

Tony grew up locally in Fort Ann, NY. He didn’t grow up in church but thankfully was introduced to Jesus Christ when he was twenty one years old. Although he grew up fearing God, his relationship was not right with Him. Fortunately, God brought a young lady, named April Rathbun, into his life who shared the Good News about Jesus with him; she later became his wife! One evening in February of 1994, after spending several weeks reading his Bible and listening to April share, he prayed and asked Jesus to come into his heart and forgive him of his sins. From that point forward his life was changed forever!

Tony and April met while serving together on the Fort Ann Rescue Squad. They have two children. Tony spent 14 years working as a Correction Officer before being called into pastoral ministry. Tony and his family enjoy spending time together, hiking, hunting, and riding snowmobiles.

Wife: April Rathbun
Married: 12-10-94

Children: Adam (1998)
Emma (2001)

Tony’s birth date: Nov. 3, 1972
Hometown: Fort Ann, NY

When he came to know Jesus: 1994

When he was called into ministry: 2009

Favorite music: Casting Crowns, Hillsong, and Third Day

Favorite movies: Gladiator, Dances With Wolves

Favorite hobbies/pastimes:  Spending time with family,  snowmobiling, hunting, and hiking

Dream vacation: A cross country camping trip with my family

Little known fact about Tony: He is scared to death of heights.  He scored his first ever soccer goal for Lake George; unfortunately, he was playing for Fort Ann!

Special Bible verse
Philippians 4:13 (life verse) – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Mathew 28:19-20 (ministry verse) – Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

My name is Chris, and I have the pleasure of serving as “Co-Pastor” at Stony Creek Community Church. I am a native of the great state of West Virginia, and until recently I was the youngest of a small family. I am a proud graduate of both Liberty University and the Word of Life Bible Institute. I have been involved in some type of fulltime ministry for the better part of 9 years now.

When I was only 7, I first recognized that I had a sin problem. It was at that time that I put my trust and faith in Jesus, who died on the cross for me and paid the sin debt that I owed. I was later baptized as a symbolic display of the cleansing work of God saving me from my sins thru His son. I remained active in church growing up, and I was able to go on several mission trips. However, it was not unit I was out of high school that I surrendered to the Lord’s call on my life to full-time ministry.

In 2012, I attended the Word of Life in Hudson, FL. Following that tremendous year of spiritual growth that took place in my life, I decided to participate in an internship at Word of Life’s New York campus. It was here that I fell in love with local church ministry and was first introduced to Stony Creek Community Church.

My first connection to this church began in Fall 2014, when I was blessed with the opportunity to help organize and lead the youth ministry in what was then a young church. Back then, the church still met in the fire station, and the youth group met at Pastor Tony and April’s house. I was grateful for the experiences and the lifelong friendships that were made. God has indeed used that season in my life to bring me to where I am today!

Over the past 6 years, I served as a youth pastor and addiction recovery advocate in my home state of West Virginia. In Spring 2021, God set the stage for my return to Stony Creek. With God’s sovereign leading, I was able to return to the Adirondacks and become a co-pastor alongside Pastor Tony. Although the “hike” has at times been challenging, the journey has been an incredible on that God has proven to be faithfully and supportive in!

 

Chris’ birth date: Sept 16, 1991
Hometown: Clendenin, WV

When he came to know Jesus: 1997

When he was called into ministry: January 2012

Favorite music: Rend Collective, Earth Wind and Fire

Favorite movies: The Patriot, Star Wars, Forrest Gump

Favorite hobbies/pastimes:  College Football, Hiking, Camping, Travel, Axis and Allies

Dream vacation: Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland

Little known fact about Chris: I was such a troublemaker in 5^th grade, that my desk was put right beside my teacher Mrs. Ross’ desk.

Special Bible verse: Roman 12:1

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies bas a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”