MEET PASTOR RESIDENT ETHAN

CAMPUS PASTOR RESIDENT ETHAN WENTZLAFF

Ethan grew up in a Christian home where he was taught to love the Lord and His Word. He is the fourth of seven kids, and spent his first 18 years at the Aurora Campus. Even though he knew the truth from an early age, his faith didn’t really become his own until his freshman year of high school.

One Wednesday night at youth group at the Sugar Grove Campus, Ethan realized he was a sinner in need of a Savior. That night, he placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and it was there that he was later baptized. 

Through middle school and high school, youth group was the highlight of Ethan’s week. It’s where he felt most at home and where he really started to grow in his walk with Christ. He went on several mission trips and to many fall camps. After one mission trip, Mario asked if he had ever thought about preaching. Honestly, the thought terrified him; he had never wanted to be in front of people. But God had other plans. The Lord began working in Ethan’s heart, convicting him and opening doors that he couldn’t ignore. 

Since graduating, Ethan has had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by Pastor Mario and Pastor Jeremy. Now, as a pastoral resident, he gets to serve in three areas: 1) He is part of the leadership team and the preaching team at the Naperville campus. 2) He serves as the middle-school ministry coordinator at the Sugar Grove campus. 3) He is the ministry coordinator for The Grove, which is a ministry to young adults at the Sugar Grove campus. 

Ethan is thankful for the opportunity to serve and is excited about how God is at work in and through him. Village Bible Church has been a blessing in his life, first helping him grow in his faith, and now in giving him opportunities to help others do the same.