WHO WE ARE

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Our Staff

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Senior Pastor

Matt Sfura

I grew up in Southern Indiana and became a Christian as a sophomore at Ball State University. I met my wife Leslie on a Summer Mission with Cru during college, and we have been married for over 25 years. While in college, God used the ministry of Cru to rescue each of us from a self-oriented life and gave us a vision of how ordinary people who trust Him can be used to help others to know Christ personally. Leslie and I served with Cru for over 20 years, reaching students for Christ, before I transitioned into the Senior Pastor role at GCBC. We have four children: Madeline, David, Josh, and Sam. We believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful to change lives, as God’s word says and as we have personally experienced in countless ways.

Associate pastor

Jonah Wilson

I grew up in central Illinois, and I have lived here most of my life. Though I don’t remember a time that I wasn’t involved in church growing up, it wasn’t until the end of high school and beginning of college that I came to more fully embrace the good news of the gospel of Jesus, seeking to follow Jesus in the daily realities of my life. Since then, I’ve studied at Greenville University and Denver Seminary, which have been formative experiences for who I am today and how I minister to others. I consider it a privilege to serve at GCBC, and my work allows me to serve our church in a variety of ways: teaching and preaching, providing leadership for Christian education, engaging our students, serving on the missions committee, and providing general pastoral care. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading good books, and playing and watching sports. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and grow together as disciples of Jesus.

Worship Leader

Conlan Cymbalak

I was born and raised in south-central Wisconsin and have lived there for my whole life until college. I grew up in a strong Christian home with two parents who loved the Lord, including my dad who served as a full-time pastor for 14 years. I came to accept Christ as my Savior when I was 5 after my mom shared the gospel with me. Even though I didn’t fully know what entailed being a Christ-follower I put my faith in Christ and have gradually grown in my faith since then. I began to get involved in music ministry at church in 7th grade as I sang in my church’s choir and played drums with the praise band. From there I also began to sing and play piano in praise band, conduct choirs, lead a few college worship bands, and traveled with music groups from Cedarville University. I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for my future as I serve here at GCBC.

administrative assistant and growth groups coordinator

Bonnie Arends

It is an honor to serve at the Gibson City Bible Church in the role of Administrative Assistant since 2007 and Growth Group Coordinator since Fall 2018. My husband, Randy & I have been members of GCBC for over 30 years. During that time we have experienced firsthand the blessings of belonging to a local church family: being nurtured in our faith, mentored, and serving in various ways alongside others all to the Glory of God. Please feel free to call, visit or e-mail me if I can serve or assist you in any way.

Children's Ministry Coordinator

Jessica Birky

I am a follower of Jesus, farmer’s wife and mom of 2 boys. I was born and raised in Champaign-Urbana, received my B.S in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 2007, and married Matt in 2010. I taught Kindergarten for 4 years until our first son, Maddux, was born in 2012. Some of my favorite things to do are exercise, read and chase my boys around the farm. It wasn’t until I was 22 that I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Because of that, I have a passion for children’s ministry. Joining the GCBC staff in 2017 has been such a blessing. I have the pleasure of overseeing various children’s programs while still teaching and ministering to our children. I also enjoy the opportunity to connect with parents and families as we navigate our parenting journey together. If you have any questions about our children’s programs please do not hesitate to email me or find me on Facebook.

bookkeeper

Peggy Stalter

I was born and raised in the Fisher/Foosland Illinois area. Having been blessed with wonderful Christian parents, I grew up in the Dewey Mennonite Church where I made the decision as a young child to give my life to Christ. After marrying my late husband some 40-plus years ago I have been involved with the Gibson City Bible Church ever since. I have two children, a son and a daughter, who are both married, and two beautiful grandchildren. I attended Parkland College from where I received an associate in accounting. I think it to be humbling and a privilege to serve my church family as the bookkeeper. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at any time.

Go Team Coordinator

Sarah Wilson

I was born and raised in central Illinois and consider it a great privilege to serve and worship alongside people who have known me for a large portion of my life. Being involved with missions has allowed me to use my gifts to help facilitate GCBC’s global reach! What a gift. When not working at church, I work at The Forgotten Initiative and enjoy spending time with family and exercising. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or just want to connect. We’re grateful you’re here!

Nursery Coordinator

Joanna Young

I grew up with 8 sisters and 6 brothers in Silverton, Oregon, and we love to visit often! I find joy in delicious coffee, traveling, and spontaneous adventures with my kids. I became a nurse in 2014 and have enjoyed living out my passion for advocating and caring for others. I married my husband in 2012 and we welcomed our first child in 2017, followed by our twin girls in 2019. Life as parents has opened our eyes to the Lord’s example of continuous grace and patience. I’ve always had a desire for loving and understanding children. I believe in the importance of raising a child up to know Jesus, beginning in infancy. I’m so honored to be part of the journey of ministering to the children at GCBC and enjoy connecting with their families in this season of parenting littles. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas for growth!

To glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ in Gibson City and the world.

Mission

We will pursue this Mission through ministries of:


  • Worship that uplifts the Name of Jesus Christ;
  • Fellowship and caring within the body; and
  • Teaching of the Word and equipping of believers;
  • Outreach in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ

Doctrinal Statement

What We Believe

We believe in . . .


  • one God, eternally existing in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
  • the Old and New Testaments as inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings
  • the Creation of man by the direct act of God
  • the incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; His identification as the Son of God; His substitutionary atonement for the sins of mankind by shedding His blood on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the tomb; His ascension into Heaven; His personal, bodily, imminent pre-millennial return; His power to save men from sin;
  • the new birth through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit and the gift of eternal life by the grace of God
  • a literal Heaven, the final abode of the saved and literal Hell, the final abode of the unsaved.
Learn more

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Plan a Visit

We'd love for you to come and attend a service. Caring and safe childcare is provided during the service for infants through 5th Grades.  Watch a service online and, when you're ready, join us in person!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

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