Rev. Jon Nielson
Senior Pastor
Pastor Jon has served as Senior Pastor at CPC since 2017. He earned a BA in English literature at Wheaton College in 2005 and received both his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He was ordained in the PCA (Chicago Metro Presbytery) in 2010.
From 2015-2017, Pastor Jon was the student ministry director at Princeton University for Christian Union. Before that, he served at College Church in Wheaton from 2010-2015 and at Holy Trinity Church in Chicago from 2005-2009.
Jon and his wife Jeanne have four children. They love serving the CPC family, staying active together, and cheering on Chicago sports teams.
Jon is the author of several books and Bible studies (see HERE and HERE). Contact Jon at jon.nielson@cpcwheaton.com.
Brian Martin
Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
Brian and his wife Valerie became members of Christ Presbyterian Church in 2020. The clear expositional preaching, Christ-centered worship, and welcoming community all made CPC feel like home.
Brian received a BS in Communications Education from Miami University (OH) and a Master of Divinity from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. He served in various pastoral roles before moving to Wheaton ten years ago to start a job at Crossway, and both he and Val currently work with each other on the manufacturing team there.
They have three children: Caleb, Tobias, and Eleanor. He enjoys running, backpacking, and eating Val's delicious meals. Contact Brian at brian.martin@cpcwheaton.com
Caleb Odell
Associate Pastor for College and Youth
Caleb has been a member of Christ Pres. since the summer of 2018 soon after graduating from Wheaton College. He then received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in 2022.
Caleb grew up in Lincoln, NE, the son of PCA pastor, as one of five kids. He moved out to the Chicagoland area to attend Wheaton College where he got his B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and Business/Economics while also competing on the Wheaton Wrestling team.
He now lives in Wheaton, IL with his wife Elise and son Wayne where he enjoys reading, talking with people, and playing sports. Contact Caleb at caleb.odell@cpcwheaton.com
Joe Cristman
Assistant Pastor for Church Planting
Before joining CPC as its first church planting pastor, Joe served at Bethel Christian Church (PCA) as the Pastor of the Chicago location. Joe and his wife, Kristi, and children James and Kalli live in Lombard, and are excited to establish a PCA congregation in the Lombard area. Joe holds a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and was ordained with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) in November of 2017. Contact Joe at redeemerlombard@gmail.com
Kent Cochrum
Director of Music
Kent and his wife Cindy have been members of Christ Presbyterian Church since 2017. With an undergraduate degree in music performance from Wheaton College and a masters degree in music performance from Northwestern University, Kent has performed with multiple wind and vocal ensembles over the years and has led in countless worship settings.
“I enjoy many types of music, and worship music is my favorite. Whether leading from up front or singing in the congregation, there is nothing like participating in a gathering of people whose hearts and minds are fully engaged in response to the Lord’s goodness and greatness.”
Kent and his wife Cindy have four adult children, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. Contact Kent at kent.cochrum@cpcwheaton.com
Gail Mudra
Children's Ministries
I have been a member at CPC since 2020. After attending another local church for many years, we felt called to serve and worship at CPC, and first attended virtually. We are blessed to be a part of a wonderful community of believers.
Prior to coming to Christ Presbyterian Church, I served and worked in children’s ministry for nearly 15 years. I have a passion for and commitment to discipling children and empowering parents. I love Jesus and I love kids. Working with kids energizes me! It’s a wonderful blessing to help them know and love Jesus. Additionally, coming alongside parents to provide resources and a safe place for families to grow in faith is a great privilege.
My husband, Bob and I have two daughters and one son-in-law. Both daughters are currently living out-of-state and attending PCA churches—one in Washington DC and one in Philadelphia. Contact Gail at gail.mudra@cpcwheaton.com
Cindy Cochrum
Director of Women's Ministries
Cindy and her husband, Kent, have been members of CPC since 2017 and are thankful for CPC’s faithful commitment to the teaching and application of God’s Word and for the community of brothers and sisters who are committed to doing life together. Cindy received her undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS).
Cindy has served in women’s ministry for 20+ years. She loves studying God’s Word with women, walking with friends, baking, and hanging out with Kent, their four adult children, two daughters-in-law, and two amazing grandkids. Contact Cindy at cindy.cochrum@cpcwheaton.com.