Who We Are

The Staff

Mike McCartney
Lead Pastor

Pastor Michael McCartney's life is a testament to the transformative power of faith. From a childhood marred by violence and anger, he found redemption through encountering Jesus in the lives of others. Inspired by the remarkable transformations he witnessed, Pastor Mike embarked on his own spiritual journey. With a Master's in Biblical Studies and a degree in Pastoral Ministry, he has been in ministry for over 43 years, guiding and counseling others with a specialization in Chemical Dependency Counseling.

Now serving as the Lead Pastor at Christian Hills Church/School since 2008, Pastor Mike shares the message of freedom, peace, and joy found in Christ. His impactful sermons have reached millions worldwide, as he remains dedicated to spreading the enduring love of Jesus. Beyond his ministry, Pastor Mike finds immense joy in his personal life. He enjoys spending time with his wife Kathy, his three daughters, and 7 grandchildren. He also loves reading, golfing, hunting, and spending time in the great outdoors.

Gayle Bergstrand
School Principal

Gayle Bergstrand grew up in the Chicagoland area. She graduated from Trinity Christian College and Governor’s State University. She is married to Scott, whom she met at Christian Hills Church in their youth group, and together have two children and one grandchild. Gayle has attended Christian Hills Church since 1983. She started teaching at Christian Hills School in 1991. Overall, she has taught for 20 years and been the school’s administrator for 11 years. Gayle loves the Lord and strives to have every student at Christian Hills School know who God is, and build on that foundation in every area of their lives.

Ashley Johnson
Worship & Creative Pastor

Ashley grew up in Wisconsin and relocated to the Chicagoland area in 2012 after completing a music program in Texas. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Worship & the Arts from West Coast Bible College and Seminary. Ashley has faithfully been serving Christian Hills Church since 2012 before becoming the Worship & Creative Pastor in 2017 and playing a vital role in the worship ministry. After stepping down in 2023 to welcome her fourth child, she returned in January 2025 to lead the worship team full-time again, bringing her passion and excitement for guiding the church in worshiping Jesus.

In addition to leading worship, Ashley oversees social media, the church website, the Creative Team, and graphic design projects. In her free time, she enjoys coffee, playing the piano, singing, creating art in many forms, and spending quality time with her husband, Vernon, and their four children: Emerson, Harlowe, Deklan, and Cooper.

Vernon Johnson
Executive Pastor

Vernon grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where he felt a strong call to ministry during his high school years. This passion led him to a youth internship followed by a year long discipleship program called Masters Commission. He answered God's call to Moody Bible College, where he graduated in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry.

In October 2017, Vernon was ordained through the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies. He has been serving Christian Hills Church since 2012 and stepped into the role of Executive Pastor in January 2025. In his position, Vernon oversees some of the weekly operations, finances, preaching, assimilation, technology, and provides assistance wherever needed.

Outside of his ministry, Vernon enjoys quality time with his wife, Ashley, and their four children. In his free time, he can often be found playing with his kids, riding his road bike, or reading theology.

Kim Blohm
Secretary

Kim grew up in Tinley Park and earned an Associate’s Degree from Moraine Valley Community College. Her children began attending Christian Hills School in 2010, and she and her family have been active members of Christian Hills Church since 2015.

Kim joined the staff at Christian Hills School in 2020 and expanded her role in June 2024 by taking on office responsibilities at Christian Hills Church. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, playing games, and spending time with her family and friends. Kim and her husband Eric have four children: Ethan, Caden, Kendall, and Harper.

Jenny Gillies
Accountant

Jenny has deep roots in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, where she attended Christian Hills Church from 1980 to 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, and began her career as the accountant for Christian Hills School in 2008. In June of 2024, she expanded her role by taking over the church accounting responsibilities, and she continues to serve in both positions.

Jenny is also an active member of a sister church of Christian Hills, Solutions Church in Matteson, IL, where she attends with her husband and their three daughters, all of whom graduated from Christian Hills School.

Outside of work, Jenny enjoys a variety of activities including reading, cooking, taking walks, spending quality time with her family, savoring a good cup of coffee, and homeschooling her youngest daughter for high school.

Past & Present

Founded in 1927, Christian Hills Church is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Holy-spirit inspired church that loves God and people everywhere. We are a member of the Fellowship Of Christian Assemblies (FCA) which has hundreds of churches across the globe.

Joshua Willis
Family Pastor

Joshua is from Farmington Hills, Michigan. He grew up attending a small Christian K-12th grade school connected to a church much like Christian Hills School. From there, he attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan (you should really go check out the Tulips!), where he received two Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Biblical Studies & Ministry. Most importantly, he met his lovely fiancée (soon-to-be wife) Kylea, and they will be getting married this summer. 

Beyond his formal education, Joshua has spent much of his life involved in ministry. He has participated and led various ministry areas at his home church in Hazel Park, Michigan, including co-leading the Young Adult ministry. Most recently, he completed an internship with City Hill Church, leading their Youth Ministry program. Josh has a heart for ministry, the truth of the Gospel, and helping youth and young adults experience a real, powerful relationship with God in their everyday lives!

When he’s not reading his Bible or running small group activities, you’ll likely find Josh reading a good book, eating Chipotle (his favorite food spot) or playing basketball. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family & friends and watching the latest Star Wars or Marvel movie!

Alex Moran
Intern Children’s Pastor

Alexander Moran is from Momence, IL, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Studies at Christian Life College. His passion for ministry stems from the life-changing impact of Jesus in his own life, which fuels his commitment to helping others experience that same transformation.

With several years of volunteer experience working with children, Alex now serves as the Intern Children’s Pastor and oversees all of Christian Hills Church children’s ministries. He is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn about the true character of Jesus through sound biblical teaching.

Outside of ministry, Alex enjoys playing football, basketball, and golf, and values spending quality time with his friends and family.