Harvest Bible Chapel Hires Lead Teaching Pastor

ROLLING MEADOWS, Illinois —  Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has expanded its leadership team by appointing Dr. Jeff Bucknam as Lead Teaching Pastor.  Harvest Bible Chapel is a family of thousands, with Christ-adoring worshipers on multiple campuses throughout Chicagoland. Built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and framed by 5 pillars — unapologetic preaching, unashamed adoration, unceasing prayer, unafraid witness, and unconditional love — Harvest Bible Chapel was launched on September 18, 1988, at Rolling Meadows High School with 207 in attendance.

Pastor Jeff currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Northview Community Church (NVCC) in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, a role he has served in since 2008. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Seattle, Washington. He holds a double B.A. in history and communications from Western Washington University, an M. Th. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a D. Min. from Talbot School of Theology. Previously, he taught at Pathways College in Auckland, New Zealand. He also held a Teaching Pastor position at Hope Community Church in Nelson, New Zealand.

Pastor Jeff will bring a passion for God’s Word, a love for God’s people, and a desire to train leaders and send them out for expanded gospel ministry. His commitment is to the expository preaching of God’s Word.

Pastor Jeff described his experience with Vanderbloemen and his excitement for his new role as Lead Teaching Pastor with Harvest Bible Chapel, “What a difference Vanderbloemen has made to the search process for a new ministry position! I have been involved in similar processes from both sides of the table over the years and this one was by far the best. I was told exactly what to expect all along the way, I was given clear guidance regarding time frames, but best of all I was treated as a brother in Christ whose work for the Gospel was valued and appreciated. I couldn't be more excited about the new opportunity God has opened for me at Harvest Bible Chapel. I am looking forward to serving the people of Chicago with all my energy, for the glory of God alone.”

Jay Mitchell, Senior Executive Search Consultant at Vanderbloemen who partnered with Harvest Bible Church on this search stated, “We have been so honored to partner with Harvest Bible Chapel on this search. Harvest Bible Chapel has had such a huge kingdom impact over the years as it has boldly proclaimed the Gospel and we are thrilled that they have called Jeff Bucknam to help lead the church in this next season. Jeff brings a unique blend of strong biblical teaching, leadership, authentic humility and grace that will be a blessing to Harvest Bible Chapel for years to come.”

Pastor Jeff and his wife Jeanne currently reside in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, with their two sons and daughter. Shortly, they will begin to make the transition to Chicagoland. Pastor Jeff plans to preach in person at Harvest Bible Chapel on May 23rd and May 30th. He is scheduled to start as Lead Teaching Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel on July 12th. We are grateful to have worked with Harvest Bible Chapel on this search and cannot wait to see what Pastor Jeff is able to accomplish in this new role.

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