With Rev. Shane Bishop's strengths of vision casting, preaching, passion, soul winning and leadership, Christ Church weekend worship attendance has increased five-fold, from approximately 200 in 1996 to over 1,200 weekly in 2009.
His Bible-based sermons and passion for extending the church outreach to those in need at home and around the world is matched by the commitment of individuals and families who attend Christ Church. All are encouraged to follow their passion in creating new opportunities to reach others for Jesus Christ. The Methodist Church / Illinois Great River Annual Conference has recognized this growth and outreach of Christ Church with its 2002, 2007 and 2008 Awards for Church Growth and Evangelism for Large Churches.
A former history teacher and coach, Shane holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in History Education. An Elder in the United Methodist Church Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Shane graduated cum laude in 1992 from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While at Candler, he received the Rollins Scholarship Award for his strong academic work and effectiveness in pastoral leadership at the St. James-Manchester Charge in Manchester, Georgia.
From 1992-1997 he served the Sumner/Beulah Charge in Sumner, Illinois and was appointed to Christ Church as its senior pastor in 1997.
Elected in 2000, 2004 and 2008 to represent the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC) at General and Jurisdictional Conferences, Shane is a member of the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee. Shane received the Denman Evangelism Award in 1996 from the UMC Southern Illinois Conference and was inducted into the World Methodist Evangelism Council’s "Order of the FLAME" in 1999. He has traveled extensively around the world in mission and ministry.
He resides in Belleville with his wife of 26 years, Melissa, and has two adult children and one grandson. He loves the Smoky Mountains, playing competitive softball and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Email: Rev. Shane
