225 E. Helen Road, Palatine, IL | 847.202.0930 | info@deergrove.org
DeerGrove Pastors &
Bi-Vocational Church
Lead Pastor
Pastor Taylor serves DeerGrove as bi-vocational lead pastor, including oversight of music worship. Prior to accepting DeerGrove’s call as lead pastor, Taylor served DeerGrove as youth pastor from 2017 to 2022. Taylor grew up in Springfield, IL and moved to Chicago in 2008 to attend North Park University where he received his undergraduate degree in Youth Ministry. He also holds his Masters of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary. Pastor Taylor, his wife Kara, and their two beautiful children, Ames and Elowynn, reside in Palatine. Together they enjoy traveling, making music, taking their dogs on family walks, and trying new restaurants.
Pastor Rick joined DeerGrove’s staff in 2017 as Assistant Pastor. This was the perfect opportunity for Rick to live out his desire for purpose and meaning for life after retiring from his position as President of Covenant Retirement Communities. Pastor Rick oversees DeerGrove’s congregational care ministry. This includes life groups, visitation and hospital calls, as well as opportunities to meet with individuals over coffee or a meal to hear their life stories. Rick and his wife Barbara, are long term members of DeerGrove.
Bi-Vocational Church Model
DeerGrove functions under a bi-vocational church model:
Lead Pastor - Taylor Sexton
Assistant Pastor Congregational Care – Rick Fisk
Leadership Team – Congregational-led oversight of church administration
Ministry Teams – Congregational-led teams including hospitality, music worship, technology, etc.
Sabbath Sundays – Months with five Sundays (see *below for details)
DeerGrove has a preaching team which includes our pastors, lay leaders, and guest preachers. The preaching team model helps to maximize the influence of God’s word rather than one pastor’s personality. It also brings a diversity of voices, backgrounds, and perspectives to the sharing of God’s Word with the congregation.
The Book of Acts provides us with the example of bi-vocational ministry first demonstrated by Paul. While making tents was Paul’s vocation and the way he supported his ongoing ministry, it was also meant to be an example to the church. In Acts 20:34-35, Paul points to his profession to demonstrate the application of Jesus’ teaching in action by quoting “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Paul’s job gave him access to the world he was trying to reach. As Paul worked, he shared Jesus with those in the marketplace.
DeerGrove is blessed by the many benefits of bi-vocational ministry including:
Strategic use of financial resources,
Pastors engaged in the community,
Modeling sacrificial giving,
Diversity of individuals sharing God’s Word, and
A congregation with volunteer leaders who actively support DeerGrove’s ministry.
We look forward to having you experience the joy of DeerGrove’s bi-vocational church!
*Sabbath Sundays - During months when there is a fifth Sunday (four to five times annually), the day is celebrated as a “Sabbath Sunday”. To give rest to our many volunteers, and in lieu of traditional worship service, we gather on Sabbath Sundays for a time of food, fellowship, and fun. Devotion and prayer are shared followed by a pot-luck brunch.
225 E. Helen Road
Palatine, IL 60067
847.202.0930
