Staff Bio
Joseph Barlow, Senior Pastor
Pastor Joe has been involved in leading worship for 34 years, is a recording artist, has a degree in music, and was a Bible School teacher at Word of Life School of Ministry, Praise Fellowship Church, Carol Stream. He later served as the Director of the Bible Training Center at Living Word Christian Center, Forest Park, IL.
Pastor Joe has been married to his wife, Nancy, for 22 years and has seven children. He was trained for the ministry by Pastor Van Gale of Praise Fellowship Church, Carol Stream and Pastor Bill Winston of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, Illinois where he is ordained under Faith Ministries Alliance.
Rob Ritacco, Assistant Pastor
If you’ve met Rob, it was probably a pleasant experience. His bright spirit and attitude are icing on the cake of a man who functions in the fruit of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, and in a strong gift of administration. Along with Pastor Joe, he works full-time at Family Life.
Rob, a recent graduate of Charis Bible College, spent 27 years working for a secular company then answered the call to the ministry. In his second year at Charis, he did an internship with Pastor Joe to help him get the ministry started. After graduation, he was hired full time. Rob enjoys spending time with his wife Monica and their two children, Mike and Gina. He has a heart for missions and has been to Africa twice. His true passion in life is Jesus Christ. Rob was ordained on January 25, 2008 by Andrew Wommack.
Roger Flanagan, Associate Minister
Roger flows easily in the gifts of the Spirit. He has a pastoral calling upon his life, and has served the body of Christ in the helps ministry, prophesying, and as a teacher. Roger has a compassionate heart for those who need healing, and leads the healing ministry at Family Life.
Roger has worked as a salesman, chauffeur, real estate salesman, and executive aide. He also studied at Chicago Bible College in Chicago and at Christian Life College in Mt. Prospect. He has served for eight years as a homeschool support group leader. Roger and his wife Carolyn have been married for 33 years and have four children. His hobby is playing chess, and he loves memorizing Scripture. Roger is licensed under Family Life Christian Center.
Carolyn Flanagan, Associate Minister
Married for 33 years and a mother of four, Carolyn has a deep passion for homeschooling and education. She served for eight years as a homeschool support group leader. Her heart’s desire is to see other families experience the success that she and her husband, Roger, have had in home-educating for 16 years.
Her strong administrative gifts are complemented by wisdom, mercy, faith and many other giftings. She currently serves as an administrative assistant to Pastor Joe, handles church finances, and produces the quarterly Revive healing publication. Carolyn is licensed under Family Life Christian Center.
Go to www.decidingvote.blogspot.com to read Carolyn's blog with messages of Biblical faith, hope, and encouragement.
Jeanine Donner, Associate Minister
Jeanine is a graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She has worked faithfully and effectively in several ministries. She ministers through the gifts of giving, administration, teaching, and serving.
Retired from full time work, Jeanine’s professional experience coupled with her keen spiritual sensitivity has made her an invaluable member of the team. She coordinates several ministries within the church. Jeanine is licensed under Family Life Christian Center.
Jeanine has three grown daughters, and four grandchildren.
Jeanette Urato, Pastoral Assistant
Jeanette is a native of the Chicago area and came to Family Life Christian Center via Praise Fellowship Church (PFC). In over 10 years at PFC, Jeanette served in the nursery, greeter and bookstore ministries. She also served as a Sonlight Club group leader for four years. Jeanette’s giftings are giving, administration, teaching, and serving.
At Family Life, Jeanette is involved in the greeter ministry and assists with church PR and publishing functions.