Our Team

Darren Sloniger | Founder

Darren’s vision was to create a safe place for people to explore their faith without judgement. West Ridge would become that authentic and grace filled place. Darren and his wife Shelby are both unpaid volunteers and when not serving, he is a residential real estate developer.

Scott Alexander | Executive Pastor

Scott finds great joy in collaborating on ideas, keeping everyone on vision at West Ridge, & being on our teaching team. In his free time, Scott enjoys being with his wife Lindsay and their two boys, backpacking, watching drama and action movies, and eating great food.

Greg Bowman | Community Care Pastor

Greg and his wife Connie came to West Ridge in 2006 looking for a place to call their church home. Three years later, after serving and leading in various roles, the leadership team invited Greg to join the staff. Greg is also a part of our teaching team.

Lindsay Alexander | Next Gen Pastor

Lindsay has a deep love for children and students. Her desire is that they ultimately connect in a relationship with Jesus. Lindsay enjoys spending time outside, snuggled up reading a good book, or being with her husband Scott, and their two boys Cameron and Ethan.

Michael Aukofer | Music & Center for the Arts Director

Since the summer of 2004, Michael oversees and works with our production teams, our service programming, and our Center for the Arts classes and teachers. He is trained and experienced as a musician, composer, arranger, and teacher.

Lance Hurley | Teaching Team Member

Lance had the unique opportunity of working with West Ridge before it opened its doors and is a part of our teaching team. He currently leads Ignite Church Planting. Lance and his wife, Darla, live in Bourbonnais and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, riding motorcycles, and hunting.

Danielle Zapchenk | Communications

Since 2007 Danielle, her husband Eric and their two kids have called West Ridge home. She is a part of our teaching team and loves to be creative in many facets at West Ridge. Danielle oversees our Communications Team and has a passion for encouraging others that their own story matters.

Phet Vongnaphone | West Ridge Kids Coordinator

Phet brings so much joy and creativity to West Ridge Kids. She loves watching children’s faith grow every Sunday. When not at West Ridge you can find her keeping up with her two littles.

Jon Doyle | Facilities

Jon, his wife Stacie, and their two kids started attending West Ridge in 2014. Wanting to become more involved, Jon began serving on the Front Line team which then lead him into other ministries. When not around West Ridge, he is busy with his business, Allied Painting Contractors, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Lisa Wolenberg | West Ridge Cares

Since 2001, Lisa has served in various capacities but her two favorite places to serve include West Ridge Kids and the Leadership Team responsible for West Ridge Cares (Meals team, Prayer Team, Benevolence, etc). Lisa, her husband Matt, daughter Natalie, and twin boys, Jacob and Joshua love West Ridge!

Bob Bockus | IT

Looking for a more meaningful church experience, Bob and his wife Candy were involved right from the start. As one of the original members of the leadership team, Bob leads the group supporting the computing and networking environment. Bob loves that West Ridge provides volunteer opportunities for spiritual growth.

Brian Andersen | Finances

Since 2012 Brian and his wife Lynn, and their four kids, fell in love with how relaxed the church was and many times felt like the messages were speaking directly to them. Brian is a healthcare entrepreneur who loves to find treatments for patients to cure their diseases or positively impact their lives.