As a constituent of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), the Book of Confessions and the Book of Order define our
church governance and theology. Knox Presbyterian Church is part of
the Chicago Presbytery (Cook, Lake, Will and DuPage Counties) and
the Synod of Lincoln Trails (Indiana and Illinois).
The Elders of our church form the local Session under the direction
of the Head of Staff as Moderator. All local authority rests in the
Session, which partners with our Deacons.
The Board of Deacons brings pastoral care and leadership to the parishes
within our community.
In addition to the individuals serving as elders and deacons, many
other members serve on committees, ad hoc groups, planning teams,
and volunteer their leadership and assistance for projects and events.
Our church officers are elected at the congregational meeting in October,
and begin their terms in the following January.
Knox
Presbyterian Church is fortunate to have three dynamic and dedicated
ministerial leaders.
Deborah
and Clinton Roberts have served together in pastoral ministry
for more than twenty years. Deb and Clint were married in 1982.
They have served churches singly and together in Illinois,
Michigan, Kansas and Indiana. They have served together as
full time co-pastors of Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville
since 1999. Deb and Clint have two children: son Evan and daughter Chandler.
The Reverend
Clinton Roberts
Clint grew up in the East,
graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in English
in 1977. He received a fellowship in History from Tulane
University and completed coursework for a Master of Arts
in 1981. In 1982 he entered McCormick Theological Seminary
in Chicago where he met Deb and completed a Master of Divinity
in 1985.
The Reverend Deborah Roberts
Deb grew up in the West, graduating
from Johnston College at the University of Redlands
with a degree in Community Development in 1975. She
entered McCormick Theological Seminary in 1979 and
received her Master of Divinity in 1982.
The Reverend Cindy Karis
The Rev. Cindy Karis was called
to Knox Presbyterian Church on January 25, 1998 as Associate
Pastor. Rev. Karis graduated from Fordham University
in 1976. She attended Louisville Presbyterian Theological
Seminary and received her Master of Divinity in 1986.
At Knox, Rev. Karis shares pastoral duties with our co-pastors and has major
responsibilities in congregational fellowship, pastoral care and visitation,
missions and Deacons. A large part of her ministry is devoted to visiting individuals
who are ill, grieving or in need of emotional support.
Rev. Karis bases her theology on Matthew 22:37, 39: “You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind….
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
