JOHN BAILEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FURNACE MISSIONS BASE CHICAGO

John Bailey hasn't always been sold out for the Lord. In 1985, while incarcerated, John was delivered from a life of crime and addictions by the love and power of Jesus Christ. He has been in full-time ministry since 1989, serving initially with Good News Partners, an inner city ministry committed to empowering the poor in the North of Howard neighborhood of Chicago as well as serving in leadership as associate pastor at River Community Church, a local church in the inner-city. He has worked to plant churches in Chicago as well as the Philippines. Heading up Bagong Silang Missionary Fellowship, John partnered with churches and Christian schools throughout the Philippines providing training and buildings for ministries. As CEO of a for-profit construction company for 10 years, John developed a job-training program for recovering addicts and convicts returning to society. He currently sits on the board of Chicago's Starfish Learning Center, an outreach to at-risk youth.

As the Senior Pastor of The River Church and President of Furnace Ministries, John and Cecille, his wife, seek to persuade a city to look on the creator of Heaven and Earth. Their hearts desire is to raise up a generation of love-sick worshippers, missionaries and preachers who point the way to Jesus until His return.

Leadership Team:

John Bailey, Executive Director/ Senior Pastor

Charles Criniere, Prayer Furnace Director

Cecille Bailey, Financial Officer

Johnnie Bailey, Prayer Furnace Assistant Director

Susan & Jason Croox, Worship Directors

Syndi & Cesar Custodio, Conference Directors

Ted & Cherie Humphrey, Teaching Pastors