Pastor Kris Wilder

“I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Christian parents. At the age of 9, my family moved to rural Grayson, Kentucky, as my dad became a pastor of a small church. Though my childhood and teen years were filled with Bible lessons and church attendance, I was completely unsettled about my relationship with God. I continued to live in guilt as the “good” kid I portrayed externally was not consistent with the sinner I was internally. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that God opened my eyes to the reality that Christ took my punishment on the cross and offered me His perfect righteousness in exchange for my sinfulness. Since that day, the gospel has been and continues to be my only source of hope, forgiveness, strength, and freedom.”

Kris has a desire for children, teens, and adults to experience the same transforming power he has found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. His confidence is in the power of God’s Word, and he wants everyone to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

After graduating with a Sport Management degree in 2014, Kris pursued his spiritual desires by working at a Christian camp. Kris met Bethany while working at that camp, and they were married in 2017.

Kris has been at Friendship since 2017 and became the Youth and Children’s Pastor in 2021 after receiving a master’s degree in Theological Studies.

He enjoys cheering for all Cincinnati sports teams, helping his wife with her photography business, and spending time with his two daughters.