Meet Justin Craig.

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A: I think God placed people in my life that helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus, but they also gave me encouragement to pursue working in the church full-time. Between my family, my youth pastor, and so many other great mentors, working in the church rapidly became something that I felt called in to and also something that was a good fit for me.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Champaign-Urbana?

A: 8 years and 5 months.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Champaign-Urbana?

A: Portillo’s.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Champaign-Urbana?

A: A few years ago at the Illini Land FCA camp I had the privilege of meeting Dee Brown. We were both in the hallway talking with a few of the campers and he simply shared with the boys about working hard to accomplish their goals and to always put God first. That was really cool.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

A: Any time at the beach would be well spent. I’d love to dig in the sand with my family, finding seashells and enjoying the sound of the ocean.

Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?

A: Love each other well! Stay connected to Jesus!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: I’d love to travel to the Holy Lands and walk where Jesus walked and see where the Apostle Paul taught.

Q: What current/former local business makes you nostalgic about Champaign-Urbana?

A: Not really a business but going to Memorial Stadium or State Farm Center just makes this place seem like home, although I look terrible in orange.

Q: What is something unique about Champaign-Urbana?

A: The amount of things to do with families! Our family has loved living here because there is always something going on for families in our community.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

A: By God’s grace still in Champaign continuing to serve at our church.

Q: (Even for friends and family) what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you ?

A: I love music and a few years ago with a help of a friend, I started playing the drums and it’s so much fun!

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Safe. Caring. Restful.

Q: If you have a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?

A: Physical Fitness Trainer!

Q: Over the past few weeks, where have you seen Champaign-Urbana “Stronger Together”?

A: It’s been such a weird time in our world right now with COVID-19 running wild. Every church leader said that this is the time for the church to go out and be the church and serve one another and I have seen our community take hold of the principle to serve one another. We have restaurants giving away food to kids, and grocery stores making shopping accessible for elderly shoppers. I feel like in this time of social distancing, we’ve actually become a closer-knit community as we watch the actions of Jesus pour out of folks who have never come to church before. It’s really encouraging to see and be a part of.