Bob Bockus

“I see how God is at work at West Ridge, and how the Leadership Team seeks His direction.”  

The Bockus clan is one of the founding families of West Ridge, and has been instrumental in supporting the vision of openness and authenticity since day one.  Bob feels most inspired when helping others, and he considers his children the most influential people in his life.

Bob’s lifelong goal was to retire early, and he did!  When not serving West Ridge, he can be found riding his motorcycle and tinkering on a 1956 Triumph TR3 that he is restoring.   Favorite eats include anything chocolate and cherry cordial ice cream. If you want to put a smile on Bob’s face, turn on Neil Diamond’s “Holly, Holy.”

Nate Griffin

“I feel like God has placed me here as a vessel.”

Credit God’s use of the power of direct marketing to bring Nate and his family to West Ridge. A simple postcard his wife received in the mail inspired their first visit 11 years ago.  Nate is honored to serve on the Leadership Team to help guide the church and attend to God’s children.  He feels that each week’s message was meant for him, as it always relates to something he is dealing with at that time.

Nate’s motto could be “work hard, laugh hard”---as he is simultaneously pursuing an MBA in Health Services Management, yet still finds time to hone his skills as a comedian.  With all this activity in his life, no wonder he notes that taking a long nap is one of his favorite activities—preferably prefaced with Oreos and a glass of milk.

Darren Sloniger

“I’m inspired by people who desire authenticity.”

Darren has been a part of West Ridge since it was just a dream that he shared with some close friends.  Despite being the son of a pastor, and ordained himself at a young age, Darren became disillusioned with the church, and walked away from his relationship with God for several years. After careers working as a political activist in South Africa, a housing advocate for low income people and real estate developer, Darren became inspired to start a church where people could feel safe to explore their faith in God at their own pace.  The vision has become a reality as West Ridge is a place that serves people from all racial and economic backgrounds, where people find grace and acceptance no matter what baggage they bring with them.

Paul Snowwhite

“I like that it’s ‘come as you are’ here.”

Paul enjoys his service on the Leadership Team at West Ridge because he can really experience the vision come to light.  He credits his dad as one of the most influential people in his life, and is inspired by warm weather and sunshine (could be the reason travel is one of his lifelong goals).

Here in the Midwest, Paul likes to relax by fishing, listening to yodeling songs, and eating gummy bears.  Paul states a little known fact about his is that “I was once thin and good looking!”

Lisa Chung

“There are real people with real pasts here.”


Lisa credits the warm greeting skills of Bob Sloniger, Darren’s father, as one of her first experiences in understanding the special community at West Ridge.  Now almost 10 years later, she is part of the Leadership Team, feeling especially honored and privileged to give in this capacity, and continuing to help people learn more about God and Jesus.  She is inspired by all the relationships in her life, especially with her daughter Natalie. 
Lisa modestly claims she is “far from a perfect example.” One of her favorite books is “Too Perfect” by Allan E. Mallinger, and a current top tune for her is “Too Perfect” by Natalie Grant (mmm.....is there a theme developing here?).   Don’t be fooled by Lisa’s steady exterior demeanor, as she is “mushier than I act.”   If not serving at West Ridge, you can find Lisa hanging with Natalie, friends and family, most likely munching on a DQ Blizzard, M&Ms or Cheetos.

Rob Burhite

Bio coming soon.