Pastor Kevin​ McIlhany
Lead Pastor

Kevin & Jodi were married in 1991 and have six children, five of which are married, and eleven grandchildren. Pastor Kevin's undergraduate education was from Bethel College with a B.A. degree in Bible & Theology including studies at Wheaton College and Moody Bible Institute. He is an ordained minister of Converge Great Lakes.
Pastor Kevin enjoys ministry and was a youth pastor for 18 years and outreach pastor for 3 years. The McIlhany family moved to Ishpeming in 2009 and prepared to plant a church. ​ The CrossBridge Church was launched January 17, 2010. Pastor Kevin enjoys hunting, fishing, carpentry, and spending time with his family. Jodi enjoys hospitality, gardening, and managing their small farm business.

"We are excited to be part of planting CrossBridge Church in Ishpeming. We believe God has brought us to Ishpeming to connect people to God through the cross of Christ".

~Pastor Kevin McIlhany​​​

Pastor Eli Engebretson Youth Pastor

Eli and Taylor first met while skiing in Colorado in 2017 and after two years of dating, were married in 2019. Eli grew up in Le Mars, Iowa, and later moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula while Taylor completed her studies at Northern Michigan University. They share a love for outdoor recreation and once planned to move to Montana to work at a ski resort, but God led them to stay when they found a home near Ishpeming that felt like the right fit.

Eli holds a bachelor’s degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa and has been involved in ministry through both work and volunteering since 2014. He is passionate about helping students grow in their understanding of the gospel and what it means to follow Jesus. His prayer is that the youth programs at CrossBridge would serve as a strong foundation, equipping young people to stand firm in their faith as they prepare for the future.

Eli sees his role not as a replacement for parents, but as a partner alongside them; encouraging and supporting families while pointing students toward Christ centered values and truth.