Dr. Schwenk was born in New York where he was the oldest of three children. His family then came to the Chicago area and moved to the northwestern part of Illinois. Dr. Schwenk’s bride, Katie, was raised in Naperville, Illinois, and they met at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. He did his medical/dental training at the University of Illinois in Chicago and practiced for 21 years. He then went on to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in Pastoral Ministries. The Schwenks have five blessings in their children—Joshua, Kaitlyn (and her husband, Corbin), Noah, and Jonah. Dr. Schwenk and Katie realize more than ever what the free gift of salvation means to them. In doing so, they are enthusiastic and intentional about sharing the truth of God through the love of God by the example of God in the lives of those around them. A favorite Bible verse is Romans 1:16 which says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (ESV).

Pastor Josiah grew up in the Michigan countryside and stayed busy horseback riding, landscaping, making music, and leading his siblings on adventures in the woods. He attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where he (most importantly) met his bride, Lauren, and also completed a degree in Church Music. Desiring to be more prepared pastorally, he moved to St. Louis to attend Covenant Seminary. While in seminary, his family grew to include a son and daughter, as well as a golden retriever named Moxie. After graduation from seminary, the Kaniarzes moved to the Northwoods to serve God’s people through music and pastoral care. Pastor Josiah longs to point people to Jesus, and enrich the church’s music so that God may be glorified and His people may be built up. He enjoys the outdoors, carpentry, pretending to be a mechanic, and doing pretty much anything with his wife. His favorite bible verse is, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV).