Meet Our Keynote Speaker

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Christopher LaMonte Rogers, Sr., affectionately known as Pastor Chris, is a pastor, preacher, community leader, and passionate developer of people. He serves as the 21st Senior Pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, Missouri, a congregation whose faithful witness dates back to 1846. 

Pastor Chris is driven by a deep desire to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and discover how their faith and spiritual gifts can transform their families, churches, and communities. His ministry is anchored in expository preaching, intentional discipleship, leadership development, evangelism, and community engagement. He is committed to faithfully proclaiming God's Word and equipping believers to live it out with purpose. 

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Pastor Chris began his walk with Christ at the age of six. In 2001, he and his family joined First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, where God continued to shape his calling and cultivate his gifts for ministry and leadership. He was licensed to preach in 2008 and ordained in 2012. After faithfully serving the church in numerous leadership and pastoral roles, he was appointed Interim Pastor in April 2020 and guided the congregation through a season of pandemic uncertainty while the Lord blessed the church to thrive. On September 24, 2022, he was called to serve as Senior Pastor, and he was formally installed on June 3, 2023. 

Pastor Chris firmly believes the church must be a light that shines beyond its walls. He is actively engaged throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, partnering with organizations dedicated to education, families, youth, and community development. His community leadership includes service on the Parkway School District Core Team of Faith Leaders, the Rockwood School District Religious Leaders Forum, and the Executive Advisory Board of the Chesterfield YMCA. 

A lifelong learner, Pastor Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Webster University and a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University. He earned an Advanced Certification in Expository Preaching through the E. K. Bailey Preaching Conference and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Before answering the call to full-time ministry, Pastor Chris proudly served his country in the United States Navy and built a distinguished 22-year career with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). These experiences sharpened his discipline, strategic vision, and heart for service, qualities that continue to shape his leadership today. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. 

At the center of Pastor Chris's life is his family. He is joyfully married to his purpose partner in marriage and ministry, Mrs. Tamra Rogers, and together they are blessed with children and grandchildren who bring them great joy. 

Whether preaching the Word, developing leaders, serving the community, or shepherding God's people, Pastor Chris lives by the conviction that he is "Chosen to Surrender and Covered to Serve".