Meet Our People

Our leaders have been volunteering in their communities for many years, and they bring with them an incredible ability to lead, inspire and care for those that need it.

 

With over 80 years of volunteer experience among them, our leaders provide North Avenue MB Church with the inspiration and direction to keep the organization moving forward and expanding in new areas based on our community's needs.

Rev. J. E. Burch III

Pastor

 

Brother Burch was trained at St Paul MB Church, under the leadership of Dr. P. J. James. He joined Gayles Memorial Baptist Church in 1975 where Rev. Thurman B. Hazelwood was pastor. Brother Burch began ministry work as the director of Christian Education in at Gayles and worked with Deacon P. Thompson, director of the Youth Ministry.

 

In 1978 he met Ivory Tunstall while they sang in the Church Choir. Later that year they were married and over the years they were blessed with four children. Darrick, Ton'ni, Elijah and Elisha. He enrolled at Judson University of Elgin,IL. after graduation he attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary of Lombard Illiniois, enrolling in the D. Min progrom. He served as the assistant pastor of The Love of God MBC from 1982 to 1991, as well as being the Director of Education.

 

While serving as a Missionary of the Fox Valley District Association he was called to pastor North Avenue in April of 1991. Over the past 22 years Brother Burch has headed numerous projects, from remodeling the Church basement, building a lower level baptismal pool, installing choir pews, creating an officer's area, remodeling our Church building, creating our parking lot and becoming debt free. His motto has been "We are here to serve you".

 

Our Pastor loves meeting new people and is dedicated to serving North Avenue MB Church and the community at large.

 

 

 

 

Ivory J. Burch 

Pastor's wife

          

 

Bio: Sister Burch is a commited Christian mother of four: 2 girls and 2 boys, Sunday School teacher for over 30 years, Assistant Director of Marie Wilkerson Daycare for 18 years. Sister Burch attended Waubonsie College and holds Certificates in Early Childhood Development and is licensed by the State of Illinois as Director qualified.

 

She has been an active member of the Cowherd School PTA and headed the move to bring uniforms to the District 131 educational system. Today all District 131 students wear uniforms. Sister Burch is an active member of our Missionary Society and a speaker in her own right. She has composed several Children’s books.

 

She is the founder of "The Foot Soldiers' Ministry.Inc ". TFS gathers & trains youth to sing to the Elderly during the Christmas Holidays. The 2012 season was a milestone completing 24 years of service to the local community.