I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana in a Christian home. But it wasn’t until I as a freshman at Indiana University that I decided to pursue Christ as a fully devoted follower. That is still my goal and has been since 1985 when I made that decision. I am constantly amazed by God’s love and grace when I fall short and for saving me in the first place. Shortly after becoming a Christian I sensed God’s call on my life to enter ministry. At the time I had no idea what that would entail, but I was clear that was what I was supposed to do. I transferred to Milligan College (now Milligan University) in East Tennessee my sophomore year to pursue this calling. I graduated from Milligan in 1989 with a B.A. in Bible and Ministry. My time at Milligan had a profound impact on my life for many reasons. It was there that I met my wife, Lori, whom I married in 1988. For these many years she has been with me in ministry and life supporting, encouraging, and ministering in many ways.
After Milligan College I began seminary at Emmanuel School of Religion (now Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University). I graduated from Emmanuel with an M.Div. (Master of Divinity) in 1993. While in seminary Lori and I ministered to youth at West Side Christian Church in Elizabethton TN. Upon graduating from Emmanuel we went to Hobart First Christian Church in Northwest Indiana where I was the Senior Pastor. And, then, in 2022 we moved our family to Owosso, MI where we ministered at First Church of Christ. I was senior minister and Lori did many things chief among them singing on the praise team and leading women’s activities. After nearly 22 years at that church and 33 years in ministry, I stepped down from that ministry passing the baton to my associate pastor in a planned succession.
Lori and I are the proud parents of three grown children—Daniel who is 35, Andrew who is 32, and Becca who is 25. And we became grandparents for the first time when our son, Daniel, and his wife Marisa blessed us with a grandson. Jude Ryder Higgins who is 1 year old.
I love to encourage people in their faith, especially those who might have struggles or doubts about God, church, and faith. In many ways, these are difficult and confusing times to be the church and I want to encourage believers to stay faithful. My primary gift (as identified by many people through the years) is preaching. I also love to write (www.chrishiggins.org). Reading, music (I play guitar), and Indiana University sports are among the things I enjoy. For 12 years I loved to ride my motorcycle but gave that up a few years ago. I love to travel and have been to several countries including mission trips to Haiti twice, Jamaica, and Panama City.