Rev. Chris Erde is a life-long Presbyterian and member of the Kingston Presbyterian Church in Conway, SC and the New Harmony Presbytery. He and his wife Tamra are the proud parents of two girls, Sara Ellen age 13 and Hilary age 9. Chris and Tamra are both graduates of the University of South Carolina. He received his Masters of Divinity Degree from Columbia Seminary in May 2007.

Chris most recently worked as a candidate supply pastor at the Tallapoosa Presbyterian Church in Tallapoosa, GA from August 2006 until May 2007.  He also served internships at Celebration Presbyterian Church in Carolina Forest, SC in 2006 and at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Surfside Beach, SC in 2005. Chris owned Awards Plus, Inc., an awards and sign shop in Conway, SC for 10 years. Prior to this time, and after graduating from college, he worked for Radco Industries, Inc., an equipment supplier to the chemical, pulp, and paper industries.

Throughout the years, Chris and Tamra served their church and denomination in many ways. Chris served Kingston Presbyterian Church in Conway as a Deacon, High School Youth Group Adviser, and High School Sunday School Teacher. He also recently served as an Adult Sunday School Teacher at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA.  Tamra served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Adviser and recently worked for the Columbia Presbyterian Church as the Church Secretary while Chris was attending seminary.

God’s call for Chris to go to seminary at the age of 38 was a little surprising to him and his family. After 15 years of marriage, two children, 17 years in the working world, including 10 in his own business, he did not anticipate this call for his life. Chris’ leadership style is both collaborative and empowering. As a leader, he likes to help others recognize and utilize their gifts for ministry and service. He is not afraid to make decisions or delegate. Chris believes that both of these traits are critically important in church leadership.