The Rev. Chris Royer was born in scenic Boulder Colorado in 1967.  He grew up enjoying basketball and skiing. In 1979 his good friend invited him to start attending 1^st Presbyterian Church’s (FPC) junior high youth group, where Chris clearly and compellingly heard the simple Gospel message: God loves him, God sent Jesus Christ to die for him, and God gave the Holy Spirit to be his comforter and guide throughout life. Chris repented of his sins, accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and entered into new life with Jesus Christ.

Chris attended Wheaton College (1985-1989) and received a B.A. in Philosophy and Biblical Studies, and an M.A. in New Testament Theology. In 1990 Chris answered God’s call and left the USA to serve God cross-culturally in Turkey. He met his South Korean wife, Grace, in Germany in 1991, and they got married in 1994. They jointly served God overseas in Turkey from 1994-2006, at which time God called them to return to the USA. During Chris and Grace’s time overseas their two girls were born to them, Daniella (1997) and Stephanie (1998).

In 2006 the Royer family moved to Pittsburgh so Chris could complete seminary studies at Trinity Seminary in Pittsburgh. Chris got ordained to the transitional diaconate in June, 2008, and has been serving as the Assistant to the Rector at The Church of the Cross since September 1, 2008.

Favorite Quotes

“Some want to live within the sound of church and bell, but I want to be a rescue agent within a yard of hell.” —CT Studd

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” —William Carey

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

Favorite Movies

• The Mission
• Facing the Giants
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• Runaway Bride

Favorite Books (Other than the Bible!)

• The Lost History of Christianity, by Philip Jenkins
• The Middle East, by Bernard Lewis
• The Ottoman Centuries, by Lord Kinross
• Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
• Intercessory Prayer, by Dutch Sheets
• The Search for Significance, by Robert S. McGee

Most Unique Experiences:

• Getting married in Korea
• Running over the Continental Divide
• Driving through Europe for five summers on short-term mission teams (1990-1994)
• Serenading Grace, my future wife (though unknown at the time) in the Aspendos amphitheatre