The Pastor & Church Connection Team has a primary focus on providing coaching, mentoring, resources, training events, and networking opportunities to support BCI pastors and churches. Eric’s primary responsibility as part of this team will be to offer support to pastors and churches in the western part of the state.

Experience, Passion, & Knowledge

Eric served as pastor in Cedar Rapids for many years before his current role as Associate Pastor at Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Ames. Eric’s experience, passion, and knowledge make him an excellent addition to the BCI team. In addition to his pastoral work, Eric has a passion for counseling and is pursuing a degree and license to provide counseling services. He is also a published author, with three books to his name. His books include“Ours: Biblical Comfort for Men Grieving Miscarriage”, as well as co-authoring “Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women” and “Jesus and Gender: Living as Sisters and Brothers in Christ”. 

To Help Pastors & Churches Thrive

BCI’s mission is to help church leaders Multiply Disciples, Churches, and Mission, and this is accomplished by focusing on training and equipping leaders for ministry, helping churches expand their outreach and influence within Iowa, and building strong partnerships with organizations serving Iowa and beyond. The Pastor & Church Connection Team plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission, providing pastors with the support they need to thrive. When pastors thrive, their churches thrive, and the Great Commission of Jesus Christ thrives.

Eric earned a degree in communications from the University of Northern Iowa and an M.Div. in Biblical and Theological Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Eric and his wife Jenny live in Ames with their five children. He serves as a pastor at Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Ames. 

With his expertise, passion, and knowledge, Eric Schumacher is an excellent addition to the BCI’s Pastor & Church Connection Team and a great asset to support pastors and churches in the western part of Iowa.