Jeremy grew up in a Christian home and has been involved in church ministry most of his life. He grew up near the town of Lincoln, Missouri, in the heart of the Ozarks, where his parents founded and pastored Abundant Life Christian Center for 15 years. He graduated from High School in Cole Camp, MO and then attended two different Bible Colleges - World Evangelism College in Baton Rouge, LA and Christian Life College in Mount Prospect, IL. Jeremy began ministering regularly in his home church at the age of 18 and at

age 19 received ministry credentials with Anchor Bay Evangelistic Association (An international nondenominational fellowship of ministers and missionaries).

He has a strong desire to bridge the gap between “believers” and the “un-churched” and continues to stay culturally relevant by using biblical, modern means of worship. Jeremy loves God’s Word and teaches it in a way that is applicable and easy to understand. His mission is to free believers from the traditions of men that are contrary to the Bible.

Lori also had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home near the town of Warsaw, Missouri also in the heart of the Ozarks. In addition to assisting her husband in ministry, Lori served as the Secretary for Anchor Bay Evangelistic Association from 1997-2004. She is a loving Pastor, and a godly role-model for anyone to follow.

Jeremy & Lori met in church as teenagers and married years later on September 11, 1993. After their marriage, they traveled across the Midwest speaking in churches and also served together as youth pastors and associate pastors. In 1997 they moved to the St. Louis Metro-East area as Lori accepted the position of ABEA Executive Secretary with their headquarters located in Maryville, Illinois. They are proud parents of their two sons Jared and Jameson.

Together, the Drakes have been through extreme highs and extreme lows. They have each felt the grief of losing a parent at a young age, and the joys of overcoming significant obstacles. Through it all, they have grown to rely on the Lord Jesus Christ and teach others that God’s Word holds all the answers relating to life.

Our pastors are easy to relate to, because they’re people just like you. They are not “behind the scenes” but are very approachable and loving. You can feel comfortable attending EFC knowing that we have pastors who are “real” and truly care about you.