Eric Camfield | Pastor & Former New York Yankee

Parkview on the Spot

Rev. Eric Camfield’s journey from professional baseball player to pastor may seem storybook, but it is reflective of the core message of life-change through the transformative nature of faith as a follower of Jesus Christ that he shares with everyone from church-goer to nonbeliever to neighbor, stranger at a grocery store or corporate executive. A former New York Yankee ballplayer, Eric shared his love of sports and passion for Christ through Athletes In Action, a Christian sports group, where he traveled with college baseball players in Western Europe and subsequently felt the call to ministry in 2001. In 2005, Eric was ordained by his local church in Xenia, OH, and began building believers and growing faith communities with his wife, Suanne. He has served local churches across the Midwest and has consulted with numerous churches around the country, helping develop and deploy small-group ministry in their various contexts. With a Master of Ministry (M.Min.) from Lancaster Bible College and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Northern Seminary, Eric served as the Grow Ministry Pastor of Christ Church in Oak Brook for 12 years and has been on staff for nearly 14 years. He oversaw and developed programs to guide children and adults in spiritual growth. Eric’s calm yet strong leadership style has taken him to the next phase of his faith journey as Campus Pastor for Christ Church in Butterfield (formerly Downers Grove) – the first multisite branch of Christ Church. Eric is passionate about leading this growing congregation in authentic worship and within a community where people are welcomed, known and loved. Through his sermons and speaking engagements, Eric shares his insights on a variety of topics including servant leadership: what servant leaders do and why they win; moving vision to reality; building high-producing teams by managing, loving its members; culture; personal growth; and how the teachings of the Bible intersect our lives in practical ways. His love of books, fly fishing and a good pair of cowboy boots provide additional context for shaping Eric’s genuine and rich character, which is complemented by his passionate teachings and desire to meet people within settings comfortable to them.