Pastor's Welcome

Rev. Christopher James Karluk is a native of upstate New York. He was born and raised in Binghamton into a Christian Home where he learned about the love and goodness of God. He attended Central Baptist Christian Academy where he was the class treasurer, class Chaplain, played soccer and was involved in theater. He was the only biological child of his parents, Alexander and Rose, but wanted a brother so his parents became involved in foster care for 30 years. During this time, they adopted eight children so he did end up with three brothers and five sisters. Christopher sensed the call of God on his life at an early age and became involved in leading worship for the first time during his high school years. Around this time his family took in Dr. Rev. Robert Crentsil an African Missionary from Ghana and President of Doxa Global Incorporated who became Christopher’s spiritual and pastoral mentor. Christopher assisted Mr. Crentsil in a church plant in Johnson City, New York, one of six churches he has planted and oversee in both Africa and the United States. After high school Christopher attended Elim Bible Institute where he studied and obtained his diploma in Theology, Education and Music. Christopher was also involved in “Servant”, a traveling musical group and was the class treasurer. He also completed his internship at the New York School of Urban Ministry (NYSUM) where he was involved in soup kitchens, homeless ministry and assisting various churches in NYC in music and teaching Sunday School. After graduation from Elim Bible Institute he started working at a Christian bookstore and became involved in New Hope Presbyterian church where he assisted with worship leadership. During this time, he resumed his schooling at Davis College where he obtained his Bachelors in Bible Theology and Christian Ministries and in Religious Education. He was inducted into the 1995 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”. Christopher also received his Ordination Credentials from Doxa Global Incorporated. started a job in New York which caused him to travel and relocate for work on many occasions and he has had the chance to live in close to a dozen large and small cities throughout the eastern U.S. Even in his nomadic lifestyle for over a decade he always found a way to help serve the church he was attending in any capacity needed…preaching, teaching, leading worship, church boards, etc. He moved to Swanzey NH after being displaced by hurricane Irene, established roots and was active at Elm City Church in Keene where he served on the board and was active in the music ministry. He also assists at Camp Spofford in his free time when he is not preoccupied with his vocation. Christopher began corresponding with the New Hampshire Conference during the summer of 2021 about continuing his call to the ministry and has been able to fill the pulpit at the First Congregational Church UCC in Swanzey, complete the requirements of the Conference and became a member of the church in April of 2022. Christopher has a heart for the Lord and leading His people in worship and the Word in Spirit and in Truth. He has a desire that the church be a light and a hope to the community in which it ministers and that all who are searching, hurting or in need would be drawn to the saving work of Christ. Christopher accepted the call to the First Congregational Church in Swanzey in June of 2022 and looks forward to growing in relationship with the members and building up the Church of God to be a thriving example of the Good News in Swanzey and beyond. In his free time Christopher loves music, hiking, kayaking, playing with Benny his dog and especially being at the ocean.


You can reach Christopher by phone at (603) 499-6646 or by email at ckarluk@swanzeyucc.org.