What is Connect?

Connect Church is a new church that was started in February of 2008 by Pastor Russ and Kris Michaels and their church planting team. Russ and Kris moved to the Gallatin Valley in September of 2007 and partnered with a team from Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman to launch a new church.

What can you expect at Connect?

We are a friendly group of people who love to express our love to God through worship. One of the ways we worship in our services is through music. Later in the service, Pastor Russ teaches on practical subjects that help you discover the keys to a great life. We also leave plenty of time for coffee and donuts and meeting new friends.

Who is Connect For?

Connect is for anyone who is interested in having a great life, building relationships, and discovering who God is. We are specifically looking for people who don't have a church home in the Gallatin Valley yet, or people who are investigating Christianity. We'd love to get to know you!

Where Did Connect Come From?

Connect Church is linked with like-minded churches around Montana. Our partner church in Bozeman is Christian Center, and our partner church in Great Falls is Central Assembly. While Connect has the flavor of a non-denominational church, and we welcome people from all backgrounds, our affiliation is with the Assemblies of God.

Pastor Russ and Kris Michaels

Pastor Russ has been in full time ministry for over 20 years, most recently at Central Assembly in Great Falls. His passion as a pastor is to see people who are far from God transformed into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Kris is a histotechnologist (don’t ask) and works in the pathology lab at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. Russ and Kris have been married for 13 years and are completely devoted to their two dachshunds, Gilligan and Bonsai. The Michaels love drinking good coffee, camping, hiking, coffee, skiing, golf, coffee, and movies (did we mention coffee?).

Pastor John and Emily Krise

Pastor John is a graduate of Evangel University, where he received his bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies in 2002. Before becoming part of the Connect team, John was actively involved in youth ministry at Bozeman Christian Center. In addition to serving at Connect, John works at Anderson Precast. Emily received her teaching degree in 2002, but is currently a stay-at-home mom to their new daughter, Annalee, who was born in May. The Krises enjoy music, the outdoors, cooking, playing games, but mostly spending time with family and good friends.

Pastor Jill and Kyle Riley

Pastor Jill joined our team just recently, and is working with our Kids Ministry volunteers for the next several months to develop a cutting-edge program for children that will provide a solid biblical foundation for kids while being fun and relevant. Jill has been a pastor for over 17 years, and she has a passion for teaching and learning in the church, encouraging people to teach with conviction, skill and excellence. Her experience in ministry includes Christian Education and Leadership, Children’s Ministry, and Youth Ministry. Jill and her husband, Kyle have four children; Emily, Alex, Brittany and Taryn. The Riley family lives in Billings, but are commuting to minister at Connect . Jill holds a Master’s Degree from Seattle University, and is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.