About Chris

Chris McAlister…

the experience:  Chris has pastored and served in churches small and large for ten years.  He is currently pastor of Discovery Church in Columbus, Ohio.  He has counseled, coached, and trained leaders of all types.  Overseeing a staff of over 20, Chris learned how important the role of spiritual counselor and director really is, if people want to see themselves reach their God-given potential.

the education:  With extensive work and training in biblical studies and leadership, Chris’ current educational pursuits have him going down a different path.  He is currently completing a doctoral degree from Ashland Theological Seminary.

the family:  With 3 little girls and a beautiful wife, Chris understands the blessings and pressures that come from family life.

the philosophy:  Chris’ focus is on identity formation.  He is currently writing a book about the danger we face in finding who we are from what we do.  He is deeply concerned with the attention he sees the church-at-large place on what you do while neglecting people’s journey to their identity.  Chris believes if you tend the root, you’ll see the fruit.

the approach:  After filling out a life script and doing some work chronicling major memories, the client will choose a path of spiritual counseling/direction or coaching depending on what the client wants.  Some prefer both.  The sessions will be tailored to the end of establishing a solid and secure identity in Christ.  While this is a lifelong process,  core ideas can be formed that assist the rest of the journey.

  • "Transformation does not come by striving, performing, or working hard at self-improvement. It comes to wounded people who ask the Lord not to simply help them out of storms, but to change them in the very midst of them. And it comes to the wounded by the grace of God." Terry Wardle