
Chris Pass
Lead Pastor
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First, let me start by saying what a true honor it is to be a part of Redemption. We have such a great community of people here that genuinely care for one another who are looking to grow in their faith in Jesus.
I grew up in the church and have seen both my father and grandfather pastor. As I got older, I learned that my lineage as a minister-led family was not my ticket to getting into Heaven. My own real relationship with God was vital, admitting that I am a sinner, believing that God sent his son Jesus to die for my sins, and confessing that He is lord of my life. Growing up in a bible-believing home helped me form a tenderness towards the Lord early on that created the strong foundation for who I am now. As a teenager I never imagined fitting into the role of a pastor, however, as a young man I began to feel a call on my life. I believe that God was reminding and lovingly showing me along the way that He had a purpose far greater for my life. I have been blessed to work alongside my father and current lead pastor, Bill Pass, much alike what he was able to do with my grandfather.
I truly enjoy taking a role in helping people start and continue their relationship with Jesus, seeing firsthand how He can transform, restore, and redeem. I am a sinner in need of a Savior just as much as the next person, but my hope is to reach people wherever they are at, tell them about Jesus, and prepare them to go out and do the same.
My wife Shelley and I have been married for 12 years and have 3 children! I love pouring into their lives and watching our kids grow. It is an honor to be called Dad!
I grew up in the church and have seen both my father and grandfather pastor. As I got older, I learned that my lineage as a minister-led family was not my ticket to getting into Heaven. My own real relationship with God was vital, admitting that I am a sinner, believing that God sent his son Jesus to die for my sins, and confessing that He is lord of my life. Growing up in a bible-believing home helped me form a tenderness towards the Lord early on that created the strong foundation for who I am now. As a teenager I never imagined fitting into the role of a pastor, however, as a young man I began to feel a call on my life. I believe that God was reminding and lovingly showing me along the way that He had a purpose far greater for my life. I have been blessed to work alongside my father and current lead pastor, Bill Pass, much alike what he was able to do with my grandfather.
I truly enjoy taking a role in helping people start and continue their relationship with Jesus, seeing firsthand how He can transform, restore, and redeem. I am a sinner in need of a Savior just as much as the next person, but my hope is to reach people wherever they are at, tell them about Jesus, and prepare them to go out and do the same.
My wife Shelley and I have been married for 12 years and have 3 children! I love pouring into their lives and watching our kids grow. It is an honor to be called Dad!

William Pass
Associate Pastor
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I was born in Springfield, MA and have remained in the local area ever since. I was married to my loving wife Tracey for over 35 years before she went home to be with the Lord in 2022. I recently re-married and am glad that God has placed my wife Cheryl in my life. I have one son, Christopher and daughter-in-law Shelley. I am a proud grandfather who enjoys spending time with family, grilling, and going to Cape Cod and Maine every year.
My late father, Pastor Gene Pass, began this church ministry which evolved from a small home group into the current church in Agawam. I have served for over 35 years in the ministry and consider myself to have the heart of a servant. In 2010 a door opened for the church to purchase our first and current building in North Agawam at the corner of Maple Street and Bridge Street. As the church entered into the next phase in Agawam, I also I stepped into the position of Lead Pastor following my father being called to his heavenly home.
As the Lead Pastor of Church of Redemption, it is my goal to continue to fulfill the vision that God placed in the hearts of my father and myself. God’s commission to the church is that those who believe in him will share the good news of Christ. Likewise, the vision for our ministry is to connect, engage, and uplift our local community by holding yearly events like a living nativity and outdoor festivals. My desire is to encourage and strengthen the church leaders and members. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Social Work from Westfield State University. My academic knowledge coupled with my experience in ministry has given me a sense of humility and the heart of a shepherd. It is my honor to serve this church.
My late father, Pastor Gene Pass, began this church ministry which evolved from a small home group into the current church in Agawam. I have served for over 35 years in the ministry and consider myself to have the heart of a servant. In 2010 a door opened for the church to purchase our first and current building in North Agawam at the corner of Maple Street and Bridge Street. As the church entered into the next phase in Agawam, I also I stepped into the position of Lead Pastor following my father being called to his heavenly home.
As the Lead Pastor of Church of Redemption, it is my goal to continue to fulfill the vision that God placed in the hearts of my father and myself. God’s commission to the church is that those who believe in him will share the good news of Christ. Likewise, the vision for our ministry is to connect, engage, and uplift our local community by holding yearly events like a living nativity and outdoor festivals. My desire is to encourage and strengthen the church leaders and members. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Social Work from Westfield State University. My academic knowledge coupled with my experience in ministry has given me a sense of humility and the heart of a shepherd. It is my honor to serve this church.

Chris Pyrek
Evangelist & Pastor
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Pastor Chris has been attending Church of Redemption for over 35 years. He takes an active role in the Between Bridges Ministry which serves the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless in the local Springfield, MA area. He conducts Chapel Services at the Springfield Rescue Mission. Due to the recent pandemic, he began a phone ministry holding weekly prayer meetings and a Bible study.
While serving in the ministry, he has seen the Lord's love and compassion poured out on all kinds of people regardless of race or social status. He has seen the Gospel radically change people's lives, even those who were hopelessly addicted to drugs, alcohol, and pornography, are now totally healed and
delivered through Jesus!
In the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus challenges us to “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest”. Pastor Chris is grateful to be called by the Lord to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to a lost and broken world. Jesus saves, heals, and restores people's lives!
He has a Bachelor Degree of Science in Business Administration from Western New England University. He and his wife Doreen have been married for over 20 years. They share 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
While serving in the ministry, he has seen the Lord's love and compassion poured out on all kinds of people regardless of race or social status. He has seen the Gospel radically change people's lives, even those who were hopelessly addicted to drugs, alcohol, and pornography, are now totally healed and
delivered through Jesus!
In the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus challenges us to “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest”. Pastor Chris is grateful to be called by the Lord to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to a lost and broken world. Jesus saves, heals, and restores people's lives!
He has a Bachelor Degree of Science in Business Administration from Western New England University. He and his wife Doreen have been married for over 20 years. They share 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:2–3
