Rev. Joey Silva
Lead Pastor
Starting as the student ministries pastor in 2009, Pastor Joey's influence expanded beyond the youth as the ministry flourished. Taking on leadership roles in the Young Adult ministry and various associate positions, his impact continued to grow. His speaking style has garnered him a reputation as a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences at camps, conventions, and leadership events.
Belmont Assembly of God holds a special place in Pastor Joey's heart, as it was within this vibrant community that he met his beloved wife, Cicely. They married in 2014 and their union has been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Josie and Olivia, and a son named Luka, who bring immeasurable joy and purpose to their lives.
In May 2022, Pastor Joey's exceptional leadership and dedication were recognized when he was voted in as the new Lead Pastor of Belmont Assembly of God. This well-deserved appointment reflects his deep love for the city of Chicago and his unwavering commitment to shepherding the church community. We eagerly anticipate God's work through Pastor Joey as he guides our church into an exciting future.
Pastor Tom came on staff in August of 2004. He has been a part of Belmont since 1998 and was serving as a deacon prior to this present ministry. Pastor Tom brings bi-vocational experience to the ministry staff. Beginning ministry in 1983, he has been on the mission field (Guam), served as an interim pastor and associate pastor, along with other areas of church leadership. From secular employment, Pastor Tom has been involved in quality assurance, engineering, and product management. These experiences have served to provide solid business exposure along with the ministry involvements – serving to support the ministry development of Belmont. Pastor Tom is married (Libby) and has three children (Jeremy, Joanna, Joi).
Pastor Evelyn joined the pastoral staff as our Children's Pastor in September of 2018. Prior to that, Pastor Evelyn was serving as the Team Captain for our Compass Kids toddler programs. Additionally, she has years of experience stemming from jobs with several companies in human resources. Pastor Evelyn along with her husband Kevin Girard have a heart for God and God's people, especially towards our children. Since taking over this responsibility, she has brought a lot of excitement, energy, and direction to our Compass Kids children's ministry and volunteers in both English and Spanish congregations. Pastor Evelyn and Kevin Girard are parents of two young girls, Gigi and Vivian.
Born and raised in Chicago, Pastor Jason first felt God’s call to lead as a young teen in the late 90s. As a young adult he led worship for daily prayer meetings at a local ministry while being sent out to minister in various parts of the country. In his mid-20s he directed a non-profit after school program, sharing the gospel to the children and youth of Chicago’s Howard neighborhood. Worshipping God through song has long been one of his passions, having been a worship leader since he was 15. On staff at Belmont since the spring of 2015, Pastor Jason enjoys the opportunity to serve the body and encourage believers to deepen their relationship with the Lord through daily worship. Pastor Jason and his late wife, Susan have three young children (Kayla, Jac, and Zac).
Pastor Israel Marti, better known as Pastor Izzy to the Excel Youth Student Ministries, joined the Belmont Staff in May of 2022! Pastor Izzy is no stranger to Chicago, as he grew up here and has a heart for this city. He graduated from James River College in 2013 where he met his wife, Ariel.
For the past 11 years, they’ve been an integral part of the worship ministry at James River Church in Springfield, Missouri. Pastor Izzy now serves as the Youth Pastor here at Belmont Assembly of God. Both he and Ariel have a passion and commitment to see the youth of Chicago experience the power of God in a dynamic, life-changing way. Pastor Izzy and Ariel have a new daughter, Dottie, born in July of 2022.
Pastor Izzy Marti
Excel Youth Ministries Pastor
Pastor Ariel Marti
Connections Pastor
Pastor Ariel recently joined the Belmont staff in September 2022 as the Connections Pastor. In a position new to Belmont, Ariel is so excited to help pioneer the way in helping individuals and families better connect to the life of the church!
Ariel grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, then left for Springfield, Missouri, to attend James River Leadership College. Upon graduation, she joined the James River Church staff full-time in the worship & production department. During her time in Missouri, she met her husband, Izzy Marti, and got married in 2015. Ariel led worship there for the past 11 years until stepping out in faith when she and Izzy believed God called them to youth pastoring right here in Chicago!
In July of 2022, they had their daughter, Dottie, and have since then been loving being new parents. In her free time, Ariel enjoys watching movies and playing with their dog, Darla. She loves being involved in Excel Youth with Pastor Izzy, leading worship here at Belmont, and now stepping into Connections. Although Pastor Ariel serves in many areas, she loves it and is excited for the future of the church.