Pastor Chris Riedel
A passionate speaker with an understanding that church serves the community by creating a community of servers, Pastor Chris Riedel inspires us with his message of devotion to helping others. Whether he’s leading a mission trip to help those less fortunate, visiting with members of the community in need, or listening to joys and concerns of the congregation, his dedication to uplifting us all is from the heart.
Since 1995, Pastor Chris has led Arcola United Methodist Church (UMC). His efforts have increased membership from 53 to 325 since then, and the church continues its growth today. So much so, that within the past two years, a beautiful new facility was constructed, one that provides more space for worship services, Sunday school, special events, and a preschool.
A native of Northern Virginia, Pastor Chris is the fourth of six children to George and Elinore Riedel. He is a graduate of Robinson High School and Virginia Tech (BS in Accounting). After working as a CPA for five years, he experienced a call into ordained ministry. In 1988, he started seminary at Wesley Theological Seminary, from which he graduated with a Masters in Divinity. He then served as pastor at Bethel UMC in Warrenton and Centreville UMC before coming to Arcola UMC.
Pastor Chris and his wife Julia (a guidance counselor at Banneker, Middleburg, and Aldie Elementary Schools) met at a church picnic while he was working as a CPA in North Carolina. They have been married for over 20 years and have four children: Ben, Jessalyn, Emily, and Sam. Two dogs, Hannah and Harrison, and one cat, Macaroni, complete the family.
~The Riedel Family~