Rev. Eric Blachford is a lifelong United Methodist from Belvidere. A graduate of Belvidere High School from the class of 2000, Eric attended Trinity Christian College to study Theology, Church Leadership, and Psychology. He graduated from United Methodist Licensing School in 2005 and at the top of his class from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2010. Eric was ordained an Elder in the Northern Illinois Conference in 2012.
Eric first began working in the Church as a youth director at Court Street United Methodist Church in Rockford in 2003. After a brief time working as a financial counselor, Eric became Associate Pastor of Upon This Rock Cooperative Parish (Beth Eden, Evans, & Harlem United Methodist Churches) in Rockford and Machesney Park for seven years. Following that appointment, worked with a former seminary roommate to plant The Net United Methodist Church in Rockford. The Net was a church focused upon engaging young adults. It has since merged with Cherry Valley United Methodist Church.
Eric met his wife, Becky, at Trinity. They have been married for eleven years and have three children, 5-year-old Isaac, 3-year-old Luke, and newborn Kate . The entire Blachford family looks forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the church.