Debra L. Wenger is a homegrown Illinoisian. She accepted Christ and was born again in 1983. In 2004, Debra and the late Jon Wenger's pastoral journey began. She is blessed and the proud parent of two daughters, three bonus children, 17 beloved grandchildren, and one son, Adam, who passed away in 2022
By God’s premeditated choice, her Senior Pastoral leadership began the moment Pastor Jon’s ended, and she was officially installed on Feb. 18th, 2024. Similar to the transitions of Moses to Joshua and Shamgar to Deborah, the leadership transference at Heritage Christian Center was seamless, without interruption. ​
She is a credentialed minister with World Evangelism Fellowship and an honors graduate holding degrees in Marketing, Religious Science, and Curriculum and Instructional Technology. Pastor Debra is an Organizational Leadership doctoral candidate in the dissertation phase. Graced with a diverse skill set as the founder, former Principal, and teacher of Ottawa Christian Academy, she also currently serves as a Board Member and advisor to the school.
​
Heritage Christian Center is an independent Pentecostal Church located in Ottawa, IL. Its heartbeat is to win the lost and preach and teach God’s Word without compromise. Pastor Debra's love for Jesus and transparency is preeminent. She loves God’s people and embraces a “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel” mindset so that the church will be equipped and will flourish in true Biblical living and discipleship.