Chris Harkness

Pastoring a church was never Chris’s plan—but God had a better one.

Nearly twenty years ago, God drew Chris into a deeper relationship with Himself and opened doors for him to teach, preach, and shepherd people toward Jesus. Over time, it became unmistakably clear that God was calling Chris into pastoral ministry. Each step has simply been an attempt to follow God’s leading in faith.

God led Chris and his family back to his hometown of Fultonham, where he began seminary training. Soon after, God made it clear that His call for Chris was to replant a struggling church just up the road. In 2021, Chris stepped into that call as Pastor of UBC, and in 2024 he left an 18‑year career in community planning to serve in full‑time ministry. He has trained through the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a certified church planter with the SEND Network of the SBC.

For 20 years, Chris has been married to his beautiful wife, Kari—one of the most selfless and relatable people you’ll meet. They have five wonderful children: Hannah, Owen, Allie, Luke, and Emily. Their family lives in Fultonham and loves this community, and after becoming pastor, Chris even discovered that his family roots run through UBC, despite never having attended the church himself.

Chris is a reluctant Cincinnati Bengals fan, an optimistic Cincinnati Reds fan, and a confident Ohio State Buckeyes fan. If you see him zipping around town on the UBC golf cart, feel free to stop and say hello.