Lenny Ports is the senior pastor of Encounter Christian Church, in Chesterfield, Virginia a suburb outside of Richmond. ECC was established in 2009. It has grown steadily since its founding. Lenny and his wife, Gerri believe in growing the church by building people in the Word of God and providing an atmosphere in worship for people to encounter God. Lenny and Gerri came to the Lord together in 1983. They have served faithfully as leaders in the Body of Christ for over 25 years. Lenny's ministry experience includes pastoring, preaching and teaching, music, and men’s ministry. While standing alongside her husband in ministry, Gerri raised their five children in the ways of the Lord. Gerri has experience in music, women, and children’s ministries, and has a unique passion for counseling and helping others see Jesus in the midst of their circumstances. Lenny and Gerri have experience as youth leaders and extensive experience in home cell group ministry. Lenny has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Gerri has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After graduating from college, Lenny & Gerri were married in 1985 and in 1988 received a calling on their life to pastor a church. The timing to plant a church of their own came in 2009 when Encounter Christian Church was established. Lenny has a passion for Christ and the Word of God and seeing people come into the fullness of God in their lives. His messages are Bible-centered, as he believes that the Word shouldn't be just a part of the message, but that the Word is the Message.