Welcome to Encounter Church! We are a vibrant community committed to sharing the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to connect people to God and to one another through worship, teaching, and fellowship. We believe that every person is invited to experience God's transformative presence in their lives. Here, you can learn more about our dedicated team, our ministries, and the unique journey that brought us together as a family in faith.
Our Pastors:
Rev. Chris Paolini
Lead Pastor
Rev. Josie Paolini
Associate Pastor
Chris and Josie Paolini are passionate leaders with a heart for people, a burden for spiritual renewal, and a deep commitment to the kingdom of God. Married since May 1, 2004, they have served together in the ministry of the Word for nearly their entire marriage.
Rev. Chris Paolini, a native of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). He has served for years in pastoral ministry through preaching, teaching, discipleship, and leadership development. Known for his practical, Scripture-centered preaching and passion for spiritual formation, Pastor Chris frequently ministers on restoration, discipleship, prayer, spiritual authority, and becoming more like Christ. He also brings extensive experience in education, leadership, and business operations, offering both pastoral care and organizational vision to the church.
Rev. Josie Paolini, a local licensed minister in the UPCI, serves faithfully alongside her husband with compassion, a love for people, and a deep sensitivity to the presence of God. She is a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she majored in drama and technical theatre. Pastor Josie is a gifted teacher and hospital chaplain, and the author of two books on applying the Stanislavski method of acting to secular community theatre and Christian drama ministry. Her ministry is marked by authenticity, encouragement, and a desire to see lives healed and strengthened through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Together, Pastors Chris and Josie are committed to building a church culture shaped by worship, prayer, discipleship, biblical truth, and genuine community. They believe the church should be more than a place people attend; it should be a place where people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, discover purpose, and join the mission of the Kingdom of God. Their prayer is for Encounter Church to be a Spirit-filled, truth-preaching, life-giving church that reaches Burlington, Vermont, and beyond with the gospel of Jesus Christ.