Pastor Chris Cloud’s story of redemption began in an Alabama prison cell block in August 1998. When a circle of men in orange jumpsuits opened to make room for him, Chris surrendered his life to Jesus. His heart was made new in that moment, and what followed was the steady rebuilding of his life through grace, truth, and surrender.

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Drug addiction led Chris to nearly 15 years in federal prison. While in prison Chris continued growing in his faith, pursued educational and vocational training, and served through various ministry opportunities. God didn’t put Chris in prison, but He did meet him there.

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After his release, Chris spent six years driving a FedEx route. Between stops, he prayed with people and received calls from parents and pastors concerned about men whose lives were unraveling. One of those calls connected him with Josh Vandusseldorp, founder of ABEL Electric and ABEL Ministries. They quickly discovered that they shared the same passion: seeing lives restored through Jesus.

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In 2019, Chris hung up his keys at Fed Ex and joined ABEL. Today, he serves as lead pastor of homeCHURCH and leads the ministry work of ABEL Ministries. He oversees weekday chapel services before the workday begins, serves as a chaplain in three different county jails across Georgia and Alabama, and walks alongside men through repentance, faith, identity, and community as they rebuild their lives.

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Chris is happily married and a very pleased father of three daughters. His life and ministry are rooted in a simple conviction:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17