Chris & Carley Ritchie

Chris (lead pastor) & Carley Ritchie (executive pastor)  have been married for 20 years and have four wonderful children. They have served on staff at Encounter Church Vegas for more than a decade (serving as worship pastors from 2011-2020 before becoming the Senior Leaders).  They both have a deep passion to see Heaven released on earth.

Chris is the former co-lead singer for the indie Christian alternative group, "Salt The Band". In 2003 Christianity Today labeled Salt the Band as one of the top 10 unsigned bands in America.  In the late 90's and early 2000's Chris and his band played festivals with Audio Adrenaline, PETRA, The Katinas, Sonic Flood, Plum, Skillet, among others. Prior to the band breaking up in 2004 they turned down a recording contract to be the third band on Fervent records (now Word) with Mercy Me and By The Tree. 

Chris is seasoned worship leader, recording artist, actor, and filmmaker.  His EP, "Release the Dreamers"  dropped worldwide on December 18, 2023.