Lead/Senior Pastor

Husband, Father and Grandfather, Pastor, Coach

At 19 years old I was hungry to know what God’s word had to say on a wide variety of subjects. In the process of reading and studying God’s word, not only did I find the answers I was looking for, but I discovered the Truth… and consequently was set free. I received Jesus as my personal savior on July 21, 1970 at Lakewood First Assembly of God (Life Center) the church I now pastor.

As Life Center’s Lead Pastor, I spend my time casting vision, administrating and planning, praying, studying, preaching and teaching, developing the church staff, counseling, performing weddings and funerals, meeting and leading various groups of leaders, and representing our church to the community at large.

One of the most fun times I can remember having, was our family vacation to Kauai. Our entire family stayed in a beautiful, fully-equipped, multi-level beach house near Poipou Beach. Some of the activities we enjoyed were golfing, swimming, kayaking, eating (yum), a helicopter tour of the island, driving and sight-seeing, a luau, a plantation tour, eating low-acid pineapples (the best), and just being together while enjoying life and gorgeous sunsets.

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Associate Pastor

Contact George

As a high school sophomore, I was confronted with this statement, “God loves you and Jesus died for you,” by the mother of my classmate. The youth pastor and lead pastor of the local Assemblies of God church attended my football games, showing a genuine interest in my life. I accepted Christ as my Savior at Tri-County Assembly of God, Cincinnati, Ohio. While attending the U.S. Naval Academy, God called me into full time ministry.

As Life Center’s Associate Pastor, and the newest member of the pastoral staff, I eagerly anticipate participating in various areas of ministry – single adults, men, adult Christian education, and more – where I hope to lead others in reaching out to the community and sharing the difference that a personal relationship with Christ can make.

Spending time with my family is a high priority for me – from lunches and golf with my sons to vacation times together as a family, to now babysitting our new granddaughter, Samantha. Two years ago our family enjoyed the best Christmas – a Caribbean cruise!

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Care Pastor

Harvesters

Contact Tom

Father, Grandfather, Representative of Christ, Spiritual Captain

I have been involved in church since I was a child. I first put my faith in Christ at the age of 12. I soon committed myself to serve Him fully, first at my youth group, the "Crusaders," and in various roles since.

My wife Shirley and I lead a number of ministries which include prayer ministries: the prayer chain and altar counselors. We minister to the sick in various care facilities and hospitals, and serve a congregation of people at a local convalescent home. We have ministered  to this congregation for 24 years. We lead the "Harvesters" (adults 55 and greater) who meet monthly for a lunch and plan monthly outings as well.

My wife, Shirley and I enjoy the outdoors and camping. Yet our favorite travel memory is when we visited Israel and were able to see the Bible right before our eyes. The impact of what we saw, heard, and learned brought new meaning and life to the greatest book ever written.

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Music Pastor

Choir

Contact Paul

Disciple of Christ, Worship Leader, Haagen Dazs Connoisseur, Magnifying Glass

As the Music Pastor I spend my time in these endeavors: prayer, worship, finding-writing-arranging choruses & specials & instrumental parts,  rehearsing the choir-soloists-ensembles & instrumentalists, scheduling people & plans for services, finding-writing-producing concerts & musicals,  overseeing instruments & sound equipment, and platform roadie.

One of my most fun times was when I went to a beach in Tahiti with a church group.  We cooked steaks on stakes in a huge fire pit, went swimming at midnight in warm lagoon water, sang choruses while watching shooting stars in the sky, and slept to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.

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Youth Pastor

Impact Youth Ministry

College/Young Adults

Contact Eric

Husband, Father, Friend, Coach

One of the most fun times I can remember having was coaching Shannon and watching her give birth to Jake.

As Life Center's Youth Pastor I put together youth services, start Bible clubs in schools, run Bible clubs in schools, run events, counsel students and parents, lead worship, put together recreation for district summer camps, train and disciple adult leaders, teach Sunday school. There is more, but those are some off the top of my head.

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Family Life Pastor

Life Groups

Contact Sheri

Wife, Mom, Nurturer, Sheep Dog

I have been a Christian since I was four years old.

As Life Center's Family Life Pastor I lead the weekly Family Life Class, plan various ministries and events, assist administration, and maintain correspondence for Family Life Ministry. I also train leaders, create vital ministry groups and celebrate various aspects of the Life Group Ministry. I facilitate family prayer communication with our church Elders, and plan various community outreaches.

Recently Gary and I thought we would be adventurous and took off on a trip without a destination.  We drove up the coast of California and ended up in Carmel.   It was heavenly!  I especially enjoyed walking around the shops :-) and 17 mile drive with my honey.  Gary even got to stop and hit a few balls at Pebble Beach!  The view of the ocean is magnificent.  Looking at the Pacific and its beauty and incredible force that should keep coming and take us all out, always speaks to me about God's even mightier power to say, "This far and no more!"

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Children's Pastor

At 5 years old I was adamant about saving a chair for “my angel” in children’s church. I not only knew there was a God, but I was confident that he had at least one angel assigned just to me for my protection, and of course, he needed a seat! Over the years, the Lord has continued to develop my faith through nurturing family members, caring teachers, church life, camp experiences, Bible reading and life lessons.

As Life Center’s Children’s Pastor, I’m passionate about spending quality time with children, and partnering with parents in the biblical training and spiritual development of their youngsters, from nursery through sixth grade. My emphasis with the children will include developing their faith in God, their understanding of God’s word, their love for others (family, neighbors, and those in need), and putting their faith and love into action. We will cultivate these principles through authentic relationships, personal prayer, worship and learning times, camps, fun-filled events, and service. I’m also excited about volunteer team development, teacher training, and parenting seminars.

One of our family’s favorite get-away spots is Big Bear. We enjoy occasional skiing and snowboarding in the winter, snuggling with popcorn and a movie by a roaring fireplace in a cozy cabin, and fishing and boating on the lake in the spring.

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Missions Secretary

Contact Ruth

My walk with Christ began as a very young child. As a matter of fact, I cannot remember when I was not a Christian. Growing up in a pastor's home, I heard all of the invitations to receive Christ and responded to many of them from the days of my earliest understanding. God has shown His mercy and grace over the years, and He continues to work in my heart-keeping me close-and reminding me of my need for Him.

As Life Center's Pastor's Wife, I feel that I have a job to do. I am the primary supporter of our pastor and the keeper of our home, providing a place of rest and peace. I also feel responsible to attend and participate in as many of Life Center's events and activities as possible.

As Life Center's Missions Secretary, I attempt to keep in contact with our missionaries through reading and maintaining record of the letters and information pieces we receive. I keep the congregation aware of the current goings on within our missionary family. I also prepare quarterly newsletters and CD's of one of Pastor's messages to send to our missionaries. I assist in preparations for our annual missions convention.

I have so many fun times to recall that it is hard to share just one. I loved cruising to Alaska with Chuck. I so enjoy my grandchildren and all of their new discoveries. I enjoy getting giggly with the gals in my mentoring group. But I'll focus on my travels with Chuck. While I am not really crazy about long trips, Chuck and I love to discover any city that we get the chance to travel to: a bus tour, walking tour, whatever is available. When we leave a city, we feel that we have come to "know" the city. This makes our travel very fun.

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Financial Secretary

Contact Sharon

Wife, Family Hub, Teacher and Encourager, Facilitator

I came to know Christ at about age 9.

One of the most fun times I can remember having was visiting my brother's family in Kenya with my family. Up until that time I had never taken a major trip like that.  It was very exciting to think about all that we would see and do.  Since my brother and family were living there, we had our own personal tour guides.  They either recommended or took us to some fantastic places.  We got to see wild animals in their habitat.  We learned how people in another culture lived.  We got to celebrate Christmas in a low-key manner (That would never happen here!) Our children saw real beggars and the needs of a third-world country.   We worshipped in churches that were totally "nonAmerican".  We ate some of the most different and tasty food.  Each day was an adventure.  Dave learned to drive on the wrong side of the street.

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Office Secretary

Contact Julie

Wife, Mother, Servant, Spiritual Concierge

I've been a Christian for fourteen years.

As the Life Center secretary, I am the church receptionist, I perform various secretarial tasks for all staff members, assemble church publications, and am basically a jack-of-all-trades.

One of the most fun times I can remember having was riding wave runners with Tim at the lake..

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Youth Intern Extraordinaire

Christ Following, Constant Learning, Art Loving, Wave Riding, All around Nice Guy

I've been a Christian & attending Life Center since I was five years old.

As the youth intern I help out Pastor Eric a ton.  I occasionally take mundane & sometimes boring (but needed) administrative tasks off of Pastor Eric so he can focus more on the ministry, as well as putting together youth services, speaking at youth services, running a bible club at Bancroft Middle School, organizing & running events, leading worship, and (from what I've been told) keep the rest of the office happy & having fun (it's not really part of what I do, it just kinda happens.) There's a lot more, but you get the idea.

Here is one of my favorite moments.

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Webmaster

Contact Don

Christian, Son, Uncle, Friend, Artist, Computer Junky,

I've been a Christian for most of my life. I can remember in particular a kids camp back in Arkansas where the whole idea of God really became reality.

As the Life Center webmaster my job is to try to give new people an idea of what goes on in the church, and give relative information to those who already go to our church. And to keep Matt's profile from hitting the bottom of the page.

One of the best times I always have are the Colorado river trips. It's fun to see how people really are when they're on the water, and have to row 17 miles.

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