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Gary A. Zarlengo
Senior Pastor
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Wife: Diane
Children: Stephanie, Stephen
Education:
B.A. Biblical Studies, Oral Roberts University
M.A. Theological And Historical Studies, Oral Roberts Graduate School of Theology
Year Entered Ministry: 1978
Year Joined Smithtown: 1991
Life Scripture: Galatians 2:20
Philosophy of Ministry:
Advancing the vision and purpose of the church, namely, to magnify Jesus through worship, to mature and equip believers through the Word, to minister to others through works of service and fellowship, and to fulfill the great commission to reach the world. |
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Derek Prezzano
Executive Pastor
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Wife: Debbie
Children: Christian, Corey, Connor, Cameron
Education:
B.A. Psychology, Oral Roberts University
Biblical Studies Certificate Program, Christ for the Nations Institute of Biblical Studies
Year Entered Ministry: 2004
Year Joined Smithtown: 2007
Life Scripture: Matthew 22:27-40
Philosophy of Ministry:
Ministry is simply an overflow of the intimacy of my relationship with my heavenly Father. The more I abide in His presence and allow Him to transform my heart, the more effective and accurate will be my ministry to others. God will utilize the gifting, passions and talents He has placed in each of us to fulfill His purposes in His church and in our community.
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Ted Bichsel
Associate Pastor, Counseling/Marriage Ministry |
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Wife: Phyllis
Children: Bradley, Jaclyn
Education:
B.A. Architecture, Virginia Tech
Master Divinity, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary
Year Entered Ministry: 1981
Year Joined Smithtown: 1983
Life Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:8-10
Philosophy of Ministry:
Ministry has always been about listening to God and how He would have me touch people's hearts. It is up to me to use all of these gifts to glorify God. |
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David Harff
Associate Pastor, Children's Ministry |
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Wife: Kristine
Children: Jordan, Kaylee, Tyler, Kassidy
Education:
Associates Degree in Religious Arts, Northeastern Bible College
Year Entered Ministry: 1991
Year Joined Smithtown: 1991
Life Scripture: Philippians 4:13
Philosophy of Ministry:
It is the philosophy of the children's ministry to see each child walking with God and discipled in their faith. We also strive to help them to become boys and girls who become youth and adults who are on fire for God. James Dobson said many years ago "It is easier to raise a child who loves Jesus at a young age than have to repair a youth who had no desire for God late in life." |
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Todd J. Marshall
Associate Pastor, Music Ministry |
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Wife: Brenda
Children: Kelsie, Taylor
Education:
B.S. Sacred Music, North Central University
Year Entered Ministry: 1985
Year Joined Smithtown: 2000
Life Scripture: Romans 12:1
Philosophy of Ministry:
As Christians we are called to be both worshippers and warriors. A lifestyle of worship is a life of obedient service to God. Biblical expressions of praise along with prayer are what God has given us to launch spiritual weapons in the battle He has called us to fight. |
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Richard Collingridge
Associate Pastor, Missions and Evangelism |
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Wife: Esther
Children: Lilla C. Marie, Jodi Bunn
Education:
B.Th., Seattle Bible College
Graduate Studies, Fuller School of Intercultural Studies
Year Entered Ministry: 1967
Places Served in Missions: Mexico, Liberia, Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon
Year Joined Smithtown: 2005 (Supported by SGT on mission field in Africa 1990-2005)
Life Scripture: Phil. 1:21
Philosophy of Ministry:
Maturing the body of Christ in order to effectively reach people with the Gospel. |
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Scott Fowler
Associate Pastor, Assimilation and Discipleship |
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Wife: Penny
Children: Seth, Katie, Grayson
Education:
B.M. Midwestern State University
M.Div. Church of God School of Theology
D.Min. Fuller Theological Seminary
Year Entered Ministry: 1990
Year Joined Smithtown: 2006
Life Scripture: Psalm 119:130
Philosophy of Ministry:
Seeing the times in which we live and recognizing the opportunity to make a difference, it is a joy to extend a warm welcome to guests, rally Christians to make a deeper commitment to ministry, and to help people grow in spiritual maturity. |
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Michael D. Lawver
Associate Pastor, Youth Ministry |
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Wife: Lori
Children: Abigail, Emma, Israel, and Moriah
Education: B.A. Accounting, DeVry University; Ministerial Studies and Certifications, Church of God School of Ministry
Year Entered Ministry: 1997
Year Joined Smithtown: 2011
Life Scripture: Psalm 119:11
Philosophy of Ministry: Youth ministry in the local church is for the purpose of partnering with parents to disciple and send forth teenagers into the world to be a witness for Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit and giving them an opportunity to express their faith through serving, leadership, and developing their talents for the glory of Jesus Christ.
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Stephen Zarlengo
Associate Pastor, Young Adult Ministry |
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Wife: Anna
Children: None
Education: Bachelors Degree: Church History and Biblical Studies. Masters Degree: MA in Theological Historical Studies
Year Entered Ministry: 2009
Year Joined Smithtown: 2011
Life Scripture: Micah 7:8
Philosophy of Ministry: As a pastor it is an honor to expand God’s Kingdom in such a direct way through the local church. I believe for one to understand ministry they must view the life of Christ and replicate the way in which He served others. Being a good minister is being an excellent servant. One’s ministry should not be founded on their title; instead it should be built upon the foundation of their daily walk with Christ and an overflow of their intimacy with God and His Word. Ministry is not meant to be an individualistic occupation, but instead a communal work to see God’s Kingdom bring life and light to the lost and dying.
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Roger Erdvig
Superintendent, Smithtown Christian School
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Wife: Lori
Children: Heidi, Roger, Kevin, Hannah, Andrew
Education:
Valley Forge Christian College, BS Bible
Regent University, M.Ed.
Year Entered Ministry: 1990
Year Joined Smithtown: 2009
Life Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Philosophy of Ministry:
Christian school education is for the purpose of raising up the next generation of culture-shaping leaders, who possess Christ-like character, a Biblical worldview, and a passion for servant leadership.
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