Ilexene Alphonse

Greetings!

My name is Ilexene Alphonse, I am married to my beautiful wife Michaela Alphonse. We have been blessed with our beautiful and courageous daughter Julie.

I am currently serving as pastor at the Haitian Church of the Brethren in Miami, Florida. I am in Country CAT (Country Advisory Team) for Haiti and the Global Mission office, BDM (Brethren Disaster Ministry) consultant for Haiti. I speak Haitian Creole, English and some French. I was born and raised in Haiti and moved to the United States of America in 1997 and became a US citizen in 2004.

I have been a member of the Church of the Brethren since 1998. I love the Church of the Brethren values and tradition. I have passion for mission work, evangelism, leadership training, for that dedicated my life to serve the Lord wherever He leads with the desire to win souls for the Kingdom of God.

I like to watch political/police/FBI drama series, go to the gym and listen to Christian music.

Vildor Archange

• Nationality    Haitian
• Age    48 years old
• Sex    Male
• Marital status    Married, l have 3 children (1 girl and 2 boys). Age 3-13 years old
• Passion    Evangelism to reach the lost souls for Christ and help the needed people
• Language skill    Haitian Creole, French, Spanish and English
• Profession    Agronomist engineer
• Ministry    Ordained pastor in the Dominican Republic since 2011

ll. Ministry experiences in Church of the Brethren

• Bible school teacher in Dominican Republic    2004-2006
• Treasure for the National Committee in Dominican Republic    2004-2008
• Local pastor in Les Cayes, Haiti    2017-2019
• Bible school teacher in Haiti    2016-2018
• Ministerial Committee Secretary   2018-2024

III. Work experiences

• Volunteer with Community Development Committee in DR    2003-2007
• Interpreter / translator for COB in Dominican Republic and Haiti    2013 to date
• Agronomist for Save the Children in Dominican Republic (social work)    2008-2012
• Coordinator of Haiti Medical Project (social work)    2013-2024

IV. Current ministry and permanent address

Since a month ago l moved from Haiti to live in USA, l am living now in Lehigh Acres, Florida. l am a member of the Haitian Church of the Brethren, Miami.

Founa Augustin-Badet

Rev. Founa I. Augustin Badet serves as Director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, Director of Haitian Ministries, part of the District Executive Leadership Team at the Atlantic Southeast District Church of the Brethren, and a Circuit Rider for Haitian Creole Pastors by helping to promote self-care and permanent ways to support, provide and foster helpful growth with learning opportunities for multi-vocational pastors in the Church of the Brethren.

She is invested in tangible ways in her community as Pastor of Jesus Lounge Ministry, one of the ways she is present as Jesus in the neighborhood supporting the community with resources and services. Founa is the Administrative Secretary and founder of Women of Impossibilities. Currently, Founa serves as the Nominating Committee Chair/Treasurer for S.D. Spady Elementary PTA. Board member at Camp Ithiel, and Committee member of the Anti-Bias Coalition of Delray Beach, Florida.

Founa is wife to Herman, mother to Valencia, Josias and Loudyn. Loving daughter of Marie Luvie (USA) and Edner (Haiti); and sister to her many siblings. She loves to mentor and be mentored. She has her bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry, and master’s in leadership from Trinity International University. Founa is also a Certified Mental Health First Aid from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing trained to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health or substance challenge. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, movies, playing and dancing with her family. Founa loves Salsa and movement. In her wellness journey, you will find her at a Zumba class or Pilates.

Ryan Braught

Ryan Braught is the Church Planting Pastor of the Veritas Community in Lancaster, PA. Along with his wife and kids he founded the Veritas Community in 2009. He is the husband to Kim, and father to Kaiden and Trinity. Ryan has a BS in Telecommunications from Kutztown University and a Master of Arts in Religion from Evangelical Theological Seminary. Besides his work with Veritas, Ryan is a Circuit Rider with the Part Time Pastor:Full Time Church program of the Church of the Brethren, a Barista at Slate Cafe in Lititz, PA, and in the winter is a Snowboard Instructor at Ski Roundtop in Lewisberry, PA. Ryan also enjoys reading books, watching movies, listening to music, snowboarding, and hanging out with his family.

Jeff Carter

Dr. Carter was called to serve as Bethany’s 10th president in 2013. He earned degrees from Bridgewater College (BA), Bethany Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Princeton Theological Seminary (DMin). Prior to coming to Bethany, he served the Manassas Church of the Brethren and the Florin Church of the Brethren, as well as served in Brethren Volunteer Service at the Church of the Brethren Washington Office on Capitol Hill. As president of Bethany Theological Seminary, Dr. Carter is a champion of affordable and accessible education. Bethany Theological Seminary offers a pathway for students to receive a degree with no additional education or consumer debt. Under Dr. Carter’s leadership, Bethany revitalized its residential program, developed technology rooms for synchronous learning, built a technology center for students in Africa, launched a graduate program for community engagement entitled Bethany BOLD, increased annual giving, and realized increased enrollment for residential and distance learners. Dr. Carter teaches contextual leadership as part of the graduate program.

Dr. Carter’s leadership is widely recognized. Dr. Carter was nominated by Senator James Webb of Virginia to serve as guest chaplain for the United States Senate, the first member of the Church of the Brethren to do so. He currently serves on the World Council of Churches’ Commission of Churches for International Affairs, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, is a member of a number of non-profit boards in the Richmond/Wayne County area, and is a regular speaker and consultant in the church, academy, and among non-profits. Jeff and his wife, Kim, live in Richmond, Indiana, and are the parents of three young adults.

Lupita Cruz-Ortiz

My name is Lupita Cruz-Ortiz. My husband Many Cruz and I are church planters. I am an associate pastor at Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren and Hispanic Ministries in Bassett, Virginia. I am the planter and lead pastor of Monte Hermon COB. I am also assisting my husband in planting Monte De Dios in Eden, North Carolina. I have served on committees within the Virlina District. I have three amazing children Saul, Star and Sion. We are passionate about serving the Lord, community outreach and prayer. In my free time I love to cook, read and spend time with my family.

Mi nombre es Lupita Cruz-Ortiz. Mi esposo Mani Cruz y yo somos plantadores de iglesias. Soy pastora asociada en Mount Hermon COB y los ministerios de hispanos en Bassett, Virginia. Soy la plantadora y pastora de Monte Hermón COB. También estoy ayudando a mi esposo a plantar Monte De Dios en Eden, Carolina del Norte. He servido en comités dentro del Distrito de Virlina. Tengo tres hijos increíbles, Saul, Star y Sion. Nos apasiona servir al Señor, el alcance comunitario y apasionados por la oración. En mi tiempo libre me encanta cocinar, leer y pasar tiempo con mi familia.

Manuel Cruz

My name is Manuel Cruz I am the church planter of Iglesia Monte De Dios of Eden North Carolina. I work with my wife and assistant her in planting Monte Hermon. I am passionate about worship and play multiple instruments in our ministries. We have 3 children Saul, Star and Sion who we are very proud of. I look forward to the time in serving Church of the Brethren who we love.

Mi nombre es Manuel Cruz, soy el pastor plantador de la Iglesia Monte De Dios de Edén, Carolina del Norte. Trabajo con mi esposa y la ayudo en la plantación de Monte Hermon. Me apasiona la adoración y toco múltiples instrumentos en nuestros ministerios. Tenemos 3 hijos Saul, Star y Sion de los que estamos muy orgullosos. Estamos gozosos de servir a la Iglesia de los Hermanos que amamos mucho.

Stan Dueck

Stan Dueck is Director of Organizational Leadership with Discipleship & Leadership Formation of the Church of the Brethren. An ordained minister, Stan having pastored two congregations, both started in 1724.

Stan is a coach, consultant, mentor, and teacher. He has developed resources and presented workshop topics pertaining to church leadership, congregational vitality, transitional ministry, strategic planning, evangelism, coaching and emerging missional church movements. Stan has a passion for cultivating healthy congregations and developing effective leaders.

Stan has been instrumental in the development of the congregational vitality process known as Vital Ministry Journey (VMJ). He produces webinars for pastors and congregational leaders, hosted by the Church of the Brethren.

Stan is a graduate of Fresno Pacific College (Fresno, CA) and Lancaster Theological Seminary (Lancaster, PA). In recent years, Stan has completed extensive training with the Center for Parish Development, Multiple Health Systems and the College of Executive Coaching, attaining certification with the International Coaching Federation as a leadership and personal coach.

Stan and his wife Julie and daughter Courtney reside in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Nevin Dulabaum

Nevin Dulabaum has learned a lot about non-profit governance as a former newspaper reporter and then as a national Church of the Brethren staff member since 1994. In 1999 he moved from the General Board to Eder Financial (formerly Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust) and was promoted to president in September 2008. Since then, he not only has worked with the Eder Financial Board but has become familiar with the boards of client organizations, as well as serving on the boards of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, the Church Benefits Association, and Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren. He currently serves on the Mutual Aid Association of the Church of the Brethren board. Through all of these experiences, he has seen a lot of good and bad practices of corporate governance, and each year leads a well-attended good board governance equipping session at Annual Conference called “Effectively Board.” Attendees will leave with a framework for non-profit boards to function efficiently and effectively, while identifying a number of helpful corporate governance resources.

Nevin, a sixth-generation member of the Church of the Brethren, lives in Elgin, Ill., where he attends Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren with his wife, Mary. They have three grown daughters and a wonderful dog, Cocoa. He is an avid photographer, home renovator, pontoon boater, and bicyclist. He rode his bicycle this year to Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, the fifth time he has ridden to the annual meeting. He also has ridden on many other organized rides, including RAGBRAI 11 times, the week-long 400+ mile ride across the hilly state of Iowa.

Shawn Flory Replogle

Shawn Flory Replogle is the proud partner of Alison, with whom he shares a great family: Adin, Caleb, Tessa, and Simon. Together, they live in Lindsborg, KS, where Shawn has been a pastor, district youth advisor and founder of MatchLight Organization Development, a consulting group who facilitates/advises/consults/and trains organizations of all sizes and shapes: “like a match striking rough paper, we ignite creative sparks in others.” Shawn has experience building organizations of all shapes and sizes, including Ulster Project of McPherson County, and Indigo Moo’d Homemade Ice Cream. Shawn served in Brethren Volunteer Service as a workcamp coordinator and coordinator of the 1994 National Youth Conference, pastor of the South Waterloo (IA) and McPherson (KS) Churches of the Brethren, and was the moderator of the Church of the Brethren in 2010. Currently Shawn is the Executive Director of Organizational Resources for the Church of the Brethren, based out of Elgin, IL.

Jennifer Kreighbaum

I am the Board Chair for the West Marva District Board where I have also previously served as Moderator and Finance Team chair. I am one of a pastoral team at Bear Creek Church of the Brethren in Western Maryland, where we enjoy being a close knit family of believers who love Jesus. I have served numerous roles in districts throughout the denomination.

On a personal front, my husband Jason and I have two children, Annalynn age 10 and Jayden “Ace” age 3. We enjoy traveling, checking out zoos and museums, and being outside at sporting events or other activities. I love watching NFL football and playing softball/baseball. Jason and I met at Bethany Theological Seminary, got married during seminary, and then lived in Indiana and Pennsylvania in route back to my home county in Maryland. We moved back to Maryland to be close to my parents and that connection has been a true blessing.

The best honor of my pastoral and personal life was baptizing my daughter in June of 2023. I have baptized around 12 at one time and numerous others, and that was an absolute blessing, but nothing compares to baptizing my own daughter and seeing her join the family of Christ. I am honored to be a part of the planning team for this L.E.A.D. conference!

My favorite passage of scripture is Isaiah 40:31!

Brian Messler

Brian Messler lives in Lititz, Pennsylvania with his wife, Jenn and daughter Cayden. Brian currently serves as the lead pastor at Ephrata Church of the Brethren. In addition to full time pastoral ministry, Brian serves as a consultant for congregations and pastors who are navigating various changes with vision, culture, evangelism, and structure. As Brian shares, “I have a deep desire to unearth the diamonds in the rough, the opportunities for congregations and pastors alike to discover God’s vision and move forward, with courage, that vision in all areas of their lives together.” Brian’s ministry passions revolve around leadership, vision casting, change management, team building, mentoring, evangelism, discipleship, worship, and core value discernment. In his spare time, Brian enjoys, golf, coaching soccer, movies, reading, and just enjoying life with family and friends.

Paul Mundey

Paul Mundey is a minister, consultant, and writer. He has served as a church leader for more than 45 years, in a wide range of roles: pastor, church administrator, denominational officer, workshop leader, denominational staff person, and teacher.

He served as Moderator of the Church of the Brethren from 2019-2021.

During the academic year, 2016-2017, Paul was a Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N.J. Prior to that appointment, Paul served for 20 years as Senior Pastor of the Frederick Church of the Brethren in Frederick, MD. From 1983-1996, Paul was a staff member for the national ministry of the Church of the Brethren, serving as director of evangelism and congregational growth, and staff for Korean ministry.

Paul earned an M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has also studied at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Rutgers University, The University of Illinois at Chicago, and The Johns Hopkins University.

Paul is married to Robin Risser Mundey who is Director of Traditional Worship and organist at Central Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, MD. Their son, Peter is a sociologist, and their daughter Sarah is an interior designer and freelance blogger. Paul and Robin are grandparents to three grandsons: John Dorsey, Jacob Dorsey and Ryder Mundey.

Noel S. Naff

Noel S. Naff, MDiv, graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary with an emphasis in youth & young adult ministry. Former Spiritual Director of School of Spiritual leadership in Southeastern District. Moderator of the Virlina District in 2023. Pastor at Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren for the last 16 years. Recently, his inspiring journey as pastor includes facilitating a Hispanic church plant in Henry County, VA, participating in service oriented ministry in the DR and merging two existing COB’s together.

Etienne Nsanzimana

My name is Etienne Nsanzimana, and I am honored to serve as a Pastor and the current President of the Church of Brethren in Rwanda. With a deep sense of calling and dedication, I have been privileged to lead God’s ministry for 46 years, embracing pastoral responsibilities and leadership duties within the church.

Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to serving my congregation and engaging in various ministries that seek to uplift communities within Rwanda and beyond holistically. I firmly believe that through faith and action, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

My academic journey includes earning a Master’s of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion (ESR), a sister school to the esteemed Bethany Theological Seminary, affiliated with the Church of Brethren. This journey, together with my life experiences, has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to fulfill my role as a spiritual leader and shepherd to those entrusted to my care.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am blessed to share my life with my beloved wife, Nyiransabuwiteka Zilipa, and our six cherished children. Together, we find joy and fulfillment in serving God and our community within the Church of Brethren and beyond. I am profoundly grateful to God for the opportunity to serve Him and His people as we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing His kingdom.

Joel Peña

Joel Pena is an ordained minister and pastor of the Alpha and Omega Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, Pa., Atlantic Northeast District. Prior to coming to Alpha and Omega in October 2005, Joel served as worship director of the Reformed Church in America Latino church in Paterson, New Jersey, for more than two years. Joel previously served in different roles in Venezuela where he was born.

Joel grew up between the Alliance Church and the Pentecostal Church (IDP-MI) in Merida, Venezuela, where he was baptized at age 12, and later was a member of the Assembly of God Church. He graduated from the Mizpa Bible Institute and he received a master’s degree in Accounting from the University of the Andes in January 1990.

Joel founded the Brigada Juvenil de Jesucristo (Jesus Christ Youth Brigade) in January 1987 and is a founding member of the Christian band, El Shaddai, where he participated as vocalist and clarinet and saxophone player between 1986 and 1992. Joel also was a businessman who established various businesses of medium and small size in the beautiful city of Merida, Venezuela. All this season of prosperity came to an end when in 1998 Hugo Chavez was elected as president of Venezuela, affecting the strong economy of Venezuela to the point that Joel’s business fell into bankruptcy in 2000.

Joel was invited by his youngest brother Horeb to move to the United States in 2001. He became pastor of the Alpha and Omega congregation in 2005, where he serves to this day. He’s also director of the Alpha and Omega Community Center. He has served in the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren for six years on the Church Development and Evangelism Commission and two years on the District Ministry Commission. Joel is a former SeBAH ANE Coordinator. He represented our denomination in Spain and in Venezuela. He served last five years as member of Mission and Ministry Board of Church of the Brethren USA. He currently serves as member of Country Advisory Team (CAT) for Venezuela Church of the Brethren. Joel enjoys being with his wife of 20 years and his children. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess, basketball and volleyball, watching family movies, and seeing live theatre.

Nate Polzin

Nate Polzin is the Executive Director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation for the Church of the Brethren. He has been in ministry since 1996, and is the founding pastor of The Church in Drive (Saginaw, Michigan) and a network of college ministries called Standing in the Gap Christian Fellowship. Nate also started Polzin Coaching & Consulting, Inc., a leadership coaching and training practice for ministry and business leaders.

Nate graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Political Science and earned an M. Div. at Bethany Theological Seminary. He has served in various roles in the Church of the Brethren at the local, district and national level. In addition to planting a church, he served as a District Executive, started three college ministries, and led three congregations in their successful revitalization efforts.

Nate is married to Mandy, who is a counselor and hospice chaplain. They have two great boys – Lucas and Michael. He enjoys traveling, reading, history, and especially coaching Little League Baseball and soccer for his sons’ teams. One day Nate hopes to see his beloved Detroit Lions win a Super Bowl – we got so close this last year!

Cesia Salcedo

Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, Cesia Salcedo grew up in a Pastoral and church planting family. She completed her high school education in Panama City and at a young age took courses to help teach people how to read and write at her local church in Panama, the Church of God of Prophecy.

She moved to the United States in 2002. She has taken courses and continues to study at the CGI in her district. In July 2019 she was licensed by the Virlina District. After being licensed, she served as the interim pastor in El Buen Pastor, Blacksburg congregation for a period of time in 2023. She has preached in her local church, preached and visited other churches in the US and abroad, and served with the Global Church as a representative for the Iglesia de los Hermanos in Spain.

Mother of five children with seven grandchildren and one on the way. She loves to spend time with her grandchildren and taking pictures. She loves listening to worship music (especially late at night) and praying for the little ones at her preschool. She believes in encouragement and equipment to all believers to serve better within their local churches and outside congregations.

Nacida y criada en la Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, Cesia Salcedo creció en una familia pastoral y de plantación de iglesias. Completó su educación secundaria en la ciudad de Panamá y desde muy joven tomó cursos para ayudar a enseñar a la gente a leer y escribir en su iglesia local en Panamá, la Iglesia de Dios de la Profecía.

Se mudó a Estados Unidos en 2002. Ha realizado cursos y continúa estudiando en el CGI de su distrito. En julio de 2019 obtuvo la licencia pastoral del Distrito de Virlina COB. Después de obtener la licencia, se desempeñó como pastora interina en El Buen Pastor, la congregación de Blacksburg por un período de tiempo en 2023. Predicó en su iglesia local, predicó y visitó otras iglesias en los EE. UU. y en el extranjero, y sirve en la Iglesia Global como representante de la Iglesia de los Hermanos de España.

Madre de cinco hijos con siete nietos y uno en camino. Le encanta pasar tiempo con sus nietos y tomar fotos. Le encanta escuchar música de adoración (especialmente a altas horas de la noche) y orar por los pequeños de su preescolar. Ella cree en el estímulo y el equipamiento para todos los creyentes para que sirvan major dentro de sus iglesias locales y congregaciones externas.

Laura Stone

Laura Stone is a Church of the Brethren District Minister living in North Manchester, Indiana, with her 6 cats and Samwise, her Great Dane service dog in training. Much of her career has been in music ministry, residential mental health, spiritual direction and hospital and long-term care chaplaincy. Purple is her favorite color, she loves Celtic and American folk music, and she reads as much sci-fi and fantasy as she can get her hands on. She is pursuing a DMin in Leadership at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

James Washington

In 1959 at the age of 16, James Washington began a serious relationship with God. He was ordained as a deacon in 1966 and ordained to the ministry in 1977 at the Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church. In the latter part of 1978, James founded Bethel Temple Community Church in Pomona, California. He studied theology at the University of LaVerne, under Prof. Vernard Eller, and studied pastoral counseling at Claremont College under Prof. Howard Clinebell.

Early on, James played lead guitar for the Christian Crusaders in Fort Worth Texas, and more recently he played bass guitar for the Bittersweet Gospel Band in Los Angeles, California. He is a singer, songwriter and musician.

James served on the anti-racism training team for the Church of the Brethren from 2003 to 2007. He and Sandra founded Best Friends Ministries, sharing African American culture through music and plays as well as working with youth. He wrote one book that is at the publishers and is working on his second book at the publisher’s request.

James co-founded Time Out Ministries. Time Out is an acronym for, today’s interaction may encourage our unity tomorrow, focusing on finding ways to embrace our diversity as the people of God.

James serves as the Pastor of both the Pleasant View and Elm Street Church of the Brethren congregations in the Lima area. He has served on the Pacific Southwest and the Northern Ohio District boards and is currently a member of the Allen County Mental Health Advisory Board. James and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 18 years, have a blended family of nine children, and a truckload of grand and great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life’s journey, loving and enriching relationships were created with many people who been blessings in his life.

Richard Wehrle

Richard Wehrle is the Thriving in Ministry Program Manager for the Church of the Brethren. He is also the pastor at the Midland Church of the Brethren in the MId-Atlantic District. He first graduated from Growth Institute in the Shenandoah District in 2012 obtaining his ordination in 2013. He then graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary in 2023 with a Master of Divinity degree, as well as two certificates, a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies and a Certificate in Intercontextual Biblical Interpretation.

Richard has been a multi-vocational pastor since 2011 in several contexts serving in both the Shenandoah and Mid-Atlantic Districts. He has been married to his wife Mandy since 2002, and they have 4 children Lexi, Dylan, Owen, and Kylie. He has a passion for advocating and helping multi-vocational pastors find the purpose of their calling from God in their ministry context by engaging in healthy peer relationships and practicing self-care by tending to their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. He is also passionate about developing the next generation of leadership in the church helping them to realize their gifts and calling from God.