Founding pastors of Christ Church, the Irelands have been married since 1984 and are the proud parents of two adult daughters—Danielle and Jessica. Having counseled hundreds of couples in their 30-plus years of pastoral ministry, the Irelands enjoy using their graduate school education to help couples achieve emotionally healthy marriages.

They are frequent guest teachers at regional and national marriage seminars, couples retreats, and other venues designed to enrich marriages. Through David Ireland’s former radio program, IMPACT, tens of thousands of marriages were strengthened as he taught on such topics as: How to Fight Fair; Building a Healthy Marriage; and Love for a Lifetime.

Anthony and Barbara Franklin are associate pastors of Christ Church, serving as pastoral leaders of the church’s successful marriage ministry. Married since 1981, they are the proud parents of two adult daughters and four grandchildren. Together, they have used their almost 30 years of pastoral experience to restore and strengthen countless marriages by mentoring and counseling couples through workshops, retreats, and one-on-one sessions.

Anthony is a graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary, and Barbara earned a degree in elementary education from Nyack College and is a developmental interventionist for the New Jersey Early Intervention System. Both are Certified Prepare-Enrich Marriage Assessment Facilitators. They are devoted to helping couples lay a foundation for strong, godly marriages and they also lead the Christ Church pre-marital preparation program.

Pastor Ryan and Kristyn Faison serve side by side at Christ Church, where Ryan leads as the Clifton Campus Pastor and Digital Content Pastor. Happily married since October 10, 2010, they share a heart for helping people grow, encouraging others to flourish in their calling, and strengthening communities with hope and faith. Together they bring a unique blend of ministry and educational experience. Ryan is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Nyack Alliance Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in Theological Studies. Kristyn earned her degree in elementary education from Messiah University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Walden University. Beyond her work in education, Kristyn is also a gifted worship leader who partners with Ryan in leading people into deeper encounters with God’s presence. Their journey has taken them from local neighborhoods to national and global platforms, where they joyfully lead worship, invest in leaders, and work together to build thriving families and communities anchored in hope.

Lionel and Stephanie King were married right here at Christ Church. Lionel is the Teaching Pastor and serves at our Montclair Campus. Stephanie serves as a leader in the Women’s Ministry.

Lionel has been privileged to speak as an invited guest at prisons, schools, political functions, NFL/NCAA chapels, national conferences, and churches throughout the country. Stephanie is an educator, writer, editor, and poet. Together they enjoy the arts, concerts, and Broadway shows. The happy couple have two young children.

Rev. Mitchell Torres is founder and lead pastor of Harvest Fields Community Church in the Bronx. Born and raised in the inner city, Mitchell’s passion has always been to empower and engage those who have been marginalized by society. In 2000, he and his wife Sharlotte decided to leave their comfort zone and embark on a God-driven mission to reveal God, reach people, and restore lives. In a little under 19 years, Harvest Fields Community Church has grown to approximately 800 people and reached many throughout the Bronx and the world.

Mitchell, who received his Doctorate of Ministry from Alliance Theological Seminary in May 2018, uses the creative arts in his sermons to enhance and proclaim the gospel message to those who are churched and unchurched. His desire is to allow the Holy Spirit to use his various illustrations to make the message stick and radically change lives. He and Sharlotte have been married for 36 years.