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.

Pastors Anthony and Barbara Franklin are the Montclair Campus Pastors of Christ Church. Married since 1981, they bring more than four decades of life together and 35 years of pastoral ministry experience. Both hold respected marriage-education credentials as certified PREPARE/ENRICH and SYMBIS facilitators and Certified Gottman Educators. Through seminars, retreats, premarital preparation, and coaching, they help couples strengthen communication, navigate challenges, and build lasting marriages. Anthony is a graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary. Barbara earned her degree from Nyack College and serves as a child development specialist with the New Jersey Early Intervention System. They are the proud parents of two adult daughters and enjoy the blessing of being grandparents.

Pastor Ryan and Kristyn Faison serve side by side at Christ Church, where Ryan leads as the Lodi 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.