ELDER BOARD

The Board of Elders is charged with the general oversight of all ministries and staff of the church. While administrative decisions and actions are subject to their authority, their primary role is to work with the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastors to ensure the church remains true to God’s Word and moving forward in God’s mission. Also, they are charged to help meet the pastoral needs of the congregation as much as possible.

"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
1 Peter 5:1-4

Will Ahrens

Term: 2024-2025
Married to Olivia for 3 years, one daughter

I was blessed to grow up attending church. I accepted Jesus as my Savior in middle school. As life progressed and centered around my successful secular band, I struggled with worldly temptations. In my mid 20s I recognized my half-hearted faith and reliance on my own strength. That’s when I went all-in for Jesus.
 
Over the years, my wife and I have served in the Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry together. Today, Olivia and I serve on the worship team on Sunday mornings. We are thrilled to welcome our baby girl due this year! 
A member of LFCC since 2018.

MATT CRAKER

Term: 2022-2025
Married to Kerri for 25 years, two adult sons

I love Jesus above all and received Him as my Savior during the summer after 7th Grade. After hearing the story of the prodigal son and truly connect-ing it to God’s love for me, I surrendered my life to Him. I am far from perfect,
and I fall on God’s grace daily. It is my honor to serve Him and His people.

I actively serve on the Worship Ministry tech team. Also, over the years Kerri and I have led small groups for couples in our home, served in Children’s Ministry and Student Ministry. I have also served in the past on the Finance Committee and as Treasurer.

Brian Crawford

Term: 2024-2027 
Married to Donna for 36 years, one adult son, daughter-in-law and 2 grand-children.

The LORD opened my eyes and changed my life in 2003 and I dedicated my life to Christ. My life is abundantly blessed by our Savior who gave me a new heart, new sight and new purpose. It is humbling and a privilege to serve the Lord at Living Faith where God changes lives and works in amazing ways.
 
Donna and I lead a Life Group and I have served as an Elder. 
A member of LFCC since 2008. 

Wilner Faton

Term: 2022-2025 
Married to Stephanie for 23 years, three children, a daughter and 2 sons.

My journey to a meaningful relationship with God began over 25 years ago. It all started when a friend witnessed to me not only through words, but also actions. We are truly blessed and honored to be at the service of Yahweh. God is powerful but also personal, big enough to hold the whole world in His hands yet small enough to reside in our heart. We therefore endeavor to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).
 
I presently serve as an usher and as a Ranger with Trail Life. In the past I served in Men’s Ministry and as a Mission Committee member. My wife Stephanie is a worship team member.

A member of LFCC since 2000.

Steve Garton

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Anne for 37 years, two adult children, one son and one daughter

My faith journey began at age 14 when I heard the gospel message on a Christian radio program. The speaker’s explanation of Revelation 3:20 deeply resonated with me, and I made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Since then, my faith has played a central role in shaping who I am today. Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the love and grace of God, and I am committed to sharing this message with others.

I serve as a Group Life coach and lead the Men’s Leadership Team.

A member of LFCC since 2012.

JEFF HUNN

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Nicole for 19 years, two children, a daughter and a son.

I was blessed to be raised in a home that followed God and I made the decision to do the same at an early age. However, it wasn’t until my junior year of college that I realized my need for a truly personal relationship with Christ and actively pursued His will for my life. Since then, I’ve tried to shift my focus away from seeing what God can do for me to seeing what God can do through me.

Nicole and I serve on the worship team and feel blessed to witness all that God is doing in people’s lives at Living Faith. I also serve as a Ranger in the Trail Life boys program.

A member of LFCC since 2005

ARTIE MARTIN

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Dawn for 30 years, two adult daughters, 2 sons-in-law and 2 grandsons.

I became a Christian in 1979 and attended Zion Bible College and Nyack College. My life verse is Jer. 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you...” (NIV).

We enjoy serving together as Life group leaders for married couples. I am also a Life group coach.

A member of LFCC since 2000.

John Ekstrom

Term: 2024-2027
Married to Debbie for 33 years, two adult daughters, 1 adult son and 1 son-in-law.

I became a Christian during VBS at the age of 5. Being saved at an early age, I didn’t find many obstacles to my Christian walk. However, as I approached my high school years, I realized I was being challenged daily to make the right decisions and please God. The Lord provided a group called Campus Life where I found like-minded believers and accountability. While that seems like a long time ago, God has continued to stand by me as I grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I serve as a Small Group Coach and a Trail Life Leader.

A member of LFCC since 2007.

Nick Stavrinos

Term: 2024-2025
Married to Juarline for 22 years, one adult son, and one daughter.

My wife and I gave our lives to Christ while attending a service at LFCC in the summer of 2016. Following several months of searching for a deeper relationship with God, He was true to His Word that, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Our lives and the lives of our children have been forever changed because of what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross and through is Resurrection.

Juarline and I lead a Life Group for couples and I co-lead the Buddy Ministry within the Children’s Ministry.

A member of LFCC since 2017.

Doug Timmons

Term: 2024-2027
Married to Fran for 52 years, two daughters and 3 grandchildren

I rededicated my life to Jesus in 1979 and joined Wantagh Baptist in 1988 when we moved here from Queens. Served as a S/S teacher for 33 years. Currently a member of the Care Team and lead a Life Group.

A member of LFCC since 1989.

John Toscano

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Patty for 52 years, 6 adult children, 3 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law and 15 grandchildren

I accepted Christ as Lord some 40 years ago. My Christian life has been a journey through which God has demonstrated His unfailing mercy. I endeavor, by His grace, to lead a life pleasing to Him.

I presently lead a men’s cell group and have previously served on the Prayer Team, Missions committee, as the church treasurer, a Life Group leader and facilitator for First Serve.

A member of LFCC since 2007.

Christopher Toomey

Term: 2024-2027
Married to Chrissy for 11 years, 2 sons and a daughter

I accepted Christ as my savior when I was in college. Chrissy and I got baptized together at 23 years old, and have truly put Jesus first in everything we do; especially our marriage and raising our family. Our prayer is that we can be lights for Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16) in a world that needs the hope and love of God.

I currently serve as a Head Usher and have been on the Finance Committee. Chrissy serves as a Life Group leader and in Children’s Ministry on Sunday morning and various roles for VBS.