ELDER BOARD Candidates

Below, you will find information about the four men who have been nominated to serve on our Elder Board. These individuals have been prayerfully selected based on their spiritual maturity, character, and commitment to the mission and values of our church. We encourage you to take time to read through each profile, lift these men up in prayer, and seek the Lord’s guidance as we move forward together.

ray diaz

Term: 2026-2029
Married to Melissa for 17 years, two sons. 

I grew up going to a Christian church, but it was at the age of 28 when I began walking with God. Jesus has been faithfully present in all the ups and downs I’ve gone through, and I can proclaim that with Him all things are possible. It is an honor to serve in any capacity the Lord places me within Living Faith Christian Church, and all glory to God.

A member of LFCC since 2017.

wilner faton

Term: 2026-2029
Married to Stephanie for 25 years, three children, a daughter and two sons.

My journey to a meaningful relationship with God began over 30 years ago. It all started when a friend witnessed to me not only through words, but also actions. Since then, I’ve made a full commitment to follow Christ with my whole heart believing that Christ was born, had died for our sins, was buried, was resurrected on the 3rd day, “and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him” (1 Peter 3:22).

God is not only powerful, but also personal. He is big enough to hold the whole world in His hands yet small enough to reside in our heart, and “His mercy endures forever”. That is why I endeavor to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

I presently serve as both a Ranger with Trail Life and an usher. In the past, I served in Men’s Ministry as a life group leader and as a Mission Committee member. My wife Stephanie is a member of the worship team.

A member of LFCC since 2005. 

cliff molinelli

Term: 2026-2029 
Married to Antoinette (Andi) for 51 years, two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren.

I accepted the Lord as my personal savior as a freshmen in college. I was at the lowest point of my life and was praying for meaning in my life when a friend invited me to a Bible study where I truly heard the gospel for the first time.

Andi and I have served the Lord in many different ministries in the church over the years. Currently we lead a Couples Life Group and head up the Care Team. We seek to know and do His will in our lives.

A member of LFCC since 1977.

lenny warner

Term: 2026-2029
Married to Elisabeth for 10 years, one son.

I grew up in the church, but I didn’t make Jesus my personal Lord and Savior until I was in high school. My previous church had a healing service, and I wanted prayer for God to heal my eyesight. That night, my aunt shared the gospel with me, and my spiritual eyes were opened. Since that night, I’ve trusted God with big decisions in my own life and for my family. My wife and I met through the young adult ministry at Living Faith, and God has been at the center of our relationship. My life verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

My wife and I currently lead a Life Group for young couples. In the past, I’ve served in the choir, as an usher, in the young adult ministry, and in the tech ministry.

A member of LFCC since 2015.

current members of the ELDER BOARD

We invite you to read about the men continuing to serve on the Elder Board. Each of these men remains committed to faithfully shepherding our church family and will serve through the end of their current term, as noted in their details. We are grateful for their ongoing leadership and dedication to God’s work.  

will ahrens

Term: 2025-2028
Married to Olivia for 4 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.

Daniel broberg

Term: 2025-2028
Married to Sara for 11 years, three daughters, and one son.

I grew up in the church and was always very active, but it wasn't until I moved away that I really made a personal decision to follow Christ. I started reading the Bible and understood that I was a sinner and was in desperate need of a savior.

My wife Sara and I met in college ministry, and it continues to be a large part of our life as we help to lead the Young Adult Ministry at Living Faith.

A member of LFCC since 2016.

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.

John Ekstrom

Term: 2024-2027
Married to Debbie for 33 years, two adult daughters, one adult son and one 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 Leader, Small Group Coach, and a Trail Life Leader.

A member of LFCC since 2007.

Mike freeman

Term: 2025-2028
Married to Lisa for 21 years, one son.

I became a Christian as a child and have been attending church my whole life. I am originally from Florida, but in 2009, Lisa and I moved to Lisa’s hometown of Farmingdale. After moving to NY, we began attending LFCC. I have been involved in various ministries throughout most of my life and enjoy serving in whatever God has me in at that time.

I presently serve as a Trail Life Leader, Small Group Leader, Small Group Coach, and help serve in the Children's Ministry. Together, we have also been involved in the College Ministry, Finance, Youth Ministry, and the Media Team.

A member of LFCC since 2010.

rich prince

Term: 2025-2028
Married to Felicia for 28 years, two adult daughters.

I was raised in a Christian home, thanks to my Grandmother. She made sure to bring my older brother and I to Church every Sunday. Eventually, my mom got saved and sought to have my brother and I immersed in the word of God. It was then that I gave my life to Christ at the approximate age of 12. However, it wasn’t until about 21 years ago, where my relationship with Christ took off on a true personal relationship. Ask me about it one day, I’ll be happy to share.

I have the privilege of serving as a men’s lifegroup leader and assisting with the Food Box Ministry.

A member of LFCC since 2015.

doug timmons

Term: 2024-2027
Married to Fran for 53 years, two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

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

A member of LFCC since 1989.

Christopher Toomey

Term: 2024-2027
Married to Chrissy for 12 years, two sons and one daughter.

I accepted Christ as my savior when I was in college. Chrissy and I got baptized together at 23 years old, and truly aim to 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.

A member of LFCC since 2018.