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.

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.

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.

michael 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.

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.  

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. 

Steve Garton

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Anne for 38 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, work on the student scholarship fund, conduct small group training, and speak at the Wayve and Better Together.

A member of LFCC since 2012.

JEFF HUNN

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Nicole for 21 years, one daughter and one 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.

A member of LFCC since 2005

ARTIE MARTIN

Term: 2023-2026
Married to Dawn for 31 years, two adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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, 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.

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 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 53 years, six adult children, three sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law and fifteen 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 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.