- TimothySatryan
- JayeBeck
- KristaFriend
- EricSpanier
- MichaelMurphy
- RobertCarpenter
- JosephHarrell
- VernonJefferies
- TonyMcLellan
Senior Pastor
Timothy Satryan
Pastor Tim Satryan has served as the Lead Pastor at WFA since 2000. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he is a music graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and a Bible graduate from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. An Assemblies of God credential holder (licensed in 1980, and ordained in 1983), he began his full-time ministry in 1980 serving as an associate pastor at the Monroeville Assembly of God. In 1984, he was elected by the Penn-Del District to serve as the District Youth Director, a position he held until 1990, when he was then elected as the senior pastor at Bethel Assembly of God, near Erie, PA. Following a decade of pastoral ministry at Bethel, in 2000, Pastor Satryan and his family transitioned from the northwest corner of the PennDel District to Delaware, where he was elected as the new senior pastor at Wilmington First Assembly of God, now known as "WFA."
He and his lovely wife, Carolyn, met as music students at Duquesne University. They have two grown daughters, Jessica and Chrystalynn.
Pastor Satryan has also served for the last ten years as the presbyter for the state of Delaware in the PennDel District, and has served nationally as a facilitator with the Church Multiplication Network, assisting in efforts to train new church planters as well as revitalize existing churches and pastors.
Nick Name: All depends on who is talking to me! As a young boy, I was "Timmy." That stopped LONG ago! As a teenager, many others called me "Satch," which I assume to be an abbreviated mispronunciation of my last name. Today, in ministry, I am usually called "Pastor Satryan," "Pastor Tim," or preferably, just "Pastor."
My mom called me: All depends on when and why she was calling me!
My family: My wife, Carolyn, two grown daughters, Jessica and Chrystalynn. Our extended family still resides in western Pennsylvania.
Ministry Role at WFA: Lead Pastor
I am originally from: Pittsburgh, PA.
Dream vacation: Anywhere that my wife and I can see the ocean, walk along the beach, smell the briny air, and relax!
Regular order at Starbucks: Venti Carmel Macchiato, quad shot, upside down.
Favorite sports team(s): Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh, Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, and whoever is playing against the Ravens.
Life motto: Live for God – ON PURPOSE!
Favorite scripture: James 4:7
Things that fascinate me: The use of new technologies to reach the world in which we live with the good news of Christ's saving grace.
People who inspire me: My three personal mentors – Rev. Leonard T. Jones, my father in the Lord; Rev James S. Leake, pastor emeritus of Monroeville AG, and Rev. Philip Bongiorno, superintendent emeritus of the Penn-Del District. Influenced my ministry more than anyone else. They spoke into my life, and lived an example, that formed and fashioned me into who I am.
Previous jobs: I have been a lifeguard, a swimming pool manager, a fast-food restaurant assistant manager, a bank teller, a music teacher, a member of a symphony orchestra. I have served as a CE Pastor, a Music Pastor, a Youth Pastor and a visitation Pastor, a district youth director (they were called D-CAP back then) and a district music director, and for the last 21 years, a senior pastor.
People who I would like to meet: I really have no overwhelming desire to meet any particular person. I want to see Jesus.
One thing that most people don't know about me: My dream car is a Silver 1963 Corvette Stingray split window coupe.
Been in ministry since: 1980
When and where did you get saved? In 1967 during a youth group meeting. I was led to the Lord by another young man in the group, who shared two "Chick tracts" with me – "Holy Joe" and "This Was Your Life"
Music that moves me: I have always been a fan of jazz, in all its forms.
Favorite singer/band/musician(s):
- Contemporary Jazz – (the late great) Gerry Niewood, David Sanborn, The Yellowjackets, Fourplay, David Beniot, Diana Krall, Jay Beckenstein and SpyroGyra, Joe Sample, ... where do I stop?
- Classic Jazz – Cannonball Adderly, John Coltrane, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco... again, where do I stop?
- Worship – Clint Brown, Joseph Garlington, Israel Houghton
Peeves: Drivers who do not stop at stop signs. Driving in the highway in the left lane, rather than keeping right.
Life-changing moment: The Monday in October 1975 when I met Carolyn Glaser, who would become my wife.
Hidden talent: Playing "air trombone"
What sport are you not good at? Basketball.
Favorite book: A Tale of Three Kings
In my spare time I... What is this thing called "spare time?" I make time to be with my wife, walk my three golden retrievers, and relax watching Pirates, Steelers and Penguins games.
Favorite TV shows: The Office, NCIS (both of them), CSI Miami.
Least favorite food: I have yet to discover that.
What makes you laugh? Creative humor. Bill Cosby. Bill Engvall. Jerry Seinfeld.
What is weird about you? I guess I'm not the one to answer that question!
The most exotic place you've ever been to: Never have been anywhere "exotic." Most fascinating place would be the Rockies in Colorado, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: I was hurled out over the edge of a cliff at the Royal Gorge in Canyon City, Colorado on a bunjee swing.
Least favorite thing to do: Clean the basement.
Administrative Coordinator
Jaye Beck
Mrs. Jaye Beck was born in Seaford, Delaware. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Delaware State University and a Master's Degree from Springfield College. She later married her college sweetheart Raymond Beck from New Haven, Conn. Jaye has held various positions in the corporate world for the following companies: General Chemical Corp, Allied-Signal Corp, Dover Air Force Base, and International Playtex Corp. In 2000, she felt led by the Lord to retire from the corporate world and join the ministry at Wilmington First Assembly (WFA) as their Administrative Coordinator.
My family: Raymond (husband), Shawn (son), Ashley (daughter), Jasmine and Chanel (Coco)-granddaughters, Ivory (pug)
Ministry Role at WFA: Administrative Coordinator
I am originally from: Seaford, Delaware
Favorite movie: Color Purple
Favorite sports team(s): Eagles
Favorite scripture: Philippians 4:13
Things that fascinate me: Ocean/People
People who inspired me: Martin Luther King
Previous jobs: Buyer, Acct. Payable, Acct. Receivable, Executive Secretary, Procurement
People who I would like to meet: President and Michelle Obama
When and where did you get saved? 12 yrs old @ Church of God
Music that moves me: Gospel music, Jazz, some Rock and Roll
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Kurt Carr, Yolanda Adams, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, Mary J Blige
Life–changing moment: Marriage and having kids
Fears: Interstate Highway Driving
Favorite book: Bible
In my spare time I... Read, Cook, Shop
Least favorite food: Beans
What makes you laugh? Good joke
What is weird about you? I love to wear hats and dress up
Quirks: Biting the top of my ink pen
My hero: My mom and dad
Least favorite thing to do: Public Speaking
Favorite TV shows: NCIS, Criminal Minds, Bones
Music Pastor
Krista Friend
My mom called me: Krista
My family: my husband Eric, daughter Aliyah and our Great Dane Molly
Ministry Role at WFA: music pastor
I am originally from: Ontario, Canada
Dream vacation: a month long cruise
Favorite movie(s): The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Life motto: work smarter, not harder
Favorite scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Things that fascinate me: people
People who inspire me: those with creativity
Previous jobs: McDonald's crew person, crew trainer and manager
People who I would like to meet: Darlene Zschech,
One thing that most people don't know about me: I enjoy NASCAR
Been in ministry since: 1997
When and where did you get saved? Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle (my home church) at age 5
Music that moves me: worship and classical
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Darlene Zschech and Celine Dion
Peeves: poor customer service and rude customers;
Life-changing moment: when my daughter was born
Hidden talent: hmm...
What sport are you not good at? football
Fears: getting lost while driving
Favorite book: Redeeming Love
Quirks: I must finish reading a book, even if it's poorly written
In my spare time I... spend time with my family, read and watch really good movies
Favorite TV shows: Survivor
Least favorite food: cooked spinach
What makes you laugh? My husband's antics
What is weird about you? I like liver, IF prepared a certain way
The most exotic place you've ever been to: Caribbean
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: sliding down a water slide at 65mph
My hero: my husband
Least favorite thing to do: clean bathrooms
Youth Pastor
Eric Spanier
Eric Spanier is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College and currently serves as the Pastor of IMPACT Youth at WFA. He resides in North Wilmington with his wife Tiffany.
My mom called me: Bubba
My family: My wife Tiffany
Ministry Role at WFA: Youth Pastor
I am originally from: Harrisburg, PA
Dream vacation: Backpacking Tour through Europe
Regular order at Starbucks: Grande Café Mocha
Favorite movie: Mr. Holland's Opus
Favorite sports team(s): Philadelphia Eagles; Philadelphia Phillies; Penn State Football
Life motto: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." — John Piper
Favorite scripture: Philippians 1:6
Things that fascinate me: The will and fight to live possessed by my grandparents
People who inspire me: My wife, my mom, my grandparents, and my mentor Phil Baker
Previous jobs: Cold Stone Creamery, Retail Clerk at Hersheypark
People who I would like to meet: Mark Driscoll, Michael Vick, and Joe Paterno
One thing that most people don't know about me: I'm a fan of Pro Wrestling
Been in ministry since: 2003
When and where did you get saved? Donut Man Crusade in November 1993
Music that moves me: Honest, God-fearing Worship
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Mute Math; Hillsong United; Coldplay; David Crowder
Peeves: Long lines, being late, and overbearing humidity
Life-changing moment: Watching my wife walk down the aisle on June 11, 2010
Hidden talent: I like to play the Alto Saxophone
What sport are you not good at? Tennis
Fears: Not having a sense of fulfillment in this life
Favorite book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
Quirks: My office/workspace has to be in order even before I can start working
In my spare time I... enjoy reading, watch a good movie, or play the guitar
Favorite TV shows: The King of Queens
Least favorite food: Anything real spicy
What makes you laugh? A funny story from a good friend
What is weird about you? I have OCD about certain things
The most exotic place you've ever been to: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: White Water Rafting the New River in VA
My hero: Tim DeWalt (mentor and friend – went to be with the Lord Jan 9, 2009)
Least favorite thing to do: waking up in the morning with no coffee
Children's Pastor
Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy was born and raised in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn New York. He graduated from Southwestern Christian University with a Bachelors degree. Southwestern is also where he met his lovely wife Jessica. Michael and Jessica have two daughters, Sophie and Sonya. Pastor Mike has done several interesting things in and out ministry. He helped run a boy's home, worked in an inner city soup kitchen and ran skate church in a skate park in Wilmington. Recently, he worked in the banking industry before becoming children's pastor at WFA last year. He is fully committed to the Lord and reaching as many children as possible with the gospel.
Nick Name: Don't have any and I don't like nick names
My mom called me: [it's a secret]
My family: I have been married for 11 years to my lovely wife Jessica Murphy we have two beautiful children named Sophie and Sonya.
Ministry Role at WFA: Children's pastor
I am originally from: Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York
Regular order at Starbucks: Raspberry Mocha
Favorite sports team(s): New York Yankees, New York Giants, New York Knicks, St Johns University, Oklahoma Sooners
Life motto: In our eyes God can use us when we are fixed. In God's eyes he can only use us when we are truly broken.
Favorite scripture: Romans 12:21
People who inspire me: C.S Lewis
Previous jobs: Assistant funeral director, Emergency room insurance clerk, Pathology lab clerk, Resident assistant, Chaplain Of SCU , Assistant Grounds Keeper, Manger of Enterprise Rent-a-car, Loss Mitigation/Loan Officer, and Children's Pastor
Been in ministry since: 1992
When and where did you get saved? Deltona, Florida
Music that moves me: Jesus Culture
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Jesus Culture
Fears: Losing my hair, but I am over it
Favorite book: Catcher in the Rye
In my spare time I... write short stories
Favorite TV shows: Phineas and Ferb
Least favorite food: Anything Spicy
What makes you laugh? My daughters punishing their toys
Christian Education
Robert Carpenter
Pastor Rob is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College, and has been an Assemblies of God credential holder since 1994. His passion is to be the best Godly father and Christian example to young people that he can be. In addition to his responsibilities here at WFA, Rob works for CARDONE Industries of Philadelphia as a Customer Service Supervisor. A person that enjoys the fellowship of his fellow believers and has a delight in seeing children having fun learning the truths of the Creator, Pastor Rob is a true kid at heart!
Nick Name: Bubba
My mom called me: Bobby
My family: Renee, Ashley, Joshua and Kaitlyn
Ministry Role at WFA: CE Director
I am originally from: Chichester, Pa
Dream vacation: Hawaii
Regular order at Starbucks: I do not go to 5 bucks
Favorite movie(s): Star Trek: Wrath of Khan
Favorite sports team(s): Phillies
Favorite scripture: Ephesians 6:13
Things that fascinate me: God's Grace, and how a pitcher pitches, and baseball
People who inspire me: Brother Yun, Eric Liddell, Joshua Chamberlain, Gale Sayers and Roberto Clemente
Previous jobs: YOUTH Leader
People who I would like to meet: Harrison Ford or Gale Sayers
One thing that most people don't know about me: I ran CROSS COUNTRY in High School
Been in ministry since: 1994
When and where did you get saved? Gave my heart to the Lord during Royal Rangers around the age of 12 or 13
Music that moves me: Classical, Soundtracks and Worship, and Rock with the moment's right
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Third Day
Peeves: Bad Drivers, Bad umpires, and Bad coaches
Life-changing moment: When I met my wife and the birth of my children, each one of them.
Hidden talent: I can wiggle my ears
What sport are you not good at? Basketball
Fears: Not being able to provide for my family
Favorite book: The Chosen or The Promise
Quirks: Tucking in my Shirt, I love doing wash
In my spare time I... Play with my kids
Favorite TV shows: Man vs. Food
Least favorite food: Desserts
What makes you laugh? Anything SLAPSTICK
What is weird about you? I am a neat freak
The most exotic place you've ever been to: South Hall, England
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: Wilderness Camping when I was a Young Adult
My hero: My Father
Least favorite thing to do: Cut the grass
LIFE Groups
Joseph Harrell
Nick Name: Joe:
My mom called me: Joseph
My family: Joseph has been married to Brenda for 31 years. Their family includes one son Benjamin and his wife Jackie, one daughter Jynell. Brenda's mom, Judy Melfy, also lives with them.
Ministry Role at WFA: Life Group Pastor
I am originally from: Clewiston, Florida
Dream vacation: A round trip on Route 66 in a convertible with my lovely wife!
Regular order at Starbucks: coffee with lots of cream and sugar
Favorite movie(s): Terminator
Favorite sports team(s): Florida Gators
Life motto: It's all up here (in my brain) except for what's not!
Favorite scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8
Things that fascinate me: cars
People who inspire me: My family
Previous jobs: Business owner, Pastor, Disaster Relief-700 Club
People who I would like to meet: George W. Bush
One thing that most people don't know about me: I can fix about anything.
Been in ministry since: 1983
When and where did you get saved? I got saved in Clewiston, Florida in 1978.
Music that moves me: Temple Dance
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): ZZ Top
Peeves: Dishwater in the sink. YUCK!
Life-changing moment: Missions trip to Guatemala.
Hidden talent: Acting
What sport are you not good at? Running
Fears: rodents of any kind
Favorite book: Smith Wiggleworth-all things he has written.
In my spare time I... love to watch Nascar and do woodworking tasks.
Favorite TV shows: 24
Least favorite food: spaghetti
What makes you laugh? Funny things that people do.
What is weird about you? My sense of humor.
The most exotic place you've ever been to: Mayan Indian ruins in Guatemala.
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: Went white water rafting in the same boat with Jynell and my wife. It wasn't pretty!
My hero: Tony Dungee
Least favorite thing to do: plumbing
Visitation and Adult Activities
Vernon Jefferies
Nick Name: Coach
My mom called me: Vernon
My family: (Emma) I call her Girlfriend, Two Daughters: (1) Monica/married to Malik – lives in ATL with 4 children (1) girl and (3) boys. Nicole/married to Siddiq lives in Union NJ with 4 children (1) girl and (3) boys. Two Sons (1) Lewis/married to Candy - lives in Bear, DE (2) Joshua lives in Wilmington.
Ministry Role at WFA: Involved with firstContact, Ministry to Cadia Nursing Home, Visitations and involved with the Seniors 50+
I am originally from: Gaffney, South Carolina
Dream vacation: Alaskan Helicopter Ride
Regular order at Starbucks: Cup of Bold
Favorite movie(s): Cape Fear / Swordfish
Favorite sports team(s): Eagles
Life motto: Take care of God's business and He will take care of yours
Favorite scripture: Lamentations 3:22-24
Things that fascinate me: When someone who seems hopeless, accepts Christ
People who inspire me: Zig Ziglar
Previous jobs: Glass Factory, Hospital, Heinz Catsup Plant, Delmonte, Dye Plant
People who I would like to meet: Jack Hayford
One thing that most people don't know about me: Had six fingers on both hands
Been in ministry since: 1979
When and where did you get saved? In 1979 in my bedroom
Music that moves me: Gospels Sung and written from pain
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Nicole Mullen /Natalie Cole / Yanni / Marsalis
Peeves: Someone in the passing, but not passing
Life-changing moment: Lost my job of after 28 years, starting all over.
Hidden talent: Able to counsel easily and good at problem solving.
What sport are you not good at? Ice Hockey
Fears: Not finishing my life's mission
Favorite book: This Present Darkness and I'm O.K., You're O.K.
Quirks: Biting My nails
In my spare time I... try to catch up on my rest by reading, and visiting relatives
Favorite TV shows: Law and Order CI, and Doctor Who
Least favorite food: Pasta
What makes you laugh? A well-structured joke
What is weird about you? Consume enormous amount of nuts and fresh fruit esp. watermelon
The most exotic place you've ever been to: Dominican Republic
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: Motorcycling at high speeds and almost losing control
My hero: Apostle Paul
Least favorite thing to do: Washing Dishes
LAUNCH - Children's Ministries
Tony McLellan
Pastor Tony (aka, PT) and his wife Karen have spent the last 11 plus years in youth and children's ministry. He has a heart for young people and a desire to see the next generation changed by knowing Jesus Christ. PT feels a special calling to reach those students who are becoming too old for children's ministries but are not yet ready to enter a teenage youth ministry. He wants to see these pre-teen students develop their own personal identity in Christ and prepare them for ministry.
Nick Name: PT
My family: Wife- Karen; Son- Andrew (AJ) (7yrs); Daughter- Allyson (Ally) (5yrs)
Ministry Role at WFA: LAUNCH (5-6th grade ministry) Pastor
I am originally from: Born in Delaware, grew up in Maine
Dream vacation: A Cruise to anywhere
Regular order at Starbucks: I prefer Dunkin Donuts- Large Hazelnut Coolatta
Favorite movie(s): A Few Good Men; Fever Pitch; Star Wars Series; Superman Series
Favorite sports team(s): Baseball- Boston Red Sox; Football- Philadelphia Eagles; Hockey- Philadelphia Flyers; B-ball- Boston Celtics; NCAA- University of Delaware
Life motto: The Early Bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!
Favorite scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 10:13
Things that fascinate me: History
People who inspire me: Chris Music (my spiritual mentor);
Previous jobs: Youth Pastor at Living Waters COG (1999-2005); Youth Pastor- Wilmington COG (2005-2009)
People who I would like to meet: Dave Ramsey; Doug Fields; TobyMac; Ted Dekker
One thing that most people don't know about me: I can't sing. Okay, so most people already know that!
Been in ministry since: 1999
When and where did you get saved? Dover Church of God, Dover, DE July 1991
Music that moves me: Christian Rock
Favorite singer/band/musician(s): Singer- Steven Curtis Chapman; Band- Needtobreathe; Musician- Chris Rice
Peeves: people who finish other peoples sentences
Life-changing moment: When I realized God's calling on my life- reaching the next generation for Christ
What sport are you not good at? Basketball
Fears: Fear of falling from high places; Large man eating plants
Favorite book: Any books by Ted Dekker or John Grisham
In my spare time I... Spend time with family
Favorite TV shows: Law and order, CSI
Least favorite food: Brussels Sprouts and asparagus
What makes you laugh? My wife
What is weird about you? Everything
The most exotic place you've ever been to: Bahamas
The most adventurous thing you've ever done: Went Paragliding
Least favorite thing to do: Cleaning
