Mel Hayes, Lead Pastor

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Mel and his wife, Karen, have attended the Chapel since 1994. He has served as an elder since 1997, and before accepting the position of Lead Pastor, was the Pastor of Development at the Chapel. Pastor Mel has also served as Academic Dean of Believers' School of Ministry and was the director of the Men's Ministry for about 6 years. He has served on the Natural Church Development Team since mid-2007, helping to formulate strategies and programs that are guiding the churches' development. He has a Master's of Divinity Degree from Regent University and recently accepted admission into the Doctor of Strategic Leadership program at Regent University's School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship. He and Karen have been married since 1991.

Steve Roberts, Pastor of Outreach

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Steve Roberts started attending Believers' Chapel in 1983, when he was a young believer. A businessman by trade, he has volunteered in many ministries over the past two decades and has a great desire to help people connect with God personally. Steve completed ministry training and education at Believers' School of Ministry in 2003. Leaving his business to focus more time on ministry, he became the Pastor of Outreach Ministry at Believers' Chapel in 2005. He has been married to Judy for 22 years and they live in Liverpool. they have two sons, Ricky and Nathaniel. The family has a desire to travel as short term missionaries and their plan is to continue to do that as God wills. If you can't find Steve, he is probably stalking a fish in a nearby lake or stream - so leave a message and he will get back to you right after the fish are cleaned.

Rich Ryfun, Youth Pastor

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Rich Ryfun has been at the Chapel since June of 2003. Before coming to Believers’ Chapel, Rich was the Youth Pastor at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Rayne, Louisiana for 10 years. He met his lovely wife, Kelly, there and has three adorable children, Karlie, Gracie, and Thai. BCY Student Ministries is really taking off and Rich has exciting plans for its future. Rich also oversees BC Pulse - a ministry for young adults in their 20s and 30s.

Ann Marie August, Receptionist

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Ann Marie is usually the first smiling face you see when you enter Believers’ Chapel. She also coordinates and participates with the volunteers who minister at the Information Center before and after our services each weekend. The next time you attend a service at the Chapel, stop by the Information Center and say "hello" - you are sure to receive a warm greeting from whomever is serving there! A major joy in Ann Marie’s life are her grandchildren, twin boys Joshua and Billy.

Rosetta Cummings, Women's Ministry

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Speaker and author of "Breaking Through the Shadows", Rosetta has appeared on television talk shows and has published articles in the international magazine, "London Festival of Life". She has been integrally involved in the music ministry with her husband, Bill, and toured on music missions tours domestically and internationally.

John Boucher, Director of Facilities

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John and Penni Boucher have attended the Chapel for over 20 years. During that time, he has served as a volunteer, LIFE Group leader, in the nursery, with BCY and has helped with the maintenance activities around the Chapel. John comes to us after operating his own very successful appliance repair and home services business and is certainly putting that experience to use keeping this large facility maintained! John has a huge heart for this house of God and is happy to be on staff here. John and Penni are parents to three boys, JJ, Jimmy and Judah Isaiah.

Tami Davern, Publications

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Tami comes to the Chapel with a backgound in communications. After graduating college, she asked the Lord to give her a job that would matter to people and to His Kingdom. That prayer was answered when she started working at the Chapel in 1988. Her days consist of designing, writing and producing the printed materials that are used to get the word out to the congregation and the community about the Chapel and its events.

Terri Dolson, Administrative Assistant

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Terri Dolson is the Administrative Assistant to Mel Hayes, our Lead Pastor. Terri has attended the Chapel since 2000 with her husband Mickey, and her two teen-age children, Corey and Justina. Over the years, she has become increasingly involved in ministries, beginning with the Worship Team, as a LIFE Group Leader, in Women's Ministry, Connections Ministry and developed a Card Ministry, all the while working full-time as a medical biller. Terri truly feels this new position is an answer to prayer, allowing her to move more fully into ministry with the opportunity to serve Believers' Chapel using her Administrative and ministry background.

Lauretta Koch, Executive Secretary

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Lauretta Koch has been at the Chapel since 1990 and serves as the Executive Secretary to our Lead Pastor, Mel Hayes. Lauretta delights in furthering the Kingdom of the Lord and knows that every little task helps build what the Lord has planned for the Chapel. She has an Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial and has 10 years experience in the Hotel Industry as an Administrative Assistant and as a Sales Manager. Lauretta and her husband, Jay, have been married over 20 years and have no children, but have had wonderful opportunities to bless other children who are hurting and are in need of direction. They also enjoy spoiling their 15 nieces and nephews.

Colleen LaValle, Book Store

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Colleen LaValle is the Manager of Believers’ Chapel Book Store where she oversees purchasing, sales and service. She and her husband, Jim, have served at the Chapel since 1992 in the areas of marriage, parenting and LIFE Group ministry. Her joy is her three married children and 11 grandchildren.

Bobbi Parody, Finance Administrator
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Bobbi grew up in the Oneida County area and graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School. She then earned a retail management degree from Central City Business Institute. She has been in retail sales, customer service and account management for much of her life. Bobbi and her husband, Terry, are active members of Believers' Chapel Canastota where they are involved in children and youth ministries, the worship team and the food pantry. Bobbi divides her days as a bookkeeper and finance administrator for both Canastota and Cicero Believers' Chapels. Bobbi and Terry have three children and two grandchildren.

Tina Silvernail, Director of Children's Ministry

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With a B.A. in Biology and teaching courses from SUNY Geneseo, Tina planned to use her love of children by becoming a science teacher. She was side-tracked, however, by a 14-year management position. During that time, she came to know the Lord as her Savior, attend Believers' Chapel, and serve as a teacher in Children's Ministries. In 1997 she came on staff part-time as a Children's Administrator, a position she held for 5 years. She is thrilled to now be the Director of Children's Ministries. Her deepest desire is to see kids of all ages come to know Jesus as their Savior and grow in their walk with Him. She truly "lives to connect children with God."!!