Pastor Terry A. Smith
Lead Pastor
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Terry A. Smith is the Lead Pastor of The Life Christian Church in West Orange, New Jersey. Ordained in 1985, Pastor Terry evokes a practical, insightful and engaging preaching style and is widely recognized by his motivating passion for leadership. Since his arrival at the TLCC in 1991, this dynamic, multi-cultural non-denominational church has experienced significant growth and impact in the community. Pastor Terry and TLCC have been mentioned in several books, magazines, and case studies as leading innovators and thinkers in the church world. Led by his vision to build a culturally relevant ministry, The Life Christian Church is in the process of building a new eight-acre campus on a major thoroughfare in West Orange, just thirteen miles from Manhattan’s Times Square.
Executive Director
Brad Hart
Executive Director
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As Executive Director at TLCC, it’s my responsibility to oversee the daily operations. Our incredible team is fabulous at what they do and I’m around to “direct traffic.” Another task for me is to help take Pastor Terry’s vision and make it happen. Unlike most people, I love to “dig in the weeds” and focus on details. I specialize in “stuff” that isn’t much fun, but is essential to organizational success. Finally, I am responsible for the “Learn” portion of the TLCC mission statement. My role here is to oversee the ongoing development and execution of the adult learning that takes place at TLCC.
More about me…
The Basics:
I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and spent my entire life (until 4 years ago) in the Midwest. I received my undergraduate degree in Bible and Pastoral Ministry from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. My career path detoured into healthcare, where I’ve managed billing departments and clinics, consulted, and taught in a variety of settings. Along the way, I earned a master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Des Moines University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. I just finished a textbook entitled, “Ethics in Medical Coding: Theory and Practice,” and hope to promote that across the country.
I am blessed with my wife Mary Lou (with whom I work) and my daughters Katelyn and Emily. Our family is completed by our two dachshunds, Cookie and Sommer (or as I call them affectionately, “Whiny” and “Stupid.”)
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I have eclectic preferences in music, but my favorite categories are Contemporary Christian and Worship and Classical. My tastes range from Casting Crowns and Mercy Me to Vivaldi to Taylor Swift and Adele. For TV, don’t call me when The Amazing Race or Person of Interest is on.
Hobbies: I love to read and teach and watch sports. I play enough golf to be dangerous to those around me.
Favorite Quote: “’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” – Mr. Beaver, responding to Lucy’s question about the safety of Aslan (Jesus) in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Office of the Pastor
Aisha Irvis
Executive Assistant, Office of the Pastor
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My primary responsibility is to assist Pastor Terry and Sharon in all the amazing things they do in and from The Life Christian Church and the community of West Orange. What that looks like depends on the day! In addition to the day to day work, I am also in charge of the Communion Team and the Weekend Assistants Team.
More about me…
The Basics:
I was born in New York City, but grew up in South Orange, NJ. My previous professional experiences include work in publishing and crisis intervention. I became a member of TLCC in the spring of 2010 and joined the Staff Team in 2011. I am currently working towards a bachelors degree in Public Service at Rutgers University – Newark.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I enjoy almost any kind of music! A few of my favorites include The Rolling Stones, Gypsy Kings, U2, REM and The Roots.
Hobbies: I really like to travel! I also like spending time with family and close friends.
Favorite Quote: “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputations… can never effect a reform.” – Susan B. Anthony
Pastoral Care Team
Andrew McCleese
Director, Pastoral Ministries
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My name is Andrew McCleese and I am a part of the Pastoral Care Team here at The Life Christian Church. I help coordinate our LIFE Groups and our Prayer Teams. If you are not part of a LIFE Group yet, please email me!
More about me…
The Basics:
I am married to my beautiful wife Beatrice. We have three children – Carina who is 21, Amber who is 14 and Richard who is 12 as well as our dog Bishop. I have a BA from Rutgers and joined the TLCC Staff Team in 2011.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music:I listen to Christian hip hop, folksy blues, classical and country.
Hobbies: I love hiking, playing basketball and board games with my family.
Favorite Scripture Verse: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ. . .” – Phil 3:8-9
Bart & Tricia Dyer
Interim Youth Leaders
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We are honored and excited to be leading the youth of TLCC! We were the youth leaders of close to 200 teenagers in Houston, TX almost 20 years ago, right after we were married and definitely have a heart for today’s teens. We founded and developed Life Youth Choir and took them on several tours within the states and even through parts of Europe. Our goal for TLCC Youth is to provide some steady, foundational leadership during a process where we are praying and searching for our next individual or couple who will continue to help our teens grow, learn, live and lead in their schools, homes and communities. We’ll be leading this summer’s mission trip to Ghana, Africa and we host ReFuel every Wednesday night at the Worship Center with a great team of adult youth leaders.
More about me…
The Basics:
(Bart) – I grew up in the central Ohio and ended up here in NJ after travelling all over the states and parts of Europe, singing and leading worship in various churches and other venues. I have a Bachelor of Theology degree from Kent Christian College, where I was also very active in the music program. I’ve been married to my beautiful and talented wife, Tricia for almost 20 years (!) – who helps me lead worship every weekend – and we have two awesome sons –Seth and Hayden.
(Tricia) – I was born in Atlantic City and raised in Dover, DE with 4 older sisters and one younger brother. This is also where I attended Kent Christian College, graduated with a Bachelor of Music Studies degree and met, fell in love and married my college sweetheart, Bart. We moved straight to Houston and led a youth group there for almost four years before moving to and settling in Columbus, OH where we lived for nearly 13 years. In Columbus we expanded our family by two with birth of our two wonderfully talented boys, Seth and Hayden. I am blessed and honored to be able to sing, serve and lead every weekend along-side my family (Seth plays the guitar in many of the weekend celebrations each week) and a fantastic group of volunteer singers and musicians.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: Our musical tastes are so eclectic! We love country, rock, Christian, indy, classical, jazz, r&b – even a little dub step here and there, thanks to our two teenage boys. Anything beautiful, inspiring, uplifting and positive – turn it up!
Hobbies: We love spending time together as a family, hanging out in Times Square or hiking the Appalachian Trail about 20 minutes north of our home in Sparta. We also love living close to NYC because we have more of our friends and family come visit us then ever before!
Favorite Quote: “Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.” - Aristotle
Ying Williams
Director, Children’s Ministry
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I oversee the KidZone programs for infants through 6th grade. I also recruit and train our amazing leaders, develop the curriculum that is used in the classes and organize special events for the children and their families.
More about me…
The Basics:
I was born in the Philippines and was raised in New Jersey. After receiving my B.S. in Special Education from NYU, I traveled and taught. I taught in California, Honduras, and Hawaii where I met my wonderful husband Kahea. I’m currently pursuing my masters from Montclair State University. Kahea and I have two fearless bulldogs, Oliver and Dash.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I love music. Too much to mention, but here’s a sampling: The Cure, Jack Johnson, Beck, Modest Mouse, Need to Breathe, Hillsong United, Sondre Lerche, and Cake.
Hobbies: Hm. Again, too much to mention! I love to travel, watch movies with my hubby, check out new restaurants, and outdoor activities. I also love anything interior design (yay HGTV!)
Favorite Quote: “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputations… can never effect a reform.” – Susan B. Anthony
Charles Valentine
Director, Recovery Ministry
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My name is Charles and I am the PATH Director here at The Life Christian Church. I oversee all recovery groups at TLCC.
More about me…
The Basics:
I am married to Lisa Joy and have three beautiful grandchildren – Adianna, Sofia, and Autum Rose.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: Blues
Hobbies: I enjoy playing the guitar and travelling.
Favorite Scripture Verse: Mark 5:1-20
Kerry Connelly
Community Involvement Coordinator
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I am the Community Involvement Coordinator at The Life Christian Church. In a nutshell, I help to find opportunities to serve the community and I match up members of our fabulous congregation with those volunteer opportunities.
More about me…
The Basics:
I have a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Montclair State University. I am married to Michael and have two great kids, Delaney and Evan (a.k.a. Captain Chaos). When I’m not at TLCC, I spend my time serving women as an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: Everything from Indigo Girls to Les Miserables to Mozart to the Pogues. I suppose I need to include The Cure, The Smiths, and The Clash. In the Christian music realm, I love Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli and, for a retro twist – Keith Green.
Hobbies: I workout when I can. I write because I’d go insane if I didn’t and I read when I have time.
Favorite Quote: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll get where you’re headed.” – unknown
Business & Finance Team
Kevin McCullom
Director, Business and Finance
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I oversee the “business of the church.” People love to experience our powerful Weekend Celebrations, but they don’t always realize that there is a really busy, professional and fun organization operating behind the scenes Monday to Friday. My part in all the Monday to Friday stuff includes managing all aspects of the church finances. Also, I am in charge of human resources and producing The Life News newsletter three times a year.
More about me…
The Basics:
As an army brat, I lived in six different states before the age of six and have lived in a variety of states since then. I have lived in New Jersey with my wife Lori and son Michael since 2002. I have a BA in Sociology from Harvard University and an MBA from New York University.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I grew loving Motown. These days my tastes have expanded to include jazz, hip hop, classic rock, and classical music.
Hobbies: Whatever my son and wife are doing. I also enjoy camping with my son’s cub scout pack.
Favorite Quote: “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” – Henry David Thoreau
Creative Arts Team
Bart Dyer
Director, Worship Arts
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I oversee everything related to music, as well as our weekend celebrations. If it happens in the worship center on the weekends, I’m guy ultimately responsible for it – although I work with an incredible Creative Team who make most of the cool stuff happen – and of course, we couldn’t do anything we do without the awesome group of volunteers we have! I feel amazingly blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love for my job!
More about me…
The Basics:
I grew up in the central Ohio and ended up here in NJ after travelling all over the states and parts of Europe, singing and leading worship in various churches and other venues. I have a Bachelor of Theology degree from Kent Christian College, where I was also very active in the music program. I’ve been married to my beautiful and talented wife, Tricia for almost 20 years (!) – who helps me lead worship every weekend – and we have two awesome sons –Seth and Hayden.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: Here’s a quick sample of what’s on my iPod…Adele, Andae Crouch, The Avett Brothers, Building 429, Cartel, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Coldplay, Deluge, Fee, Five For Fighting, Freddy Rodriguez, Gateway, Gungor, Hillsong United, Israel Houghton, Jesus Culture, Jon Mayer, Jon McLaughlin, Jonny Lang, Keith Urban, Kings of Leon, Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5, Michael Buble, Miranda Lambert, Needtobreathe, Pocket Full of Rocks, Rob Thomas, Royal Taylor, Russ Taff, Sons of Sylvia, Sugarland, Switchfoot, Trent Cory, Zac Brown Band
Hobbies: I’m a pretty serious family-man, so in my down time I enjoy doing anything with my family!
Favorite Quote: “May you truly LIVE all the days of your life” – Jonathan Swift
Russ Hammonds
Creative Director
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I lead a talented team of actors, writers, artists, filmmakers and dancers who use their gifts to communicate the message of God’s love in fun and creative ways. I’m always on the lookout for gifted people who are excited to create impactful art for God’s glory.
I am also responsible for the physical production both of our weekend celebrations and of the branding of our message series.
More about me…
The Basics:
I was born and raised in Orange, New Jersey. I graduated from Brown University with a degree in Physics, but quickly decided that I would rather tell stories than smash atoms. After returning to the tri-state area, I worked as a talent manager for four years before moving into television production. I’m blessed now to live in Manhattan with my wonderful wife, Lauren, and our daughter, Julia.
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I enjoy a variety of music – mostly anything that tells a story – but my iPhone is most-populated by Hip Hop and Chrisitian Hip Hop.
Hobbies: My favorite thing to do in the world is watch my daughter conquer a new playground. If I could find a way to earn a living doing that, I’d be all set.
Operations Team
Rabecka Peixoto
Operations Manager
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I wear several hats here at TLCC, but consider myself lucky as I get to work with some pretty amazing staff team members and volunteers in many different areas. I oversee the Buildings & Grounds Team, the Administrative Team and Administrative Office Assistants, Weekend Hospitality, and I co-lead the First Impressions Team. I am also the one responsible for the church calendar and organizing and running special events.
If you are interested in getting involved please email me!
More about me…
The Basics:
I was born and raised in Oregon and after graduating from Oregon State University (go Beavs!) I moved to New Jersey to work as a nanny and pursued a master’s degree in Organizational Management. Shortly after moving here I volunteered as an EMT for a local rescue squad and met my husband. I joined the TLCC Staff Team in 2010 and I love the fact that no two days are ever the same!
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I like almost anything! Guster, Paul Simon, Harry Connick Jr., FM Static, Dashboard Confessional, Jack Johnson, Allison Kraus, Five Iron Frenzy, and The Refreshments are just a few of my favorites.
Hobbies: I enjoy camping and hiking with friends and family when I get the chance.
Favorite Quote: “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” – Arthur O’Shaughnessy/Willie Wonka
Mary Lou Hart
Administrative Office Assistant
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In addition to assisting the Staff Team with day to day tasks, I am responsible for the data entry from the Weekend Celebrations and organizing the Administrative Life Team.
More about me…
The Basics:
I have been married to my husband Brad, who I met at Central Bible College, for 24 years. We have two daughters – Katelyn who is 17 and Emily who is almost 15. We moved to New Jersey in 2007 after living in Iowa for over 20 years! We have really come to love living in this interesting and exciting area of the country!
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music:: I pretty much listen to whatever we are learning to sing on the Worship Team! Some of my favorites are Hillsong, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture. I also like to listen to pop music that my girls may have on in the car, such as Taylor Swift and Owl City.
Hobbies: I love singing and reading. I really enjoy shopping with my girls or doing anything with my family.
Favorite Quote: “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” – C. S. Lewis
Rosemarie Tietjen
Administrative Office Assistant
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I assist the Staff Team with a variety of tasks including preparing the materials for the Weekend Celebrations, organizing and managing the office inventories and numerous other projects as they arise.
More about me…
The Basics:
I am a part time stylist and a proud mom of my daughter. I was born, raised and finished my college education in Manila, Philippines. I moved to New Jersey 11-years ago and I still love it!
Interesting facts and favorites:
Favorite Music: I love good music. I can pretty much listen to all genres, from classical to contemporary, jazz to electronic. Right now, my music list includes Muse, U2, Depeche Mode, LaRoux, David Garrett, Frou Frou, Postal Service, OMD, and Hillsong United.
Hobbies: I’m quite a health and sports enthusiast. I spend my days off at the gym or running at the park. I also love baking.
Favorite Quote: “Life is like a long journey…tons of stopovers…refueling…bathroom breaks…duty free…and delays” – Rosie Tietjen

