LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Pastor Rick Smith
Lead Pastor
Pastor Rick is an ordained bishop in the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee. He has studied both at East Coast Bible College and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, and has served as pastor and various other ministerial positions for more than 25 years. Pastor Rick and Rhonda reside in Windber, and have five adult children and five beautiful grandchildren.
Pastor Josh & Ambra Thomas
Campus Pastor - New Hope
Pastor Josh is an ordained minister in the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee. He has done biblical studies at Hesston College in Hesston Kansas. Josh has served as Youth pastor, Creative Pastor and other ministerial positions in several different denominational and cultural churches for more than 8 years. Pastor Josh is married to his wife Ambra who serves besides him in ministry. Ambra is an anointed and dynamic worship leader and currently helps manage Compassion House. They reside in Richland.
Pastor Jake & Amber Polca
Youth Pastors
Pastor Jake and Pastor Amber have been working with our youth since 2014. In 2017 they excitedly took on the position as our Youth Pastors and leaders of Deeper Students! They are both licensed ministers in the Church of God, Cleveland Tennessee. They have a passion to help students discover the new life, purpose, and joy that is in a personal relationship with Jesus! Jake and Amber also both love to run and both coach cross country. They reside in Windber, PA.
Jonathan Smith
Director of Worship
Jonathan graduated from Lee University with a B.M. in Music and Worship. He is currently a staff songwriter for Daywind Music Publishing in Nashville, TN, where he has had the opportunity to write with some of the most prolific writers in the Christian music industry. Jonathan has been leading worship in many different facets for years and has served as a worship leader at North Cleveland Church of God. He was raised in a musical family, and started singing in church as a child, crafting songs at age 5, and playing classical piano at age 7. Jonathan resides in Johnstown.
Crystal Rowles
LifeKidz Director &
Church Secretary
Crystal has served as the secretary for Life Church and the Life Kidz Director for over 10 years. She has a passion to see children grow in Chris at a young age! Crystal is married to Gary Rowles, director of New Day Student Ministries in Windber. Gary and Crystal both love getting to go out and find those good deals when shopping! They have two adult children, and one beautiful granddaughter. They reside in Windber.
Jocelyn Hartman
Connections Coordinator
Jocelyn has been a member at Life Church for over 5 years. Jocelyn has a passion for people and that is shown on a regular basis. If you see Jocelyn on a Sunday morning she always has a smile on her face! She is a strong marketing professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. Jocelyn resides in Davidsville.