Dana Antal has been a part of Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church since 2004 and one of the Co-Lead Pastors since 2010.  Together with his wife LeeAnn they have three beautiful children, Michael (2002), Giana (2003) and Lucas (2006).  Dana has traveled a long road which included an obsession for power and wealth, addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and porn.  He also spent 13 months in prison for book-making (corruptive enterprise).  Dana’s journey has given him a gratitude for the freedom that comes from the grace and love of Jesus Christ.  As Dana puts it, “I am grateful that this church family accepted me as an addict-ex-con-high school dropout, and encouraged me to grow in Jesus to the point of allowing me to co-lead our church family in our mission to share the love of Jesus to the world.  I love that I can journey with many people from different backgrounds and allow for the Spirit of Christ to unite and lead us.”  From John 13:34-35 “Let me give you a new command:  Love one another.  In the same way I have loved you, you love one another.  This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”  and Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Lynda Keefer has been one of the Co-Lead Pastors since 2010. Lynda and her husband Kevin have 3 sons: Clark, born in 1987 (his wife Caitlyn and two children Rena – 2011 and Evan – 2014); Craig, born in 1990 (and his wife Brittny and daughter Nalini -2015), and Curtis, born in 1995, who is a student at East Stroudsburg University. In Lynda’s words, “I began working at SWC in 1996 as the secretary. Over the years, I experienced the amazing transformational power of Christ at work in the Church and in my own life and family. As I had the opportunity to work in many different capacities at SWC, I became convinced that God was doing something special and powerful through this church. To witness it happening and to be a part of it is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am humbled and grateful to be part of bringing Christ’s Kingdom through a loving, vibrant, fun and inspirational family of Christ followers.”

Lynda is part of the Monroe County Homeless Advisory Board and the Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, spending time with the grandkids, and watching Investigation Discovery.

Jay Lessig started attending Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church in 2010 and came on as staff as the Youth Director in 2014. He now serves as Assistant Pastor and Co-Leads Celebrate Recovery with Rev. Lynda Keefer. Along with Celebrate Recovery Pastor Jay teaches Membership, Baptism and Volunteer classes and oversees our Food Pantry and Prayer and Care Team. Jay has been married to his wife Alexis since 2011 and they have five boys, Xander(2001), Miles(2004), Levi(2012), Wesley(2013), and Asher(2016). He has an Associates Degree in Social Work and continues his education towards ordination through the Wesleyan Church. One of the things that Jay loves the most about SWC is the acceptance and love that is shown to everyone.

Aaron Dixon has been Director of the Creative Arts Ministry since June 2015.  As a musician he brings great talent, diversity and enthusiasm to the worship experience at Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church.  As Aaron puts is “I feel extremely blessed to work with individuals I love and the ‘work’ I do brings me great joy. I am grateful that our Church represents what I want to represent.  We are the body, made up of people from different backgrounds all coming together to be part of a Kingdom minded community.”  In his free time Aaron enjoys outdoor activities with his dog, Lion,  hiking, canoeing, fishing, long boarding, writing music, all kinds of arts including furniture building and painting.

My name is Ariel Pagan.  I  grew up in N.Y.C. and have a beautiful wife named Corey Pagan, a 10 year- old son named Ethan and a 5-year-old daughter named Hailey. I was raised in a Christian home as a pastor’s kid. My personal relationship with Jesus developed at the age of 12. I am an alumnus of Elm Bible Institute, where I minored in Youth Ministry. In May of 2020, I will receive my B.A in Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College. I have served as a full-time Youth Pastor in Rochester & N.Y.C. and have been involved in Youth ministry for 20 years. My heart’s desire is to invest in today’s youth and teach young people to grow in their relationship with the Lord to prepare them to serve Christ in all they do.

Stacie Cook has been a volunteer at SWC in the Children’s Ministry for over 2 years. She has been leading the ministry since September 2016. Stacie and her husband Ed have two children: Edward born in  2007 and Emme born in 2011. Stacie served in the United States Air Force from 1999 – 2005. In 2015, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University. Her goal is to provide a safe environment where the children of Stroudsburg Wesleyan can experience the unconditional love of Jesus as they grow into young people with an awareness of their identity in Christ, they will also develop a sense of compassion and love for others.

Alisha has been attending SWC for the past 6 years and began helping with children’s ministry on Wednesday nights. She also has helped with large church events including the Easter Egg Hunt and Trunk or Treat events. She has also assisted with media before coming on board as the Pre-K Children’s Ministry Coordinator in July. In her free time she can be found drinking coffee, hiking, kayaking, spending time with her awesome nephews, traveling and eating yummy food

I moved to the area 17 years ago with my husband Mike. Together we have two great girls, and as a family we enjoy the outdoors. I began attending SWC on a regular basis nine years ago where I found a wonderful Christian community. It was not long after I begin to attend that I started working at the Creative Learning Center Preschool. God has taken me on quit a journey as He continues to work and change me into His image. I have found loving support and a sisterhood with the ladies I work with at CLC. I have been challenged and I have grown into the position of CLC office manager. It is a joy to be able to serve Christ and the community in this capacity.

Petra has been attending SWC since 2011 and came on the staff as the Office Admin in 2014, she is currently the Business Manager. She received her Associates in Business Management in 2013 and Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2016.

The greatest impact SWC had on Petra was the love and welcoming she received the first time she walked through the doors. Through her journey she has volunteered in many of the ministries, to learn about the Love that Jesus has for each of us, and to share that love with others.

Petra is the mother of 4 beautiful daughters, Ashley(1988), Krystal(1989), Amber(1995), Jessica(1996). Petra loves spending time with her 4 amazing grandchildren Kylie(2008), Jacob(2016), Robbie(2019), Harrison(2020).

Praise the Lord! I am a beloved child of God and my name is Teresa Mankin
I am a Christian and have been married for over 30 years to my husband Peter and God blessed us with 3 children ages 24, 29, and 30, Josh, Kimberly and Joseph and a beautiful daughter in law Shannon who is a daughter to us.
We love Stroudsburg Wesleyan Family Church and are so grateful to volunteer our time for the Lord to love you all. All glory to Him. I am currently finishing up my bachelors degree in Theology and volunteer on the Prayer/Care Team, Events, Missions, Woman’s Ministry and whoever asks me too I’m happy to walk along side any of you. I am also active in and love Celebrate Recovery.
I enjoy spending time with family, reading the Bible and reading more, crochet, knitting, art, laughing, loving, walks, dogs, cats, fellowship, and creativity all from the Holy Spirit. I especially enjoy volunteering time in the office with Petra and meeting God’s family.

Outreach Ministry Leader

Michael started attending the Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church in 2010. He enjoys volunteering at the church because he likes the friendships he forms with people in the community. He is the Food Pantry Coordinator, Co-Leader of the clothing closet and the SWC Youth Journey on Wednesday Nights. He is also manager of the SWC Softball Team. Michael also served in the US Army and is an Army Veteran. After church service on Sundays, Michael likes to watch Football (he is a diehard New Giants fan!) or is watching a New York Mets baseball game on TV. Michael enjoys fishing, playing softball, pickleball and coaching kids in football. He also has 2 sons, Jayllen and Josiah. He believes that with God, he makes miracles and is a forgiver. God Bless