Pastor For the Day (PFD)

Head Pastor at Redeemer Covenant Church in Liverpool, NY

On air every fourth Friday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Bill received his undergraduate degree at the Ohio State University majoring in Business and Computer Science.  There he met Jayme, working on her master’s degree in dance, and they married.  While working in the computer field, Bill led worship at church while Jayme started a liturgical dance school.  They did multiple mission trips to Central and South America and led a pro-life ministry.  Bill also taught computer classes at Ohio State in the evenings.

In 1989, they moved to Miami, Florida to help a friend start a bilingual church.  After the church was up and running, they planted another church themselves.  Bill taught computer classes at Florida International University and worked a “day job” in the computer field.  He received his master’s degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  He pastored that church for 13 years.

They returned to Northeast Ohio to pastor a church there and be closer to their families.  In 2017, they were called to lead Redeemer Evangelical Covenant Church in Liverpool, NY.  Bill brings experience in preaching, teaching, youth ministry, children’s ministry, worship, and leadership to help steer Redeemer Covenant into the next chapter of the church’s story.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Bill Miller:

Head Pastor at Etna Community Church in Etna, NY

On air every second Friday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Bob was born and raised in Fulton, NY in a devout Christian family and nurtured at the State Street Methodist Church.  His early ministry began and teaching the children’s Sunday School class.  He earned undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering at both SUNY and RIT.  He’s been employed at General Electric, Singer Friden and Hi-Speed Checkweigher (later Mettler-Toledo).  His work was primarily in engineering, covering the areas of customer service, manufacturing, and 17 years running an R&D lab.  After pursuing and earning a Master’s degree in business from SUNY, he moved into the sales department overseeing regional salesmen.  With each of these, Bob traveled the world, bringing me insight in different beliefs and cultures, a grounding he believed The Lord wanted him to experience and understand.  Along the way, he married his high school sweetheart Paula McNamara, and they have two daughters, ten that call them grandparents, and even some greats.

Upon retiring after 44 years with Mettler-Toledo, The Lord called Bob to serve Him “full time”. He has been serving as a lay leader for many years and had always been “too busy” to take on a pastoral role. The Lord called him to follow through with my commitment to Him. Out of excuses, for the next two years, he pursued and earned a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry answering His call to work for Him.  Afterwards, Bob was locally ordained and accepted the position of Pastor at the Etna Community Church.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Bob Brackett:

Head Pastor at Messiah’s Church in Clay, NY

On-air every second Saturday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Rev. Brian Coombs is the church planting pastor of Messiah’s Church since 1996. He was trained at and received a Masters of Divinity from The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He serves the Reformed Presbyterian Church in various ways, including as a secretary and parliamentarian. His interests include, but certainly are not limited to reading, music, gardening, house projects, and neighbors. He and his wife of 26 years have four children.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Brian Coombs:

Head Pastor at Northside Church in Liverpool, NY

On-air every first Friday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Bio coming soon

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Bruce Aubrey:

Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY

On air every third Wednesday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Conroy was born and raised in Jamaica. The Lord called him to pastoral ministry at the age of 17. Conroy came to Binghamton, NY to study for the ministry in 2000. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Religious Education in 2004 from Practical Bible College (now Davis College) and went on to earn his Master’s of Arts in Religion from Liberty University. He served as Associate Pastor of Worship in Chambersburg, PA for 10 years before coming to Grace Baptist Church in May 2019. He and his wife Julie were married in 2006 and they have one daughter.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Conroy Lewis:

Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church in Moravia, NY

Schedule TBD

A graduate from The Master’s Seminary with a Master’s of Divinity, Dan served as a Youth & Family Pastor in CT before taking on his first pastorate in Moravia.

Dan and his wife Adriane were married in 2005 and have three children: Ben, Evelyn and Luke.  What makes being a small-town pastor so enjoyable and rewarding for him is truly developing relationships with the congregation and people in the community.  There’s a great opportunity to genuinely live out your faith in a community in which you know your neighbors by name and others know you.

Dan enjoys hiking, camping, just about anything outdoors, except mosquitoes, as well as reading and date nights with Adriane.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Dan Hull:

Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Chittenango, NY

On air every first Monday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

I’m Pastor Daniel Maxfield, Jr., and it is an honor to join with the Mars Hill Pastor of the Day program. My wife, Sue Ellen (Riehlman) and I are from the Central New York area and have been married for 42 years. We have three children and seven grandchildren with number eight on the way. We both have been in ministry, serving our Lord in various roles, for over 35 years including our years as pastor and wife here at the First Baptist Church of Chittenango NY.

Through people who cared for me, while growing up, God revealed to me that I was a sinner in need of The Savior. He extended to me an invitation to receive, by faith, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for me, as my personal Lord and Savior at the age of 16. At the age of 25 my journey to the pastorate began. Shortly thereafter I received my ministry license and continued on the pastorate journey.

The Lord called my wife and I to the First Baptist Church of Chittenango in July of 2000. While ministering there I continued in my studies and was ordained in 2008.  Today, people are getting saved and the saved are growing in Christ. All glory goes to our Lord. My prayer is for both, my wife and I and our children, to be able to be used of God, for the rest of our lives, to fulfill His purposes He has specifically designed for each of us to fulfill and that no one misses the grace of God within our reach.

As you nurture your faith, learn to worship our Lord in reverence and awe with other believers, enrich your faith through Bible study and prayer then get involved with church ministry and mission. And never forget Mars Hill Radio is here for all of us and is an excellent resource that offers us hope in our life’s journey of faith.  May God bless you in abundance with His favor and grace forever!

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Dan Maxfield:

Lead Pastor at Grace Christian Fellowship in Cortland, NY

On air every fourth Wednesday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Dan Nichols is married to his best friend Joy & loves golfing with his two amazing boys: Landon & Declan. He’s the lead pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Cortland, NY and the founder/president of Northeast Collaborative: a relational church network. He was the founding church planter for Restored Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and he holds a D.Min. degree from Clarks Summit University where he also served as adjunct professor.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Dan Nichols:

Pastor of Discipleship at Pittsford Community Church

On air every first Tuesday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Dana L. Goodnough is Pastor of Discipleship at Pittsford Community Church in the Rochester, New York area where he has served since 1985. Having grown up in the Finger Lakes region, Dana is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Calvary Bible College, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He also has a counseling degree from Liberty University and a doctoral degree from Dallas Seminary. Dana serves as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern Seminary and has published a book entitled Three Minute Theology (Westbow Press). He has participated in several short term mission trips to places including Russia, Indonesia, Chad, Ukraine, and Brazil.

He and his wife, Monica, have three children—Andrew (and his wife Nicole), Emma (and her husband Darton), and Adam (and his wife Chelsea), as well as five grandchildren. In his leisure time Dana enjoys a good book in an Adirondack chair by a quiet lake.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Dana Goodnough:

Senior Pastor at Marietta Bible Church

On air every second Thursday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Darren Smith:

Senior Pastor of Clifton Park Community Church

On air every second Thursday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Rev. Dr. David J. Bissett served two churches in New England, before being called in 1995 to Clifton Park Community Church — in the Capital District of upstate NY — where he continues to serve as Pastor.

He attended the University of Wisconsin, serving in the local chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, graduating with a BA degree in Economics. He worked as Productivity Analyst for I.T.T. Consumer Financial Corporation for three years, until he married his college sweetheart, Laurel Ryan of Boston, in 1984. He completed a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies at enrolled at Bethel Theological Seminary (St. Paul, MN) in 1989. During seminary, he directed college ministries John Piper in downtown Minneapolis, MN. In 2020, he completed coursework and a Thesis to earn his Doctor of Ministry from Ligonier Theological Academy in Sanford, FL.

The Bissetts are blessed with seven children, whom they home-schooled. They also co-founded The Arbor, a local classical educational cooperative, in 2002, where David teaches formal logic, history and economics.

In addition to pastoral ministry, Bissett co-founded and helps direct Gospel Advance of Upstate New York (a regional cooperative of evangelical churches) and is an active member in the Evangelical Theological Society—Northeast Region, currently serving as Chairman. He is also an Instructor with The Charles Simeon Trust and hosts annual preaching workshops in Upstate New York. He has written articles and book reviews published in the Puritan Reformed Journal, Reformation & Revival Journal, and The Banner of Truth magazine.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor David Bissett:

Pastor & Program Director of Adult & Teen Challenge in Syracuse, NY

On air every fifth Thursday

Pastor Dave was born 2 blocks from ATC at the old Syracuse General Hospital!  Before graduating from Christian Brothers Academy high school, he saw the book in the school library The Cross & the Switchblade, which documents the 1958 founding of Teen Challenge in Brooklyn NY.  The book made a serious impact in his life, and he committed his life to Christ through a student-led Bible study group that met at Onondaga Community College.  After graduation, he enrolled in Bible School at Christ for the Nations Institute, Dallas Texas, and graduated with an Associate Degree in Ministry.

Returning to Syracuse in August 1976, he started volunteering at the Teen Challenge program and eventually became a live-in staff member, moving out in 1982, the morning he got married! He and Nancy reside in Clay and have 2 grown children and hundreds of alumni who call-in from time to time.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Dave Pilch:

Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Trumansburg, NY

On air every fifth Saturday

Dennis has been blessed to have pastored Trumansburg First Baptist for twelve years. Previously, he pastored churches in Clifton Springs and Elmira, NY.

His wife of thirty years, Judith, is a wonderful compliment in his ministry as she is a gifted vocalist and music director. She is retired from school administration. Dennis & Judith have been blessed with three fine sons who serve the Lord, their families and their communities.

During Dennis’ ministry, he has led short-term mission trips to Haiti and is currently partnering with The Ecole du l’Enfant Epanoul school in Haiti to construct an earthquake-safe school for the children. That initiative is on hold due to Covid-19. He’s also been on missions to Vietnam to participate in a program to train pastors for the Baptist Convention of Vietnam.

Dennis has enjoyed teaching several courses in the American Baptist Churches of New York region and has served as a mentor to pastors seeking ordination.

God has also privileged him to have been involved with the start-up of the Habitat for Humanity chapter in Ontario County and has participated in building three houses while in ministry there. He continued that work on the Board of the Chemung County chapter and more recently worked with the Tomkins Cortland chapter to build two houses in Trumansburg.

As Psalm 16 says, “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Dennis Christiansen:

Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in New Hartford, NY

On air every first Friday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Fletch grew up in Geigertown, PA.  He studied forestry, owned a remodeling business, and was commissioned for pastoral ministry by Lancaster Evangelical Free Church. Currently, he serves as the board chairman for Care Net of Central New York.

Fletch married his wife Meg in 2007 and they have four beautiful daughters: Lily, Autumn, Sierrah, and Pearl.  His hobbies include anything with mountains, woods, and rivers; climbing, hiking, backpacking, trail running, fly fishing, and canoeing. Also, he knows soccer is the best sport. Go Philadelphia Union!

Favorite Scripture: Too hard to choose. Scriptures he loves are Matthew 13:44, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 12:15, Ephesians 3, Psalm 16, Deuteronomy 12:20.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Fletch Matlack:

Pastor of First Baptist Church in Canton, NY

On air every fourth Monday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Pastor Fred Sykes grew up in what was basically a secular home.  During his sophomore year, Fred started going to church to meet girls and feel religious.  The first Sunday of his junior year, someone invited me to join a Bible Study.  He was part of a Navigator outreach.  In the Bible study, he heard the Gospel, understood that he was a sinner and what Jesus Christ had done for him (& all of us).  That day, he trusted in Christ.  I saw my language change, my reasons for going to church change, and, his purpose in life change.  When Fred graduated, he was commissioned and started working at the Division of Naval Reactors in Arlington VA.  He married Sandy and we have three beautiful girls.  After almost 6 years, he left the Navy and did corrosion research for a private R&D company for about 5 years.

Pastor Sykes got involved with his church and international student ministries and felt God calling me to get further training.  He majored in New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary and graduated in 1990.  The First Baptist Church in Canton, NY called him to be their Pastor and he continues to serve there.  Pastor Sykes loves the Lord and the Bible.  His favorite verse is Daniel 10:12.

The Lord saw two things in Daniels life that He recognized:  humility; and, a heart to understand.  I seek these two things.  My favorite word is ‘grace’.  For by grace are you saved through faith.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Fred Sykes:

Senior Pastor of Calvary Bible Baptist Church in Elbridge, NY

On air every third Monday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Pastor George Burkinshaw is the founding pastor of Calvary Bible Baptist Church, and has faithfully served since its founding in 1980.  His son, George Burkinshaw Jr, is his associate and has served in the church faithfully since his youth.  Young Pastor Burkinshaw has been active in street preaching, personal evangelism, visitation and teaching Sunday School prior to answering God’s call to preach.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor George Burkinshaw:

Senior Pastor of Armour of Light Baptist Church in Meridian, NY

On air every second Friday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Greg Settle:

Senior Pastor of Crown Alliance Church in Cortland, NY

On air every fourth Saturday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

He is a sinner because of the fall, a Christian by God’s grace, was a trucker by trade, a preacher by God’s calling, and has a ‘retirement plan’ that’s out of this world!

After approximately 3 million miles of driving truck, Pastor G is back into fulltime ministry! He has pastored several churches, as well as working in many different areas of the trucking industry as everything from a laborer, truck driver, trainer and in management. After working for a company, he bought his own truck and worked as an owner operator. While he loves to drive and see the country, his heart is in preaching. He’s been heard to say, on many occasions, “If I could preach every day of my life, I’d be the happiest man ever.”

His ‘real life experience’ helps him in delivering a powerful and relevant message that can reach everyone, regardless of their religious background. He believes that we’re all on a journey through the life God’s given us. While we’re all at different stages of the journey, our goal is to be Christlike, and none of us have arrived. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be the person God desires us to be!

He left a full-time job and came to Crown Alliance to follow the passion God has given him. Pastor G, along with his wife, Denise, have dedicated their lives to serving the people of Cortland and the surrounding areas.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Greg Wolters:

Previous PFD messages from Brother Hank Blok:

Lead Pastor of Fowler Baptist Church in Gouverneur, NY

On air every first Monday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Howard Maxson was delivered from his mother’s womb April 10, 1953.  He was a former atheist & drug user until the Lord delivered him from the womb of atheism sometime during the Fall of 1973.

He attended The Baptist College of Florida where he got his Bachelor’s in Ministry.  He’s also a graduate of American Baptist New York State Region Nehemiah Leadership Network and enrolled in the Spiritual Renewal Center’s Horizon Program for the Training of Spiritual Directors.  Formerly a Methodist, Southern Baptist & Reformed Baptist, he currently is an American Baptist and incorrigible reader and student.  He currently serves as the lead pastor at Fowler Baptist Church in Gouverneur, NY.

His favorite subject to learn is Celtic Christian History and Spirituality, of which he is also a presenter of its history, mystery & ministry.  His favorite band is Iona, a now disbanded Celtic Christian Progressive Rock group from the U.K.

Howard has been married for 42 years to his wife Brenda, and they have three children and nine grandchildren.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Howard Maxson:

Evangelical Chaplain for Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University

Pastor at International Assembly in Jamesville, NY

On air every third Friday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Bio coming soon.  Learn more about his ministry work below:

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Jay Koshy:

Pastor at First Baptist Church in Westerlo, NY

On air every second Wednesday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Jeff Diehl is originally from the Albany, New York area where he grew up at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo. He has served as a missionary in Kosovo with CrossWorld since 2005, returning stateside in 2016. Jeff started Short Term Missions trips with Touch the World Ministries from the age of 13 and felt God’s call to it full time at the age of 19. Losing all his possessions in a fire on a mission trip, he was faced with his own selfish intentions and desires for life and was there called into full-time ministry. Transferring out of a Mech Engineering major, he later graduated from Lancaster Bible College with a BS both in Bible and Inter-Cultural Studies.

After dating for 5 years, Jeff married Deb Bartley, his childhood sweetheart (they literally met in the nursery!) after college in 2002. Knowing they were called into Missions they focussed their effort to pay off school and get to the field as they learned how to have a healthy marriage and ministry “post grad” in the local church. God lead them into a close relationship with CrossWorld and God lead them into church planting amongst Muslims in the war-torn country of Kosovo in Eastern Europe. There he helped develop a youth community center, run summer English camps, and love people practically by the living power of Christ. This love soon developed into creating a home building business to provide jobs, coach skills and grow disciples. God has called him back to his home sending church now to help lead younger generations to pursue God at all costs and functioning together as an integral part of the family of God. He has now enjoyed 6 years of fruitful ministry here Stateside.

Jeff and Deb have four children, Emma, Benjamin, Hannah & Mia. They have a home and live in Greenville, NY.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Jeff Diehl:

Pastor of Northside Church in Liverpool, NY

On air every fourth Saturday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Pastor Jeff O’Brien was born in Boston, Mass.  He has lived in Cleveland, Oh. Syracuse, NY and Pelham, NH.

On October 31, 1982, he left New Hampshire on a motorcycle heading for California to eventually get to New Zealand. The Lord changed his plans and he found himself living in Seminary, Ms. where he stayed for 3 yrs.  Jeff received Christ in front of his television set in New Hampshire before he left NH. Pat Robertson gave an invitation on TV and he received Jesus.

Pastor O’Brien went to Seminary @ Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN.  He attended Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis where Pastor Adrian Rogers was the pastor.  Jeff counts it a privilege to serve as pastor at Northside Baptist Church in Liverpool, N.Y.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Jeff O’Brien:

Sr. Pastor of First Baptist Church in Watertown, NY

On air every fourth Thursday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Rev. Jeffrey E. Smith‘s ministry has been blessed by the Lord from the small fellowship of believers assembled in the Community Room at Huntington Heights, Watertown, New York, on July 7, 2002, to a large fellowship at the First Baptist Church on Public Square in Watertown, New York.

Rev. Smith was born and raised in the inner city of Indianapolis, IN. He was caught up in the inner city life. Rev. Smith was a professional musician for close to thirty years, and yet again was caught up into the lifestyle of the music industry. Yet, by the grace of God, he was delivered and Jesus set him free from the bondage of death. The Lord called him into the ministry, and he has given his life to be a servant of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Smith has been going into the mission field in both Haiti and Africa for around 23 years.  Rev. Smith is the head Chaplain at the Jefferson County Jail, the Chaplain for the Watertown Police Force and he is a member of the Clergy Staff at the Samaritan Medical Center and Keep Home.  Rev. Smith is also a counselor for substance abuse, marital matters, premarital matters, and is a family counselor. In addition, he counsels soldiers returning from duty overseas who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) along with their families.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Jeffrey Smith:

Pastor of The Saratoga Chapel in Ballston Lake, NY

On air every third Friday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

The Capital District has been my home for many years. I grew up in the hills of Glenville, just north of Scotia, NY, and graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 1970. I left the area to attend college and seminary for seven years. In 1977, I returned to serve the Bethlehem Community Church in Delmar, NY, and the East Glenville Community Church, in Glenville, NY, before helping to launch the Saratoga Chapel in 1989. I’ve been married for over 40 years and have a great wife, Carol, and four fun kids–three girls and one boy.

Besides being a pastor, I’ve also had the opportunity to drive trucks, work in the home health care field, help out in an advertising agency, and work with developmentally disabled people. I love sports, particularly basketball and running. Tennis is coming along, but my backhand is still suspect. I’m a member of the Malta Rotary.

One of the greatest desires I have is that the people around me would come to know and experience God in a real and personal way. If I could give you anything, it would be the gift of knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the certainty of eternal life.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Jim Hale:

Pastor at Lifeway Community Church in North Bangor, NY

On air every second Monday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Pastor Joe Selenski, an ordained American Baptist Churches Pastor since 1996. He began his North Country Ministry as Pastor for First Baptist church in Malone then went on to plant a new church eleven years ago in N. Bangor NY.  He is still Pastor for Lifeway Church.  Pastor Joe founded Barnabas House Homeless Shelter and was Director for ten years.

Before coming to Upstate NY Joe managed Crisis Intervention Programs, a Christian Counseling Program, and worked in therapeutic programs for teens transitioning from institutional placements. As an interesting side note, Pastor Joe played hockey into his twenties and had a career in professional minor league hockey as a coach and General Manager.  Pastor Joe enjoys fishing, camping, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Joe Selenski:

Associate Pastor of Pompey Community Church

On air every third Thursday (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Josiah has been serving in the church for as long as he can recall, and he remembers clearly the moment when God called him into full time ministry as a Pastor.  Prior to coming to PCC, he served in a variety of church ministries and contexts before moving from Texas to where he now lives in Manlius.  He studied at the college of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is close to finishing my Masters of Divinity at Midwestern.

“I love to preach God’s Word and help others to know that living a life completely surrendered to Jesus is the best life to live.”

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Josiah Durfee:

Congregational Leader (Rabbi/Pastor) of Messiah Congregation in Washington Mills, NY

On air every fourth Thursday (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Justin is ordained with Restoration Fellowship International, and Messiah Congregation. Along with his congregational responsibilities, and busy international speaking schedule, he is an adjunct professor of Torah Studies at Biblical Life College and Seminary, and a guest lecturer for The Timothy Program International; additionally he serves on the Board of Directors for Restoration Fellowship International.

Justin and his wife Renee have been married for 25 years. They are blessed with two grown sons, and a daughter in law. Justin has served his Lord and Savior in many capacities, locally and internationally. His passion is teaching the Word of God, and ministering to those in need.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor/Rabbi Justin Elwell:

Senior Pastor of Valley Alliance Church in Palatine Bridge, NY

On air every fifth Friday

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Ken Gies:

Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Watertown, NY

On air every second Wednesday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Lee Pickett:

Senior Pastor of Webster Bible Church

On air every third Saturday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Matt Fletcher was born in Webster in 1968 but spent most of his early life in the Chicago area. He is a graduate of Washington Bible College (B.A., 1990), Briercrest Biblical Seminary (M.Min., 1999), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 2014). Matt met his wife Ruthie while they were both students at Washington Bible College, and they got married the summer following their graduation in 1990. The Lord has blessed them with five children, two of which are married, and three grandchildren.

Matt has served in pastoral ministry for thirty years. Prior to becoming the Senior Pastor at Webster Bible Church in 2011, Matt pastored churches in Virginia, Nova Scotia (Canada), and Massachusetts.

Matt loves to read Christian biographies and books on biblical counseling, theology and leadership. He also enjoys playing golf, taking walks with his wife, watching good movies, traveling, and staying in touch with extended family members and friends.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Matt Fletcher:

Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, NY

On air every third Monday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Matt and his wife Bethany both grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They met at Duquesne University, where Matt studied Psychology and Bethany studied Elementary Education. Before attending seminary, Matt enjoyed working as a therapeutic staff support, serving children with special needs. He graduated from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2018. He had the privilege to serve at First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills, PA as the youth director and pastoral intern from 2016 to 2019. Matt was so happy to receive the call to become the Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in 2019, and he was ordained in November 2019.

Matt and Bethany love spending their time raising their three young children, Levi, Hannah, and Silas. They enjoy taking walks to the park, singing, reading, playing with Levi’s trains, and playing board games.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Matthew Mierski:

Lead Pastor of Lord of the Harvest Church in Amsterdam, NY

On air every fourth Monday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

I am Mike Arbige, pastor at Lord of the Harvest Church in Amsterdam, NY. I am beyond blessed to have a beautiful family, live in the greatest nation given to man, and most importantly, have my soul purified by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Truly, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (I Cor. 15:10).

By that grace, we founded this ministry in my parent’s basement in November of 2009. Since then, we have been committed to the verse-by-verse teaching of God’s perfect Word. We strive each day to proclaim this Word in the face of mounting evil, knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for sinful man and a degenerating culture. We are a simple church, doing what we do, “For the truth’s sake” (2 John 2).

If you are ever in the area, we would love to have you stop and see us. We are located on 27 Teller St. in Amsterdam. Our Sunday service is at 10 AM, and our Wednesday Bible study is also at 10 AM. Every Wednesday night at 7 PM (except for the summer) we do a live Q and A on our church Facebook page. We would love to have you join us for that too. It is always lots of fun! Whether we meet or not, by grace may you too commit yourself to God’s Word, and to living “for the truth’s sake.”

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Mike Arbige:

Lead Pastor of Parkside Bible Church in Watertown, NY

On air every first Thursday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Dr. Mike Gerhardt was born in Philadelphia, PA. He received a BA from Kean University in NJ. He worked eight years as a finance analyst. In 1980 he married Janet Lewis. Two years later, he began Dallas Seminary and received a Masters of Theology in 1986. He spent 6 years of ministry at the Chinese Church in Parsippany NJ, 2 years at Leeward Community Church in Hawaii, 18 years at New Beginnings in Poughkeepsie NY.

Since 2013, he is lead pastor at Parkside Bible in Watertown NY. He has three active sons: Brandon in Houston married with two sons, Trevor in Bali, Indonesia and Eric in Brooklyn. He received his doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2006.

“There are many metaphors that can relate to the Christian life, but none were more powerful than my 2013 trip to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with my three boys. God wants to take us to the top and wants us to trust him completely for this journey we call life.”

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Mike Gerhardt:

Senior Pastor at Truth Bible Fellowship in Nedrow, NY

On air every first Saturday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

I was saved watching a Christian television show in 1983.  Back then you actually had to stand up and walk to the TV to change to one of 4 channels available to us.  I had been reading the Bible and writing inspirational music for a few years when I became interested in information about the Word of Jesus. I wasn’t paying attention and before I knew it the show’s host was giving an invitation to accept Jesus as my Savior. When I jumped up to turn the channel he pointed out at the audience and said, “Don’t you touch that dial, you’re going to sit down and pray this prayer.“  He was speaking to millions of people but I knew he was speaking to me. I sat down to pray and was overcome by the power of the Lord. When I got back up off the floor about 45 minutes later, I was a new creation in Christ.

Many wonderful things have happened in the years since, by the powerful hand of the Lord took control…not the least of which is the purchase of our new building.. After twenty two years of leasing, it is good to be in our own new home in the village of South Onondaga.  I have really enjoyed sharing what the Lord puts on my heart for ‘Pastor For the Day’ with the wonderful listeners of Mars Hill Network Radio.  My only difficulty, being a typical evangelical pastor, is limiting my talking to five minutes.  I know my brothers and sisters in ministry will get a kick out of that honest admission.

Blessings to All,
Pastor Michael Kerlin

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Michael Kerlin:

Lead Pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, NY

On air every first Saturday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

A Pennsylvania native, Pastor Mike Shingler grew up attending an independent Bible church and came to saving faith in Christ at age 23.  He is a graduate of Liberty Theological Seminary, and he served as a pastor in independent churches from 1999-2016.  Over the course of his ministry and personal study, he became increasingly convinced of the Reformed system of doctrine as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith.  He became a part of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 2016 and moved to Syracuse, NY in 2017 in response to the call to Hope Presbyterian Church.

Pastor Shingler and his wife, Sabrina, were married in 1992, and she has been a constant support and encouragement. They have 4 grown children and (as of this writing) 4 grandchildren.  In addition to the ministry of God’s Word, Pastor Shingler enjoys reading, fishing, fitness and spending time with his grandchildren.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Michael Shingler:

Senior Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY

On air every third Saturday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Pastor Milton E. Kornegay has been serving as the Pastor of the Central Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY since 1996. He is married to the lovely Patricia A. Kornegay, and God has blessed them with two sons (Joseph 23, and Simeon 18). Pastor Kornegay and his wife have been happily married for 29 years.

Pastor Kornegay was saved in April 1987 and has committed his life to serving the Lord in the Pastoral Ministry. He is a graduate of the Baptist Bible College and Seminary of Clarks Summit, PA. His heartbeat is the discipling of men and women – bringing them to a place of usability in the Master’s service.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Milton Kornegay:

Pastor of Trinity Fellowship in Syracuse, NY

On air every fourth Tuesday (Jan, May, June, July, Nov, Dec)

Nathaniel is a native of Syracuse and grew up attending Trinity Fellowship. He obtained a degree in history from Colgate University, where he captained the soccer team. He spent a year working at His Mansion Ministries before pursuing teaching. He has an M.A. in History and NYS Certification in High School Social Studies.

In 2008, he traveled to England to study at Cornhill Training Course in London. Nathaniel then spent a year serving at Christ Church Bromley, in SE London, before returning to the US. Nathaniel taught Bible and was chaplain at Faith Heritage School and was ordained an elder in Trinity Fellowship in 2011. He is blessed to be married to Abigail, and they have five lively children.

He enjoys the wit of Chesterton, the fiction of Dostoyevsky and the preaching of Martin Lloyd-Jones.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Nathaniel Jackson:

Lead Pastor at Lakes Church in Auburn, NY

On air every third Monday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Bio coming soon

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Nick Stanton:

Assistant Pastor at Life Church in East Syracuse, NY

On air every third Wednesday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Hello, I’m Patryck Jones. I’m 33 years old and the Assistant Pastor at Life Church in East Syracuse, NY. I am a Husband, Father of Indiana & Henry Jones, Gamer/Motivational Speaker & loyal Minnesota Vikings fan. If you’d like to learn more about me, click here.

“Prayer does not equip us for some greater work – Prayer is the greater work.”

– Oswald Chambers

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Patryck Jones:

Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ithaca, NY

On air every fourth Wednesday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Robert Foote is in his 25^th year of ministry at Trinity; his previous congregation was the first church he served for 11 years in Pittsburgh/Braddock Pennsylvania.

Pastor Foote is married to his beautiful & faithful wife Sheila, whom he met during his undergraduate days at Ohio State University, and they’ve been married ever since he was in seminary at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne Indiana in 1983.  God has blessed them with three faithful children; their oldest child Jennifer was born with acute cerebral palsy and was sainted at age 23, in 2010.  Their other adult children Stephanie & Matthew live in the Ithaca area, Stephanie is married to a fine Christian man, and through that marriage they have a step-grandson.

Robert has his M.Div. degree at seminary in systematic theology, and his other master’s degree is in counseling, which he received alongside his wife at Seton Hall University.

Trinity operates both a preschool and an afterschool program, and they also have affiliate campus ministries at both Cornell and Ithaca College. Trinity also has a refugee house and has helped refugees since the Vietnam War era.

Pastor Foote is grateful to God for having been raised in a Christian family, and for the Holy Spirit’s sustaining grace throughout his life.

“John 15:5 is my confirmation verse, and I’m sticking with it!”

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Robert Foote:

Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Westerlo, NY

On air every second Wednesday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Scott Boger was born in Philadelphia and drawn to the Lord at an early age. Scott grew up as a missionary kid in Nova Scotia. Returning to the United States to study and eventually graduate from Washington Bible College in 1989. While at Bible College, Scott met the woman that he would marry, Susie. They returned to Nova Scotia for sixteen years of pastoral ministry at two churches. Scott and Susie also welcomed four precious gifts into the world: Katie, Bobby, Courtney and Melissa.

Scott accepted a call to pastor the First Baptist Church of Newton in 2005, serving there until 2016. Scott began his ministry at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo in July of 2017 and is excited to see what God is going to do in this part of the harvest field. Scott enjoys the outdoors, baseball, reading, woodworking, puzzles and people. Along with the Bible, Scott thinks every believer needs to read Pilgrim’s Progress.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Scott Boger:

Pastor of Christ is King Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY

On air every second Monday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Pastor Scott Corbin attended Baptist Bible Seminary of Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania. There he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2015, and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2022. He was ordained at New Testament Baptist Church in 2016. Prior to becoming the head Pastor of that same church, he had served there as a deacon, youth leader, and then assistant pastor. He has been married to his wife Barbi since 2004; together they have three children: Samuel, Bryce, and Noella. Pastor Scott Corbin began shepherding Christ is King Baptist Church in January 2022.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Scott Corbin:

On air every third Tuesday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Pastor Hallman lived in the world for 39 years before the Lord reached him and blessed him with saving faith. At that time, his career was changed forever for the better from a self-centered one designed to serve its owner only to one in which God is glorified every day. While the material things virtually all disappeared, the replacement of them with spiritual things is so much better. A few years after his enlightenment, God brought Kim into Scott’s life, and together they have five children spread all over the country.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Scott Hallman:

Pastor of Trinity Fellowship in Syracuse, NY

On air every fourth Tuesday (Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Sept, Oct)

Stefan has been blessed to be the husband of Sarah for more than twenty-five years; the Lord has entrusted them with four children (who are beginning to fly the coop). Stefan has been one of the pastors of Trinity Fellowship since 2001. His philosophy of pastoral ministry emphasizes, among other things, the authority and relevance of Scripture, and the importance of pastoral love and prayer for the congregation. Stefan is a graduate of Bucknell University and Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, PA (M.Div.; Th.M.).

In addition to his local pastoral ministry, Stefan writes theology for the broader church, especially for other pastors and theologians. He has published articles on 2 Samuel 4, Ezra 3, and Ezra 4-6 in the peer-reviewed journal Vetus Testamentum. Stefan is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Evangelical Homiletics Society.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Stefan Matzal:

Pastor of First Baptist Church in Skaneateles, NY

On air every second Monday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Stephen Jackson:

Lead Pastor @ International Assembly in Jamesville, NY

On air every fourth Friday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Brother Suresh Thiagarajan:

Pastor of Tyre Reformed Church in Waterloo, NY

On air every third Thursday (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov)

Thomas Perchitti (ED. d, Grand Canyon University) is the senior pastor at Tyre Reformed Church.  He is an NAMB endorsed Army chaplain (reserves) and Adjunct Professor.  He holds M.A., M.Div. and TH.M., degrees from Liberty University and an M.A., in Apologetics from Houston Baptist University. He was born and raised in Miami and currently resides in Waterloo, New York. He is married and has three boys and two granddaughters.

Dr. Perchitti is also the author of the book Suicide: Unforgivable? A Grace Manual for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One to Suicide.  This book helps give hope for people who have lost loved ones and hope for communities and churches as they seek to minister & provide resources for those individuals.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Thomas Perchitti:

Pastor of New Beginnings Christian Center in Syracuse, NY

On air every first Tuesday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Todd Chauncey Redden was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. His father and grandfather were the first father and son dual, to play for The Harlem Globe Trotters. Todd attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and received a B.A. Degree, in Marketing, Communications and minoring in Biology. While attending BGSU, he met the love of his life and future wife Yolanda, who also graduated, with a B.A. Degree in Business Administration. Todd and Yolanda are the proud parents of 3 children, Todd, Joshua, and Monica. In 1993, Todd and Yolanda founded New Beginnings Christian Center.

In 1996, located at 7247 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY, the church building purchased. New Beginnings Christian Center is a non-denominational Church under the covering of Bishop Joseph Garlington founder of Covenant Church of Pittsburg. NBCC is a multiracial, cross-cultural community that is known for its warm family atmosphere, the strong presence of Christ and solid bible-based teaching. Known for his humor and deep insight, Todd preaching and teaching ministry, reflects the heart of a true shepherd. Known as a climate changer, Todd has the unique ability with his kind, joyful and relatable demeanor to positively affect the most difficult of environments. His heart, is for people to secure their own personal new beginnings experience, through relationship in Jesus Christ.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Todd Redden:

Pastor of Buckley Road Baptist Church in Liverpool, NY

On air every first Wednesday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Bio coming soon.

Previous PFD messages from Pastor Travis Smith:

Chaplain of Rescue Mission Alliance in Syracuse, NY

On air every first Thursday (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)

My name is Yulon Jones and I’m the Chief Officer of Spiritual Life at the Syracuse Rescue Mission.

As a child and young man, I grew up very poor and it was very difficult to function day to day because of it. Being picked on constantly for not having the appropriate clothes or always wondering what the next meal would be was pretty common in my life and it made my days very dark and sad. Most times I was embarrassed to even go to school or any place public because I was sure to get harassed by people who didn’t look like me.

Although it was always very hard for me, I have always had a glimpse of hope, I never stopped believing that there were good people and I always believed that with Faith and Hope that God would one day rescue me from this harsh way of life. My Hope was that one day I’d be able to give others who suffered the same I did, that same Hope.

“Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of the old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it will spring forth; will you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”  – Isaiah 43:18-19 

I held on to God’s promise and He stayed true to His promise. I went from living in gross poverty and the street life to helping others rise from the very life I once lived. Giving others Hope is my ultimate goal in life and doing it here at The Rescue Mission is an unspeakable joy. Here at The Rescue Mission, we have several ways to put into practice that Hope that will encourage many to have faith that life can and will get better.

Previous PFD messages from Chaplain Yulon Jones: