Jeff Dixon
Transformational Architect
Jeff received his Masters Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He leads the preaching and teaching ministries for The Church @ 434. Jeff is an in-demand conference leader and speaker. He speaks frequently on the topic of leadership and life transformation.
Jeff also has been a featured writer for PROCLAIM, Let’s Worship and Pastors EXTRA . These publications by Lifeway are resources for leaders and teachers around the country. He is also a Disney novelist. The Dixon on Disney series featuring Key to the Kingdom was released in 2012. The sequels and standalones frequently are among the bestselling titles in the country. In addition he writes features for the University of Kentucky covering basketball.
An educator, a creative thought leader, and innovative communicator, Jeff is passionate about the transformational journey of faith and developing leaders.
LeeAnn Stayer
Associate Minister, Education and Horizon Ministries
LeeAnn has been with The Church @ 434 since its birth in 1993. She received her Masters Degree in Christian Education from Reformed Theological Seminary. LeeAnn is the point person and creative force behind some of the specialized Horizon ministries that have become such a vital part of the ministry of The Church @ 434. Her leadership and gifts in these areas have helped The Church @ 434 become a vital part of the fabric of our community.
She teaches as part of our staff and leads our educational ministries, community ministries, children’s musicals and the day to day operations. She is active as a consultant with both churches and community leaders across the world in developing high impact community events. She is an innovator and the original dreamer behind Christmas Dreams, because some children just can’t wait for Christmas.
This non-profit is the first and best place to discover resources that allow the hope of Christmas to come alive in the lives of families facing desperate medical circumstances.
Michael Simmonds
Associate Pastor, Worship
Michael received his Bachelor of Science from Stetson University and has been leading in church ministry for years. After serving in a variety of staff positions in churches throughout Central Florida, Michael has been with The Church @ 434 since its beginnings in 1993. His guidance and leadership has helped to craft the style of worship that people from all over the world participate in each week.
Michael is a talented and gifted songwriter who puts his creative touch to celebration worship. He is a specialist in adventure recreation and a recognized team builder at both the ministry and the corporate level assisting and equipping leaders and staffs to be stronger .
He is also engaged as a part of the leadership team of Circle Christian School in Central Florida. As a teacher, administrator, athletic director, and spiritual formation director, Michael pours his life into the development of others as they reach their full potential.
Richard Israel
Associate Minister, Students
Richard began his ministry at The Church @ 434 in 2007. As a staff member he brings a wealth of experience to the mix. His educational journey has taken him through the University of Central Florida, Florida Southern, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Orlando). After serving as student minister at Downtown Baptist Church, Dover Shores Baptist Church, and Killarney Baptist Church he has brought experience, energy, and creativity to his ministry here at The Church @ 434.
Richard has a heart and passion for growing students, developing leaders, and ministering to families. His gifts, talents, commitment, and calling secures a promising future for our students as they are better equipped to touch and change the world.
Chris Whaley
Pastoral Care and Energizers
Chris is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary. He serves at the Minister of Pastoral Care & leads the Energizers here at The Church @ 434. It was during his role as Interim Pastor at FBC Winter Springs that he approached church leaders about the possibility of surging together with another congregation, it was out of those early thoughts that this ministry began.
Chris has spent a variety of years in the role of pastor, most recently at the First Baptist Church of Orlando. His heart for people, his ability to love and connect with them, and his giftedness to teach makes his role essential in this church ministry.
He has worked for the Florida Baptist Convention, is the resident doctor among our staff, and has written a book, The Masked Saint which has been made into a feature film, (He has a role in the film as well) based upon his life behind the pulpit and in the squared circle of professional wrestling.
Scott Colangelo
Children’s Director
Scott Colangelo is the dynamic leader who guides us in our children’s ministry here at the Church @ 434.
His passion for fostering a nurturing environment is contagious, creating a space where kids feel not just taught, but truly loved and cared for.
As a professional educator, his creative lessons, engaging activities, and genuine love for each child, embody the spirit of joyful service making The Church @ 434 a second home for our youngest members.
This is a ministry that under Scott’s leadership that has helped to create a safe space for families and a place that our kids love to come and be a part of and want to stay when they get here. Scott and his team have added a variety of activities, camps, ministry projects, and leadership opportunities for our kids to learn and be a part of. In a world where sometimes it can be tough to be a kid- Scott is able to provide a soft place where the fun and excitement of knowing Jesus can happen naturally.