Born November 23, 1930, Wes was the youngest child of four: 2 brothers and a sister. He was not raised in a Christian home, but a very close-knit, warm and loving, and GOD-fearing family.

Wes married his wife, Joyce, on August 17, 1953. They have 4 children: 2 sons and 2 daughters-ages ranging from 48 to 54. Wes and Joyce attended a Southern Baptist church in Michigan, where they met the LORD and were saved in 1954. Wes was employed by the elevator industry for 37 years and retired in 1992. Wes is presently serving as President of the Deacons; faithfully attending to the duties involved.

Wes: "We are very dedicated to the LORD and Lakewood Christian Church, and excited at the growth we are experiencing, and the souls the LORD is saving."

Steve grew up by the Shenandoah River and Blue Ridge Mountains in eastern West Virgina. He found new birth in Christ at Myakka City Baptist Church in 1990. God blessed Steve with good teaching from strong leadership as he continued to grow in the Lord. He is now serving faithfully as a deacon. Steve and Geralyn have two children and two grandchildren.

Steve:"I am excited with what the Lord is doing with Lakewood Christian Church."

TJ came to know the Lord July 12, 2004 at age 19 at a shoppping center outreach. Diana was age 6 when she found Christ in a childrens' service. She discovered the intimacy of God's love at age 18. Diana graduated high school in Sarasota, FL in 2005, and TJ graduated in Alexandria, VA in 2003.  Both continue their education locally.  TJ and Diana married on May 13, 2006. They have a daughter, Hannah, and a son, Neville.

TJ: "Lakewood Christian Church has become our home; a place where His people earnestly seek His face. (2 Chronicles 7:14) We serve in our current position to bring our Lord glory and make Him known!"

Andy grew up in the rolling hills of South Carolina as the oldest of three children. Although his family attended church growing up, Andy did not begin a true relationship with Jesus Christ until 1999. He has been serving the Lord ever since. He and his wife, Pam, married Sept. 26, 2009.

Andy: "We are eager to serve the Lord together and share his love with the world."

Rick grew up in the farmland of central Pennsylvania near Hershey.  Although he was not raised in a Christian home, he was blessed by relatives and friends that would take him and his brother to bible school and Sunday school.  At the age of 17, Rick asked Jesus into his heart at a youth retreat in Wildwood, New Jersey.  Rick graduated from ELCO High School in 1981 and attended Penn State University for two years.  In June of 2008 he moved to Sarasota to pursue a career change.  The results of an answer to prayer have brought him to this body of believers.  Rick is very proud of his two sons, Cameron and Colin.

Rick: "I am very excited to serve here at Lakewood Christian Church.  He has blessed my life and my desire is to serve in any capacity to bring Him the glory that He deserves. (Ephesians 2:10)"

Eric grew up in a Christian home in Arthur, Illinois and gave his life over to the Lord when he was 13 years old. At the age of 20 he rededicated his life to the Lord and made a move, from the small town in Illinois he was raised in, to Sarasota. Here is where he met and married, his wife, Cynthia in March 1990. They have two children, Ashley (16) and Matthew (12).

Eric: "God has led us to this church through the awesome CRASH youth ministry. Since then we have seen a commitment to sending people out to do the work of the Lord and not hiding behind closed doors. This church has a great heart for missions locally and internationally. I am very thankful God has called my family to serve at Lakewood Christian Church for this season in our life."