Our Team

Say hello to the leadership team at Living Christ Church

Meet our Team

Get to know some fun facts about our staff and how you can best reach them!

Jeff Salvesen - Lead Pastor

Jeff Salvesen came to Living Christ Church in 2013 but has been in pastoral ministry since 1997. He is married to his wife, Annette, and has 2 boys. Jeff loves animals, laughing, cooking, a really good story, and the NY Mets.


To reach Pastor Jeff email: pjsalvesen@gmail.com or contact our Office Administrator

"God desires to walk with you, knee deep in whatever mess you find yourself in!" - Pastor Jeff

Mary Barnhart - Youth Director

Mary Barnhart started as an intern at Living Christ in 2017 and became the Youth Director in 2019. Mary is passionate about creating a safe, judgment-free space for students to experience God. She loves long walks in Nyack while sipping Starbucks, rock climbing, and the NY Yankees


To reach Mary please email: mary@lccnyack.org

"Bro, God is real" - Mary

Rev Chase Connolly - Worship Pastor

Rev. Chase Connolly has lived and loved Nyack, NY since 2015 when he first moved to this town to study pastoral ministry at, then, Nyack College. Chase and his wife, of 6 years, continued to Alliance Theological Seminary, as he completed his M. Div. in Bible and Theology and Intercultural studies. 


Chase has a passion for people and coffee. "...Drinking coffee with someone is my equivalent to watching a movie with popcorn. Everyone has an exciting story and I'm grateful to meet anyone and see how God is working in their life..." Chase and his wonderful Wife Katherine have recently had their first baby named Penelope Joy. 


Chase is an NHL fan and a die-hard Star Wars fan. There is plenty to chat about over coffee! 

To contact Chase please email: Chase@lccnyack.org

Samantha Aupperlee - Ministry Coordinator

Sam grew up in FL but moved to Nyack NY back in 2015 to attend Nyack College, receiving her degree in Youth and Family Studies and Bible and Theology.

Since then Sam has fallen in love with the Winters and Falls here in NY. Sam loves to travel and spend her time outdoors! From long crazy hikes in the mountains to a beautiful day spent at the beach.

Sam loves to connect with new people through meaningful conversation and hearing their stories.


To reach Sam please email: info@lccnyack.org or call 845-358-3125

*If your call is missed, please leave a voicemail with your name and phone number

Heather Shields - Children's Director

Heather Shields had served in children's ministry for many years before becoming the Co-Children's Director in 2019. Heather is married to her husband, Tom and they have 3 kids. She is also a special education preschool teacher and loves hanging out with her family and reading a really good book.


To reach Heather, please email: hshields@lccnyack.org

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Joe Rodriguez - Sexton

Joe Rodriguez has served as the Sexton for over 20 yrs. Joe is married to his wife Mercy and has kids and grandkids. Joe loves the outdoors, learning new skills, and the St Louis Cardinals,


To reach Joe, please email: joerod71@aol.com 

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13