1

Wesley Furlong

LEAD PASTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . . 

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

Lead Pastor.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

Early morning breakfast at a local coffee shop, reading and writing in the morning, meetings in the afternoon, jumping on the trampoline or playing hide and go seek tag with the kids, dinner.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

Great, as long as there’s movement in the right direction.

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

Not In My City (notinmycity.org).

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

The entire staff was part of the church before stepping into leadership.

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

We’re seeing, on average, over 2 people a day make first-time commitments to follow Christ, and there’s a great story with every one of them. A baby was healed of a heart condition today (July 21st, 2012)! Great stories of miracles, healings, and the transformations of entire families in unimaginable ways are told and celebrated weekly.  

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

Athlete.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

Creative.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

Not casual, but those around me would question any allusion to “fashionable,” too.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

Stomach virus during a wedding. No details needed.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

Bahama Breeze and a movie.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Turning 40.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Streams Of Living Water by Richard Foster.

2

Dennis Gingerich

FOUNDING PASTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I lead the Pastoral Care and Legacy ministry teams, serve on the Teaching team, and pastor a lot of leaders in the city. My unique role on the team is to bridge the positive history of the church with the future vision, thereby enhancing trust and credibility for the young leaders and leveraging 26 years of relationships with community leaders for the advancement of God’s mission. 

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

There’s a lot of variety in my week. Each day begins with quiet time with God. On any given day I might be found meeting with team leaders, mentoring city leaders, praying at a community event, or meeting with a family to plan the funeral of a loved one. 

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

I love meetings that are productive and focused on the mission of helping families experience God’s fullness!

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

There are so many favorites in 26 years: launching Cape Christian with 6 people, buying 3 city blocks of property from 48 individual landowners for our Chiquita Blvd. campus, building the worship and family ministry centers . . . The most recent favorite is raising up Wes Furlong to be the Lead Pastor.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

They all love what they do so much they would do it without pay if possible.

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry. 

Linda and I starting Cape Christian with two other couples, and to see it grow to nearly 1500 passionate worshipers and interested seekers every weekend is both humbling and awe-inspiring!

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

Mostly an athlete, but I’m growing my artistic side by pursuing my passion for nature photography!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?  

Administrative.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?  

Casual.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

I was doing a funeral for an elderly man, and I was highlighting the fact that his life had been lived in the context of relationships: his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and the in-laws and the “outlaws.”  I spontaneously threw the “outlaws” in for humor only to be horrified when I remembered the youngest son had just recently gotten out of prison.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

The Run Agrounds coffee shop at Cape Harbor.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Growing the Pastoral Care and Legacy teams to include several hundred volunteers, growing my monthly city leaders' mentoring group to the point where I'm leading a different city leaders' mentoring group each week, and helping other pastors develop plans to transition to young leaders and transform cities.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Good to Great by Jim Collins.

3

Brett Furlong

EXECUTIVE PASTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I have the best job possible because I get to work in two crazy different areas of ministry. I oversee all our Creative Arts ministries at Cape Christian and I oversee the finances and any major capital expenditure. Two very different areas, but I love my job.   

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

I have two kids and one more on the way, so I get up early before the fam is awake and leave the house to do devotions and read in the park at the church. This is a very special time for me, and I love that I know have a place at the church to do this. I work during the day at church and then go home and chill with the fam. I love my girls and my wife and love being their daddy and husband!!!

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

They can be exciting or boring, but they are very important. A great meeting is well worth my time.  

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

Over my past 11 years on staff there have been so many. Amazing summer trips with middle and high school students, our village in Zambia, our response after the Haiti earthquake, and our new Fellowship Park . . . They all have been amazing works of God.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

Everyone has been raised up through the church. We don't normally hire from outside, which has created an incredibly tight family dynamic on staff. Also, half of the staff have caffeine addiction problems.  

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

I love to see when people figure out how God can use their gifts in His ministry. Seeing people in the Media, Tech, Worship, Facilities, or Financial areas use their gifts is always an energy boost for me.  

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

Definitely not an athlete, so I guess I'm an artist. I do enjoy acting, and I get a chance to do it each month at FamJam to make a fool of myself.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

Both. Because I get to work on both sides of my brain, I feel like I'm both.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

I like to look good, so fashionable it would be. I think form over function, which drives my wife crazy, especially when we look for furniture for the house.  

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

There are too many to list, but one that happens at least once a year is that I rip my pants at FamJam doing something crazy.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

Any good restaurant. I enjoy good food, so if we find a spot, we will frequent it as many times as the eating out budget will allow.  

What will you be doing five years from now?

Hopefully still working at Cape Christian and raising my family. We are lifers and look forward to seeing God raise up a new generation of leaders.   

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

So many, but a couple old faithfuls I go back to are Bruchko as my favorite Mission book, anything by Henri Nouwen for personal, and Patrick Lencioni for leadership.  

4

Randal Rice

WORSHIP DIRECTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I'm the Worship Director.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

I wake up to the sound of coffee-making . . . the morning starts off peaceful . . . and then Uriah wakes up . . . the rest of the day is pretty noisy . . . 

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

What are these meetings you speak of?

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

Although it was a huge learning experience, Project Worship taught me a lot . . .

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

Oh this is crazy . . . I can't believe I'm going to tell you this . . . we . . . *sigh* . . . We kind of go overboard on the coffee . . . it's scary . . .

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

A couple of guys that didn't have a relationship with Christ came onto the Worship Team to play. A week or two later, they accepted Jesus!

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

Both . . . we should shoot some hoops!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

Creative.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

I like to think I'm pretty casual . . . 

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

A bus stop on Del Prado and Pine Island . . . It's really romantic—the traffic and random break squeals really make for a nice night on the town . . . Seriously, we really enjoy Marker 92 and the Nauti Mermaid in Tarpon Point.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Serving God . . . Not sure how, but I like to stay in tune to what or where he is leading me.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

House Of Leaves . . .

5

Joshua Yates

DISCIPLESHIP AND COMMUNITY LIFE PASTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I am the Pastor of Community Life at Cape Christian.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

I am married and have 5 children, and I enjoy spending a lot of my free time hanging out and playing with my kids. I also enjoy date nights with my lovely wife Marilu.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

I enjoy thinking collaboratively and solving problems with individuals and with groups. I am not a fan of theoretical and superficial meetings, and I’m glad that’s not the way we do things at Cape Christian.

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

One of my favorite things I’ve done is helping in the creation of our Vitals class with Pastor Wes.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

Our staff culture at Cape Christian is unlike any environment I’ve ever been part of. Everyone is willing and desires to be part of what’s going on each other’s area of ministry. This establishes an atmosphere of trust and loyalty which could not be manufactured in even the best business plan.

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

I love seeing the light come on for people as we encourage them to take next steps. Examples of changed lives happen all the time. Week after week, I encounter people who feel as if they are entrenched in a hopeless situation. What a privilege to see them not only gain hope in Christ, but also join us as we minister to a city in need of hope.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

I love baseball, and so do my kids, so from January through October you’ll most likely find our family on the little league field or watching the Mets on TV. 

Are you the creative type or the administrative type? 

I am definitely more of a creator than an administrator, but I definitely see the value of putting feet to my ideas. I do my best to learn from the administrators—I try to surround myself with as many as possible!

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups? 

I prefer fashion over casual because it makes me feel more confident and professional.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life. 

The very first time I was asked to do announcements during a weekend service, I tripped up the steps and broke my finger. It’s funny now, but it was extremely embarrassing at the time.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral? 

When you have 5 kids, you learn to enjoy any spot with peace and quiet. We love each one of our kids, but Marilu and I also look forward to our date nights when we can just enjoy each other’s company.

What will you be doing five years from now?

I don’t know what I’ll be doing five days from now, so if I told you my plans for five years from now, it would be a complete fabrication. Hopefully a stronger marriage, a stronger family, and a stronger ministry because of a lot of intentional time and investment.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)? 

My two favorite books are Prayer by Richard Foster and Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. These two books compliment each other because one speaks on the importance of the small, everyday prayers and how important they are in our relationship with God, and the other speaks on big prayers of faith that shake the very core of who we are.

6

Chris Euler

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRY

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I am the Student Ministries Pastor at Cape Christian. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with middle and high school students! My wife, Autumn, and I have four amazing children.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

 God has blessed me with the opportunity to help students draw closer to Christ. Much of my day involves planning youth activities and services. My favorite part of the day here in the office is spent mentoring and connecting with students, parents, and leaders. I also serve alongside an amazing family of staff that I connect with on a daily basis. Overall, the best part of any day is walking in the door of my home after work and being bombarded by my amazing family! Spending time with my wife and children in the evenings can often be hectic, but is a true gift from God!

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

To me, goal and vision-focused meetings are a vital part of ministry. They give me a chance to connect with staff, leaders, and families. Relationships and communication help a ministry thrive!

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian, and tell us about how you've seen God work through your ministry.

My greatest accomplishment since being here at Cape Christian has been seeing several of our high school students grasp what it means to live out their relationship with Christ. Awakening (our high school ministry) has taken a drastic turn over the past few months. It has been awesome to see God work in the lives of our high schoolers. Students are coming to know Christ, being baptized, getting involved in multiple areas of leadership, inviting other friends, and growing in Christ on a daily basis!

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

There is real sense of family amongst the staff, unlike anything I have ever been a part of. It is awesome to be able to open up and be honest about life and ministry with multiple people on the staff. There is a sincere care and desire that is seen in and through what goes on on a daily basis.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

Definitely an athlete, even though I may not look like one. I played basketball, baseball, and golf throughout high school and played golf in college. We are huge baseball fans and spend hours as a family watching Cincinnati Reds games!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

Administrative type . . . I feed off of details. My wife is the creative brain behind our marriage!  

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

Casual . . . I could walk around in shorts, shirt, and flip flops everyday. Although I have also gotten wrapped into the different-shoes-with-different-outfits syndrome!

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

Several years ago I borrowed my mom's yellow Mustang convertible. I stopped by the gas station to fill up, and about halfway through realized I was putting diesel in my mom's car. About $800 and many embarrassing explanations later, I had my mom's car fixed!

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

With 4 young children, my wife and I take advantage of every quiet chance we get! One of our favorite dates is ordering Chinese food and playing Catan in the comfort of our own home!

What will you be doing five years from now?

Although my daily schedule is constantly changing, I pray and plan to be leading an amazingly huge youth ministry right here at Cape Christian, while also working more closely and more in depth with the entire family ministry side of our church.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

My favorite book is Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Besides the Bible, there is no other book that has challenged my walk with Christ as much as Crazy Love.

7

Chad Woolf

DIRECTOR OF NOT IN MY CITY

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I am a Pastor at the church and the Director of the Not In My City Campaign, helping to mobilize churches to meet the needs of their communities.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

I start my day having time with God by reading, praying, and worshiping. I usually spend my work days meeting with leaders and working with other churches and organizations to grow Not In My City. My evenings are spent with my wife and son, and we love to go to the park, hang out with our friends, and serve with our church family.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

I think when meetings are done well they can be a powerful time to cast vision and make the plans necessary for growing that vision into a successful ministry. When meetings are done poorly they're a great time to check twitter or facebook :)

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

The successful launching of the Not In My City campaign has been the most exciting thing I've ever been a part of. To see God move in so many people and provide so powerfully in my family's life has changed me as a person.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

You are just as likely to find the staff person you're looking for in the office as you are at the Starbucks on Surfside!

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

I recently had a family call in asking to be shown around the church. As I walked them through our campus they told me they had stopped going to church several years earlier. They then told me that they had heard of our church because of the outreach we are doing. They assumed they wouldn't be able to come because they work on Sunday, but then they had heard about our Friday night service. I have seen them in church the past few Fridays and praise God that we make such a big effort to be a presence in our community and can connect families like this to God!

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

Athlete—love all sports, but especially basketball.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

I'm a freakish mix of both.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

Whatever is on clearance at T.J. Maxx.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

I once coached a girls basketball team and got us so lost on the way to a game that we had to forfeit!

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

Either Run Agrounds or Great Licks of Matlacha.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Being a husband to my wife, a Dad to my kids, and a Pastor at Cape Christian.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Desiring God by John Piper.

8

Brooke Edmonds

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . . 

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I am the Director of Family Ministry.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

My day always starts late and ends late with a lot of kids and busyness in between.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

I like meetings with a lot of lively discussion.

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

My favorite accomplishment at Cape Christian was the opportunity to expand our FamJam ministry into a public school.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

The Cape Christian staff members never wash dishes or clean up after themselves, especially the boys!

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

It's amazing to see how God brings families to outreach events like Vacation Bible School, FamJam, or Compassion for the Cape, and then a year or two later you see the same families serving other families, together, at the same event. 

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

Neither. I like to watch sports, though!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

I like to think I am a good mixture of the two.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

Flip flops and jeans all the way (fashionable ones, of course!).

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

While at a Leadership conference, the whole right side of my body fell asleep. When I tried to stand up, I fell to the ground in front of a group of people from other churches, and I couldn't get up.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

Kumo.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Probably the same thing I am doing now, but better and with more people.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

I'll Hold You 'Til You Sleep.

9

Elisha Baird

NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian. 

I am the Director of Preschool Ministries.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life. 

I get up, feed Joey, get my children ready for school, go to work, do all my tasks there, pick up my kids from school, do homework, do house work, cook dinner, get the kids ready for bed, and, most of the time, work some more.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings. 

If they are not a waste of time, they are fine . . .

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian. 

I would have to say outreach events . . . Vacation Bible School . . . 

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know! 

We are all normal in our own very special way . . . though some would disagree . . .

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry. 

The amount of young children in my ministry that know and can answer questions about our Lord just amazes me every Sunday. Watching all my ministries grow beyond my wildest dreams . . . Moms being able to build relationships through MOPS and have an awesome Christian outlook and love for the Lord no matter what church they come from.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

Artist.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type? 

I would have to say both.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups? 

Casual get-ups.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral? 

My back patio, with a yummy steak and baked potato . . . 

What will you be doing five years from now? 

Praying life will slow down enough for me to stop and smell the roses. 

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)? 

Heaven Is For Real . . .

10

Yvonne Arroyo

PASTORAL CARE COACH

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

 . . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian. 

I coach with coaches, which means I get to challenge, encourage, and speak into the lives of the leaders in our church. You will find me doing everything from hosting Vitals and leading Bible studies with the women on staff to mentoring and praying with others in the office.

 . . . tell us about an average day in your life. 

I talk to people—investing time to get to know them and their goals and challenges at home and at work. I talk to people a lot. 

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings. 

I like meetings because they help me to see the bigger picture and feel connected. 

 . . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian. 

Far and away, my favorite accomplishment is seeing new believers connect and serve through the classes I teach at Vitals. Every class brings new strengths, talents, and connections as people learn about their walk with God.

 . . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know! 

Behind the scenes they do a lot of hard work, but they make it look easy!

 . . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry. 

Because of the roles I play here, I’m involved in a lot of life-changing stories. Some are heavy, some are joyous, all are amazing. The best are when I see the generational changes that are made by one person’s decision to become part of God’s family. 

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

I take care of myself and watch what I eat, but don’t ask me to play volleyball!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type? 

My administrative side is strong—being organized is important when I’m juggling so much. My creative side comes from my heritage—I’m an Puerto Rican New Yorker, so I’m creative in the kitchen and in my conversation!  

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups? 

My fashion style is all my own—I wear what I like, from sparkles to sandals.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life. 

Being seasick on a cruise is bad enough. What's worse is falling down the stairs while wrapped in a blanket and having my husband walk away from me because he’s laughing so hard!

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral? 

My husband of almost 26 years and I love evening sailing in from Tarpon Point watching the sunset! 

What will you be doing five years from now? 

I have learned that I can make all the plans I want, but when God redirects, I follow!

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Can You Drink The Cup? by Henri Nouwen

11

Julie Smith

CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I am the Director of First Impressions, so I get to help all the new families get connected into the life of Cape Christian—such an honor!

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

No such thing as an average day when you work in ministry and have kids—every day is exciting and different. I can plan my day out, but it just never quite seems to go that way.  

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

Oh meetings . . . so many meetings!!!

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

My favorite project was the development of the Mission Café—what a great way to get your caffeine fix and support missions! What a concept!

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

That we have way more fun together than you would ever imagine! And none of us like to play practical jokes on each other—not a single one of us!!!

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

It is so amazing to be part of a ministry that enables people who are far from God—searching for Him and wanting Him to be a part of their lives—and people who are new to our church to find their place here in the Body of Christ.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

An athlete for sure—if you play DrawSome with me you will find out really quickly that I am not an artist!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

I love the creativity of interior design and creating new spaces, but I am one of those people who still likes to have a "to do" list on paper and cross off the items when they are done. I like it when a task is completed!!

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

I would live in jeans and flip flops if possible—you won't catch me in heels if I can help it!

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

Ok—a few years ago I ordered a "health book" online, and when it was delivered I thought to myself, "I think there was another reason I ordered this book, but what was it?" When I opened the box there was a 2nd book inside, this one titled Memory Loss Is Not Inevitable. Oh boy!!! Since no one else saw this, I guess I am outing myself and now making it my most embarrassing moment. I'm sure there are other moments, but I can't remember them—hahaha . . . get it???

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

The Joint—great food and a great outdoor area. You can also finish the night off with the best ice cream right next door!

What will you be doing five years from now?

Just the thought that I will then have both kids in high school . . . eek! Pray for me for that!! Looking back on how God has worked through me in my life in the past 5 years, I wait with great anticipation to see where He will allow me to be in the next 5 years. That makes me smile!!

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Sun Stand Still—God put that book in my hands at the exact time in my life that I needed to read it. It amazes me how He does that!!!

12

Patty Powell

BOOKKEEPER/HUMAN RESOURCES

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian. 

I am the bookkeeper, chief cook, and bottle washer! Plus, I often have chocolate at my desk!

. . . tell us about an average day in your life. 

Is there such a thing? From numbers to meetings to offering—oh my!

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings. 

I enjoy learning new skills and working on a team, but my favorite meetings happen in my office between just myself and a co-worker, figuring out a solution together! 

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian. 

Having been on staff for 12 years . . . that’s my favorite accomplishment! My favorite projects have been balancing budgets and working with Brett to make sure that Cape Christian is being a good steward and a trustworthy church.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know! 

I love them all, as long as they turn in their paperwork! 

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry. 

People might think that just ‘pushing numbers around’ isn’t a place to see God’s work, but when I look at how we are taking care of the tithes and offerings that the body of Christ has entrusted to us, I know that all glory goes to Him!

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

I am a football fanatic! Give me the NFL Sunday ticket every day of the week! Go Steelers! I'd love to see 'Superbowl Monday' become a national holiday to help all us football fans recover from the big game!

Are you the creative type or the administrative type? 

Working with numbers and being artistic are both necessary!

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups? 

Casual with a little bit of sass, but my smile is my best accessory!

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life. 

It didn’t start off funny, but my son and I were in a car accident (minor ding) and, when I got out to speak to the officer, I realized I was still in my PJs!  

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral? 

My steady date is my darling granddaughter, Jada, so you’ll find me rocking out to Dora the Explorer and doing the Elmo boogie!

What will you be doing five years from now? 

Celebrating Cape Christian's 30th birthday in style! 

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Accounting for Dummies (obviously!). On a more serious note, Crazy Love by Francis Chan!

13

Shane Burdett

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

My role at Cape Christian is a multidimensional multifarious amalgam of cerebrally perplexing and technologically imperious undertakings, apportioning customarily amongst Information Technology and Facilities Administration, while at times extending to mesospheric contemplation (Rocket Science).

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

Wake up . . . Refuse to wake up . . . wake up again . . . refuse again . . . realize I am late (not really, but I convince myself) . . . get up . . . rush to get ready . . . read my daily devotional and pray . . . realize I am actually late . . . hurry to work . . . put out proverbial “fires” until around 12 . . . eat lunch . . . do something creative . . . put out some more “fires” . . . go home around 7 . . . eat dinner . . . spend time with my wife . . . work on school or side jobs (if its a good day I go fly the Cessna) . . . go to bed around 2 AM . . . start over.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

In my opinion there are three types of meetings:

Type 1—Collaborative Contemplation and Creation: As a creative person, I love these meetings. These are usually the meetings where I feel the most helpful and productive. Teams of like-minded individuals come together to collaboratively formulate a plan to join in God's work of leading people back to right relationships. How could that not be enjoyable? In these meetings, we get to live out Proverbs 15:22 and Matthew 18:22. 

Type 2—Informative: To be honest, my opinion on these meeting varies. If I have a vested interest in the information, or I find the information exciting, I thoroughly enjoy these meetings. If the "vision doesn’t jive," or if I don’t feel it is relevant to me, I tend to check out. That said, I realize the importance of such meetings to the overall vitality and success of an organization and, even more so, a church. Common vision and shared knowledge will unify a team of people working together towards a common goal, exponentially amplifying their ability to achieve set goals. 

Type 3—Introspective: These are meetings directly related to your ministry. Staff review meetings, problem solving meetings, and sometimes just conflict resolution. These are rarely “fun,” but are always important. The thing most people fail to realize, and even fewer tend to embrace, is that introspection and constructive criticism are both vital to growth and success. I often tell people that the first time you go to a staff review and your boss tells you there is nothing you can improve on, quit! You have reached the ceiling of potential with that organization. That said, as an “overachiever,” I struggle with criticism in any form. The key to me enjoying these meetings is structure. The meeting starts with encouragement and positive reinforcement, followed by a short and achievable list of objectives and critiques to maximize my potential as a servant of the one true God. This works both ways. If I have a conflict with one of my fellow staff members, I set a meeting to resolve it. I first praise that person's successes and point out the positives about the situation. After I am sure the “mood” is one of collaboration and not debate, I will discuss the issue and how best we can together work to resolve it.

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

Okay, I have two. I know the question implied one, but Jesus got two with the Commandments, so I get two with accomplishments (not sure how that is related, but I’m rolling with it).

First: the lobby! I have been going to this church for 9 years now, and after 7 years of the “hallway lobby,” I was super excited to help design and build a space for people seeking God to do life together. 

Second would have to be completing Phase One of Fellowship Park. While this project was much more collaborative and less of “my accomplishment,” being a part of something with so much potential was, and is, truly a blessing. 

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

Our staff is one small part of one global church, serving one God, with one mission: to restore the relationship, through righteousness and revelation, and make God and Man as one. 

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

I have seen God at work through this ministry in so many ways: the people who came for the first time because the website accurately portrayed our church as open and honest, the person whose life is changed forever because he or she stuck around after church for a cup of coffee in the lobby and had a conversation that opened a door, people receiving God at Fellowship Park on Easter after volunteers gave hundreds of hours of service to pull it all together in ten days . . . All I see in my ministry is God, and that’s why I do what I do.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

Athlete.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type? 

Both.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups? 

Depends on the environment. 

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life. 

How about the day I split my pants working at the Church and didn’t realize it until a female staff member pointed it out . . . Funny now, not so funny then . . . 

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?  

Asia Buffet.

What will you be doing five years from now?  

Serving God (Not the Awana answer—that’s just the only thing I can say will be happening for certain in five years).

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Spiritual: Devotional Classics

Psychological: Lord of the Flies

Classic: The Outsiders

14

Van Ibasan

MEDIA ARTS DIRECTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

Create art and pursue Jesus. Official title: Director of Media Arts. 

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

Coffee… Film… Edit… Coffee… Design… Repeat

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

Great when you don't have 1,000 things on your to-do list.

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

Creating a culture of life change through creative platforms.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

We are highly motivated by food.

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

I've seen people come alive and unleash their creative gifts. I've seen people find areas where their talents and ministry intersect in amazing and unexpected ways.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

Yes.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

Creative all the way. There's not an admin bone in my body.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

I prefer the fashionable casual get-ups.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

The one time I did that one thing at that one place . . . yeah, pretty embarrassing!

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

Anywhere with my wife . . . preferably in Sakura Japanese Steakhouse.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Looking back and seeing God's provision in my life.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

I prefer the movies.

15

Julia Hartlieb

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian. 

I am the Church Secretary, and I also serve in Children's Ministry. In my Secretary role, I get to help make things run smoothly. In my ministry role, I help teach the first, second, and third graders that they are an important part of God's Big Story. I also step in chocolate pudding.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life. 

When I have one, I’ll tell you!

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings. 

The best kind of meeting is one where you leave energized, knowing that you are a part of the solution and are ready to take the next action to achieve that goal. Also, doughnuts. 

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian. 

From Compassion for the Cape to Christmas to Bold Crossings to Easter to Vacation Bible School, it's been one long, wild ride. Compassion brought the most joy, Christmas the most thankfulness, Bold Crossings the most hope, and Easter the most team-building. VBS, meanwhile, is the most team-building, laughter-inducing, heart-loving, joy-producing event yet! My favorite projects are those that connect people to God. My best accomplishment has yet to be done.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know! 

They are on fire to bring people into the kingdom of God. They are also pretty funny. Also, coffee. 

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry. 

Every single day, in the midst of everything, God manages to push me aside and get His kingdom growing. I have seen God at work in the copy room and the conference room! The two clearest answers to prayer I have ever had were in a parking lot and the copy room—ask me about them anytime!

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

I am an editor. 

Are you the creative type or the administrative type? 

I plead the fence since I enjoy both.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups? 

As long as I can wear my Kino flips, I'm good.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life. 

I don’t get embarrassed, but there is a lot of funny. Most recently? After having a great time in the lunch room (good food and good conversation), I stood up and my pants fell down. 

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral? 

Anywhere with my Joe.

What will you be doing five years from now? 

The important things won't change—being a strong Christian wife, mother, and worker. I do hope to have better bangs.  

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Again, can’t narrow it down. Jungle Book, anything with the Empress of Blandings or Lord Emsworth in it, Pride & Prejudice because I am a girl and it is required, The Elements of Style, vols 1-70 of Remo, The Destroyer, Weaveworld, and anything by Tozer.

16

Nick Sewell

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . . 

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I am the technical director. I oversee the preparation and execution of lighting, sound, production, and staging of services in adult and family ministries.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

I spend time with God, I spend time with family, and I spend time at church, in no particular order.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

Most of the time I love meetings at Cape Christian. Sometimes they get a little long, but as long as there is brain food I am good!

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

Definitely Easter 2012.  

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

This staff is a bunch of pranksters. My most embarrassing picture is still hanging up around our office.

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

I have had several people come into my ministry as non-believers who love tech, and over time have been saved and baptized.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

I feel like I am right in the middle.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

I am definitely creative—the administrative side of my ministry has been my biggest challenge.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

Casual get-ups, but sometimes I am too casual and my wife steps in and straightens me out.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

I had someone pull my shorts down while I was getting a drink at the water fountain in our high school choir room and everybody saw him do it.

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.

What will you be doing five years from now?

Doing what I love with a bigger family!

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

Barry Eisler’s John Rain series.

17

Robert Kane

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

 . . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I'm the Communications Director, and as with every other title here, that actually means a wide variety of things. On a day-to-day basis, I do writing, editing, graphic design, and a smattering of web-related tasks here and there. My job, on most days, is to take basic pieces of information from various departments and spin them into programs, scripts, advertisements, conversational blurbs, news releases, and narratives.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.

Assuming that we've properly gathered all of our information at the beginning of the week, my day begins with a BIG TASK (such as writing our in4m video announcements or designing our program), moves into a less time-sensitive task (working on special projects like animations or publications), and ends with a BIG SURPRISE (I never know what it's going to be, but something unexpected always comes up!).

 . . . tell us how you feel about meetings.

As long as everyone stays on track, I'm good to go. I like my meetings quick and efficient. Efficient meetings during work = more time for fun conversation when the day's labors are done!

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.

I wrote, voiced, directed, and did artwork and editing for a 90-second animated short film about the Not In My City campaign. The film told a true story, and I got to interview the real people involved in the situation being portrayed. The project combined nearly every skill I have, and it also gave me the chance to work with my brother, a brilliant artist and animator who I can't wait to work with again.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!

We're all on the same mission—to spread God's word and demonstrate God's love to our city . . . and the world at large! That keeps us humble, keeps us close, and creates a shockingly pleasant office atmosphere.

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.

Many times, our Cape Christian media team finds itself inundated with a seemingly insurmountable number of projects. Even if we weren't absolutely dedicated to repeatedly putting out high-quality work, the sheer volume of products we put out would still be intimidating. In spite of that, God has pulled through every time, sometimes bringing inspiration, tearing down barriers, or giving us "divinely appointed" wake-up calls at the last minute, always just in time for the project to be a success.

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist?

I don't know if I'd be so bold as to say that I am an artist, but I certainly aspire to be.

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?

Administrating is a necessity, even in the creative space, but I do believe that I function better as a creative type.

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?

I don't really care about clothes all that much. Most of the time, I wear whatever. I do enjoy dressing up for special occasions, though.

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.

When I was taking a Jazz Dance class in college, I was given the front-and-center position for our end-of-the-semester recital. Our instructor was going to coach us on the final portion of our routine a few hours prior to the big show. The finals for my other classes were in full force at the time, and I was exhausted. I got into my dance outfit many hours before I needed to be ready and sat upright on the couch in my dorm room with an alarm set, just in case. Everything seemed like it was going to work out perfectly. Instead, I slept through the alarm and woke up, still sitting upright on the couch, less than ten minutes before I needed to be on the floor. I sprinted to the dance hall and arrived as the team was walking onto the stage with me at the front-and-center position without the slightest clue as to what the final portion of the routine was!

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?

To me, if a city doesn't have some version of Disney's Magic Kingdom in it, a person's house (particularly the kitchen, dining room, and living room: dinner and a show!) is always the best date spot. It's the easiest way to be alone and just relax! Once we get a Cape Coral Disneyland (The Magic Capedom?), I'll have to change this answer.

What will you be doing five years from now?

If God wills it, I will have gained twenty pounds of muscle, completed and started selling copies at least one novel, started a video game production studio with a focus on storytelling and artistry with my brother, and have found a way to spread Cape Christian's message and activities across the country.

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?

All the Mowgli Stories, a chronologically-ordered compilation of all Rudyard Kipling's stories about Mowgli!

18

Lee Carnahan

VISITATION AND PASTORAL CARE PASTOR

On Cape Christian:

In Just a Few Words . . .

. . . tell us what you do here at Cape Christian.

I care for the people of Cape Christian through Helping Hands, Meals, Pastoral Visits, and Prayer.

. . . tell us about an average day in your life.  

Maybe an early trip to the hospital to pray with one of our people before surgery; some time in the office connecting with other staff; a little paperwork; a few phone calls; prayer in the conference room or hallways; a pastoral counseling appointment.

. . . tell us how you feel about meetings.  

Meetings are good as long as I'm not involved.

. . . tell us about your favorite project or accomplishment here at Cape Christian.  

I'm humbled to be in the right place at the right time to lead people to Christ.

. . . tell us something about Cape Christian's staff that we've just got to know!  

They don't 'fit the mold'!

. . . tell us a story of how you've seen God work through your ministry.  

I love it when people come to Ash Wednesday to receive ashes on their foreheads and find Jesus as their savior, or when people come to the office to see if they can get a Helping Hands grant and receive Christ, or when they stop by the office because they're going through a crisis and they receive reassuring words and invite Jesus into their hearts. (These miracles really happen. Praise the Lord!)

On My Life:

Are you an athlete or an artist? 

I am neither an athlete nor an artist. 

Are you the creative type or the administrative type?  

I'm the creative administrative type. 

Do you like fashionable outfits or casual get-ups?  

Definitely casual. Hey, it's Florida!

Tell us about a really embarrassing, funny moment in your life.  

That would be in first grade when I wet my pants and had to stand up in front of the class and do the reading lesson. Definitely embarrassing. Not at all funny. Scarred me for life!

What's your favorite date spot in Cape Coral?  

My date and I each with a good book, a picnic lunch, and suntan lotion at the Yacht Club beach.

What will you be doing five years from now?  

Same thing I'm doing now—being the Pastoral Care Pastor at Cape Christian (of course, you all know that God may have other plans!).

What's your favorite book of all time (besides the Bible!)?  

The Prince of Tides, Pat Conroy.

19

Kimberly Squicciarini

ADMINISTRATIVE CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

Kim has been a member of Cape Christian for over 10 years. She is a Buffalo, NY native, but grew up in Cape Coral. Following high school, Kim taught at a local preschool where she discovered her passion for engaging little minds. She then taught elementary school while earning her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Kim is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Chris and they have three beautiful boys, Noah, Owen and Anden and a baby girl, named Kinsley.

With 4 beautiful children and working part time for our preschool Kim has her plate full of God's amazing gifts (and a good dose of patience too!). Kim is very enthusiastic about the ministry of Cape Christian Preschool and helping it become everything God intends it to be.

If you would like more information about our preschool please click on the preschool links above or call us at 239.772.5781.