Our Leadership

Our Elders

Kenneth F. Barachko

Since January 23, 1983

My name is Kenneth Barachko.  I live with my wife, Charilyn in Washington Township, NJ for around 28 years.  We have 3 sons – Kenneth Mark, Jeffrey and Brian.  We have 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  I am a retired emergency room nurse, having worked at Kennedy & Cooper Hospitals.  Prior to that, I was in retail management.  I received collegiate degrees from Camden County College & Rutgers University.

I enjoy long walks with our dog, target shooting and visits to seashore towns.  My wife and I also enjoy dining on Chinese & Italian cuisines.  I received Jesus as my Savior as a pre-teen, and was filled with the Holy Spirit as a young teenager. I have also served as an elder at The Rock Church for over 34 years.  I have many favorite Scriptures; but, perhaps my all-time favorite is Psalm 91. I love being able to minister to people in church both publicly and privately and hope to continue to do so.

Carl E. Mire

Since November 24, 1991

Carl Mire was born and raised in Gonzales, Louisiana. He resided there with his wife Connie, and his two children Chad & Tonya (Fellona) until 1986. In 1986, Carl went out from the borders of his comfort zone into the East Coast in search of employment as an Ironworker. God closed every door to employment in Louisiana from the summer of 1985 to the summer of 1986. Carl & several other men traveled up north originally to work on a coliseum in Worcester, Massachusetts. Only we know now that God had other plans.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 God’s plans were for him to be employed in New Jersey and serve God at The Rock Church. Carl loves fishing and is still a strong New Orleans Saints & LSU Louisiana State University football fan, even though geography would make this taboo.

He is currently serving as an Elder at The Rock Church, since 1991 and has been a member since 1987. He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in 2005. He has enjoyed serving the Lord at The Rock Church in many capacities over the years such as being a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Counter, &  Director of Healing Rooms of Gloucester County.

Carl has retired after 43 years from his full time occupation as an Iron Worker. He has been married to Connie Mire for 50 years, as of 2023. He is blessed with two children, one married son, Chad & daughter-in-law Erika and one married daughter, Tonya & son-in-law Michael. He has been given a double blessing of four precious grandchildren, Silas 14, Rosie 13, Ella, 13, & Jonathan 9.

Albert E. Banks

Since June 2, 1996

Al Banks was born and raised in South Jersey. Growing up in West Deptford, he currently lives in Pitman, NJ with his wife Cindy and Nathan, their son. Their two other children, Eric &  Kaileen have their own places. After touring all over Europe as a young man, he came back to New Jersey and took a job at Path-Mark which ended up being a 30 year stint. He now works as a Service Team Leader at Wegman’s in Mt. Laurel N.J. Al and Cindy were married on Oct. 26th 1991. They lived in Woodbury until they purchased their current home in Pitman. Al’s passions are music and reading and following the prophetic stream of the Body of Christ for many years. His favorite vacation spots are Ocean City, NJ and they have traveled to Hawaii & Europe six times!

He and Cindy first visited The Rock Church in 1990. He says, “As soon as I entered the door I felt the strong presence of the love of the Lord and we never left!” He and Cindy have been here at The Rock Church for almost 30 years! In October of 1994, Al was set in as a Deacon and on June 2nd 1996 he was ordained as an Elder. Al has been on the Rock Church Worship team for over 25 years as our keyboard player! He is currently one of the Worship Team Leaders.

One of his favorite scriptures is Isaiah 66: 1-2 “The Lord says ‘Heaven is my Throne, and Earth is my footstool. Where then is a house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? Declares the Lord. This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.”

Chris Peale

Since October 8, 2013

I’m currently living in Pitman, NJ, with my wife Karen of almost 28 wonderful years of marriage. I have been in the delivery business in varying positions for almost 30 years. Currently, I am working as a branch manager for a large delivery company. I’m lucky enough to have an office only 15 minutes from my home.

We are blessed to have two awesome grown children, who have begun their life journeys, and no longer live at home.  They both are serving the Lord or are waiting for their next step. Holly is married to Brian Leppert and they have 2 sons, Carson & Casey.  It’s a blessing to have now entered the new phase of life as grandparents.  Our son, Shawn is married to Bethany & is a worship director at a midsized church in PA, and also writing a lot of worship music. He desires to tour the world leading worship. What a beautiful desire.

The Rock Church has been our home church since early in our marriage. We found it by accident, and desired to see more after Pastor Don had a prophetic word for us by name the first time we visited. The amazing thing about that is he had never seen us before and did not know who we were. God’s power is awesome. That is the reason we started going but not the reason we stayed. The Rock Church has always had a family atmosphere and the spiritual direction has always been on point. I have never seen any church with the balance of operational spiritual gifts as the Rock has. I know if you visited us here you would draw the same conclusion.

At this time, I am an elder at the Rock Church, but ministry of varied types has been a part of my wife’s and my life since early adulthood. I started doing work as a youth leader in a couple of different churches and para church ministries in my late teens, and later my wife joined me as a leader and many years as a counselor at a Christian Camp. Our kids have continued to hold the tradition, as we have gotten too old to keep up with teenagers. Although I still try even now, I do not miss many opportunities for a pick up game of football or softball, and try to keep in shape by running and working out. What does the bible say? Physical exercise profits little. But it does profit some.

Around the time we got married, we hosted a church singles group, where both Karen and I got to teach regularly. As we have gotten older, that seems to be the place that I am being used, and hope that God has more for my wife in the future as she is a gifted teacher. We are excited and expectant to see what God has planned for us and this church. For now I will continue in my life’s Faith, Family, Food and Football. (the last two are interchangeable), and wait for the Lords next trials and blessings. We know they will both come. We will get through with His strength. My favorite verse has always been Phil 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Pastor Edward Leslie Adams

Edward was extensively involved in city wide youth programs, that promoted healthy lifestyle choices andc recreational safety for the youth in the community.  Ed joined the administrative staff of the Martin Luth King Academy, a community based, organization in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester Counties.  He worked in conjunction with the Mayor’s office, local merchants association, local healthcare agencies, and school administrators to coordinate a variety of city wide services to provide for low income and economically disadvantaged students and residents.  He was assigned as Co-Director of the Vineland Police Athletic League, as a citizen liaison with the police department.  He created, setup, and implemented mentoring and structured programs that established a safe and educational environment for youth ages 8-18 years.

Edward was awarded the New Jersey State Senate Honoree for Outstanding Community  Service.  He received the Casa Prac  Cumberland County Honoree for Outstanding Citizenship, with significant contributions made for the advancement of the Hispanic community.  He also received the Cumberland County Freeholders Honoree for Community Achievement.  He has lectured in partnership with D.A.R.E., the Cumberland Municipal Alliance, the Rotary Club, and lectured at the Middle, Junior, and High Schools in the area.

His call to the ministry and experience began at his home church, Bethel Pentecostal Church, Bridgeton NJ, under the leadership of Bishop R. E. Satchel.  He began as a Sunday School teacher, then an usher, and a choir member.  It was during this time that he knew God had a call for ministry on his life.  After counseling and achieving the educational mandates of the organizational education mandates, he received his ministry license.  While attending Cumberland County College, he also enrolled and studied at Jameson Theology.  He received his ordination into ministry during this time.

Edward has served in many ministerial capacities.  He has been actively involved in ministry as a Youth Pastor, Christian Counselor, Pres of Ministerial Development, Associate Pastor & Bible Study Leader. He was ordained at The Rock Church on September 18, 2016, and has served here wherever he was needed for many years. 

Administration

Connie Mire

Church Administrator

Connie Mire was born and raised in Louisiana and attended high school with her husband Carl. She resided in Galvez with her husband and two children, Chad & Tonya from 1977 until 1986. Due to financial hardships Carl came to the East Coast  in search of work. In Carl’s absence God did a work in Connie’s heart. She gave her life to Jesus in 1987 and there was no turning back. As soon as the children finished their school year, she and the children drove up to New Jersey to make it their new home, along with Carl.

Connie’s favorite thing to do is cook, if someone else helps clean up the mess. She was very content being a stay at home Mama. She loved raising her children and even helped babysit neighborhood children until they moved to NJ. Having sleepovers for her children was one of her favorite things to do, with friends and family. She loved volunteering at the children’s school and could be found there every Thursday selling popcorn and juice for the PTA. (God’s training)

Little did she know God was using her time to train her for her future. She started out working in The Rock Church Sunday School in Nursery, 1st & 2nd, 5th & 6th, Jr High, & Sr High. She landed in the Primary class where she loves teaching the Pre-School, Kindergarten and 1st Graders. It’s the students who really end up teaching the teachers all about the fruits of the spirit. She presently loves serving as The Rock Church Administrator, since 1998.

Anna M O’Neill

CHURCH CHAPLAIN

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY & currently reside in Sewell (Mantua Twp).  I joined the Air Force after High School, where I served as a Medic. My husband, Larry, and I have been together for many years, and have one daughter, Teri. I received my RN degree and have worked in the dialysis unit of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in various staff & management positions, until I retired in 2014.

I was able to share the love of Jesus to many people, over the years! I was Born Again, and baptized in the Holy Spirit at a young age. I came to The Rock Church in 1982 and the presence of His love kept me rooted. I have been used in the spiritual gifts, during praise, worship & service, as He directed me. I continue to grow in the Fruits of His Spirit.

I taught different grades of Sunday School, currently as head of the Nursery. I’ve assisted or currently participate, in Youth Group, community outreaches, Intercessory Prayer groups, Restoration Ministries, Healing Rooms of Gloucester County. I’ve been on mission trips to Venezuela, Cuba and Jamaica. I write to people in prison, visit the sick and encourage people in the Living Hope. I currently volunteer at the Edelman Fossil Park at Rowan University and with K-Love radio.

I love Jesus and love reading, studying and sharing Him, the Word of Life, with everyone He sends my way. I love how the Father loves me. I love how the Holy Spirit leads and guides me, conforming me to His image (ouch). I enjoy reading, old movies (& some new), crafts, cooking & cleaning (go figure) but mostly I look forward to the future He has planned for me, knowing it will draw me closer to Him.

Deacons

Cara Foy

Deaconess

My name is Cara Foy, I’m married to Dennis and we have 3 children, Tiffany, Andrew & Chris and 4 grandchildren. I’ve been at The Rock for 20 yrs. Tiffany’s friend Trish Volpe invited her to church and she went. When Tiffany came home she asked me to go with her. How could I say no. When I walked into the church I was greeted with a big warm hug from Miriam Pitts. I had never been in a church that hugged. I love hugs and I knew then I was where I needed to be.

I’m a Deacon, I help in the nursery and also greet and help in the kitchen whenever needed. Anything that goes on in the church I’m usually involved. I love to serve and remember when I was getting Bibles together for an outreach the church was doing, Pastor Don said to me “You have a servant’s heart”. At first I got offended because of the word servant. Connie had to explain what that meant. This church has helped me so much in my walk with the Lord. When I look back and see how much better my life is, all because He brought me to this church. This family has done so much in my growth, any question I ever had or have, someone here is always able to help in finding an answer.

Toni Johnston

Deaconess

I was born in Camden, NJ and grew up in Westmont. I moved to Deptford, NJ with my husband, John about 28 years ago. We have six children, 21 grandchildren (including two sets of twins!) and 1 great grandson! Just call us the Mega Brady Bunch! I recently retired my nursing shoes after 38 years. I started my career working in the Emergency Room at West Jersey Hospital in Camden, before they became Virtua having worked in several departments there over the years and ended my career working in the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center, now in Voorhees, NJ. I was the Center’s very 1st Nationally Certified Hyperbaric Technologist!

I have been at the Rock Church since the early nineties. I am currently serving as a Deaconess there and work in the Nursery as part of the Sunday School program. I’ve always loved helping in the kitchen whenever we have functions in our all-purpose room. In the past I helped when we did a Senior Citizen lunch and currently serve pastors and their wives at our Ziklag breakfast meetings. The church has many fundraiser events, anniversary, birthday and other parties that I help in the kitchen with. Always a pleasure to serve God any way I can!

John Barratt

Deacon

John Barratt was born in Abbington, PA and grew up in Sewell, NJ. He currently lives in Sewell with his wife, Christine, whom he has been happily married to for 20 years! John is skilled in carpentry and with all phases of construction, while Christine works at Inspira Hospital.  John loves to work out in his home gym to burn off the calories from enjoying “all foods”, especially cookies! He is a sports fan of all things Philly!  

John grew up knowing his Savior, Jesus, and while walking away for a short time, came back to the Lord in 2008. He served in his church in Bridgeton, NJ, working in the “soup kitchen” they ran, feeding the people who needed help. In 2014 he and Christine came to the Rock Church and have been faithful members here ever since. John is one of our Deacons and helps with building maintenance. His favorite scriptures are Psalms 34 & 91 and Jeremiah 29: 11.

Missionaries

Bruce and Patty Bauman

YWAM, Streams of Mercy,
Wylie TX.
https://www.streamsofmercy.org/

Neriyah & Anna Arabov 

Chosen People Ministries

Israel

Jack Pierce

New Tribes Mission,
Brazil. Retired