Meet the team

Brian and Rebecca are both lifelong Acushnet residents where they live on a lake with their daughter Jolee, two dogs and pet duck Winston. They also have 2 adult children. Brian's idea of vacation is a beach and a book.  He loves hanging out with people, Dunkin' iced coffee (year-round), and playing games. He also recently began learning to fly.

Pastor Brian (PB) is Lead Pastor. His main focus is preaching and teaching. He works closely with the leadership team to make sure CFCNB is a place where God continues to change lives through authentic, Christ-centered community.  He is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God.  He is a graduate of Adult and Teen Challenge (2008) where he received his first ministerial credentialing after a clear call to vocational ministry. Brian completed undergraduate studies at BCC and Global University. He holds teaching certifications in Apologetics and Biblical Counseling. He has a MA in Urban Ministry Leadership from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and is completing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Liberty University with a focus on Theology and Apologetics. He also serves as a chaplain with the New Bedford Police Department.

Rebecca co-leads the Children's Ministry, serves as a Youth Group Leader, and is part of the Worship Team. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. She holds MA State Certification as a Childcare Director and has over 25 years' experience working with children and youth, including operating her own Nursery School for over 10 years. Beckie enjoys spending time with family, working in the yard, paddle-boarding and game nights.  

*On November 19, 2023, Pastor Brian was left almost completely paralyzed with a very rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. He went on to spend almost 6 months hospitalized. You can read about his journey by clicking below:

https://news.ag.org/en/articles/news/2024/12/faced-with-paralysis-and-death-pastor-encounters-the-goodness-of-god 

https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/2025/02/05/pastor-perseveres-through-challenging-rare-neurological-disorder/78054115007/ 

Sam and Rachel are lifelong residents of New Bedford, where they live with their beautiful daughter Ellie. Sam loves fishing, Rachel and Jesus...but not in that order. He can usually be found in a kayak, jumping off of a cliff into the ocean or quoting Nacho Libre! In her spare time, Rachel has been known to sing like a Disney Princess. They love spending time together outside.

Sam is one of the Associate Pastors where he oversees Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministries. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and earned a BA in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry from Northpoint Bible College, an MA in Old Testament from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he is also completing a Th. M.

Sam and Rachel have both have a heart to see the gospel reach people of all ages. They often host young adults at their home. Rachel works full-time running her family's transportation business and also volunteers helping in the Children's Ministry.

Willy and Christina are New Bedford natives where they still reside along with their eight children. They are a family known for homeschooling and fostering children. They continue to serve in various ministries here at CFCNB. Willy serves as an Associate Pastor where he oversees outreach, community groups and volunteer ministries.  He also works as a hospital and outreach chaplain.  

Christina is the Worship Leader. She also leads our women's ministry and manages the church social media and graphics.  Both Pastor Willy and Christina are currently studying and pursuing credentials with the Assemblies of God.  

Cathy plays a vital role at CFCNB, working as an assistant to the pastors, helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. In addition to serving in an administrative position, Cathy also finds great joy in serving the Lord in the areas of Hospitality and Women’s Ministry.

Cathy comes from a large Swedish family where she was taught from very early on, of the love of Jesus. Right from the beginning, church family was an important part of her life. When she lost her husband, Ernie, to cancer, she found the spiritual and emotional support she needed within the congregation.

Cathy spent her teen years volunteering at the Children's Haven every summer, working with inner-city children and where she learned firsthand to trust the Lord in everything. This experience was just the beginning of a lifelong walk with the Lord with all its ups and downs. She is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who is currently living in Coventry, RI with her beloved cats, Thor and Odin.  

David Daniels, originally from upstate New York, relocated to Southeastern Massachusetts in late 2020 and married his wife Lauren in the spring of 2021. The following day, they were baptized at Christian Fellowship Center (CFCNB). Since then, they’ve welcomed daughters Ryleigh and Sophia and actively serve in various ways.

David is on staff as Pastoral Assistant and has a passion for addiction recovery ministry, informed by his own redemption through God’s grace. He also leads the RISE Recovery Support Center in New Bedford, leveraging his experiences to support others. He is furthering his academic studies as he pursues God’s calling in his life.

Emelia has served the church for the past ten years in various ways. Currently, she is the Worship Assistant, working closely with Christina to lead worship and help where needed. She also works as both a Children's Church Teacher and a Youth Group Leader. In October 2024, Emelia married her husband, Kendan. They live in Mattapoisett.

Emelia works as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at a pediatric clinic in Dartmouth, where she has the privilege of providing speech therapy services to children.
In her free time, she enjoys family game nights (with a touch of friendly competition), escape rooms, playing the ukulele, and treating herself to ice cream from Acushnet Creamery.
She is also the oldest daughter of Pastor Brian and Rebecca.

Deanna Vargo, affectionately known as Grandma D, is a cherished volunteer at Christian Fellowship Center (CFCNB). Her husband of 47 years, Pastor Joe, ministered here for 12 years until his passing in 2015, leaving a profound legacy among the men of the church as well as the many men he ministered to in prison.

Deanna continues his legacy with grace and humility. A retired teacher, she taught at Taylor School in New Bedford for 30 years and volunteered for 16 more, shaping countless lives. Former students warmly greet her throughout the city; a testament to her enduring impact.
Deanna’s organizational skills shine as she helps in the office, sends birthday and anniversary cards and prays faithfully for the congregation.

Deanna treasures time with her sons, Michael and Eric, their wives, Hanna and Julie, and her grandchildren, Rosie and Sam, who bring her immense joy. Whether creating children’s activities, storytelling, or offering kindness, her love inspires our community. Grandma D’s unwavering dedication, warmth, and humility make her an invaluable blessing.

Lynne and her husband Bill have been married for 33 wonderful years. Together they've raised three children and are now cherishing this season of life as grandparents. They live in the coastal town of Mattapoisett, where they've built a life centered on faith, family, and community. One of Lynne's favorite scriptures is Galatians 6:9–10, which reminds her daily of the importance of perseverance, kindness, and living out our faith.

Lynne has worked as a church bookkeeper for over 20 years and has had the privilege of serving in that role at CFC for the past three years. Lynne believes it is a joy to support the church in a behind-the-scenes way and be part of a loving church family. She's grateful for the community here and looks forward to all that God has in store.