Meet the Team
Our Staff

Lenard Tavernelli
Lead Pastor

Saolomon Mouacheupao
Family & Youth Pastor

America Walton
Bethel KIDS Director

Elida Gonzalez
Office Administrator

Elizabeth Hankins
Interim Worship Leader

Cornell Hofman
Technical Director
Biographies

Lenard Tavernelli
Lead Pastor
I grew up in rural Ohio, and I came to know the Jesus as my Lord and Savior as a middle-schooler. During my college years, God graciously grew me spiritually through reading the Bible, godly friendships, and my involvement with Cru. In 2007, I graduated with a Master’s of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. And in 2021, I received a Doctorate of Ministry from Southeastern Theological Seminary.
I am married to my wonderful wife, Angela, and God has blessed us with three children: Micaiah, Noah, and Abrielle. I enjoy reading, a good cup of coffee, time with my family, and watching the Cleveland Browns.
I became the lead pastor of Bethel Community Church in March of 2023. I’m passionate about the gospel and proclaiming Christ from the entire Bible through expository preaching. I have a passion for developing leaders and to equip the church to proclaim the truth of Jesus and grow mature disciples of the various peoples of the world.
Since graduating from Moody I have had the opportunity to serve in multiple capacities, most recently in youth ministry at a church in Colorado. I am passionate about coming alongside families as they disciple their kids and seeing youth develop lifelong faith in Jesus Christ.

Saolomon Mouacheupao
Family & Youth Pastor
I was born and raised in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. It was there that I grew up going to church. But some hardships in my family and an unwillingness to let go of some areas in my life led me to a season of rebellion as a teenager. So though I heard and could articulate many stories of the Bible, I did not fully surrender my life to Christ until the summer when I was 16-years-old. It was after this season of rebellion that God patiently drew me to Himself. I then began to serve in my church and felt a call from God to pastoral ministry which was affirmed by my youth pastor and leaders. I attended Moody Bible Institute where I studied Biblical Exposition and also met my wonderful wife Kelsey. Kelsey and I are blessed to have our son Robby and love to spend time together as a family.
Since graduating from Moody I have had the opportunity to serve in multiple capacities, most recently in youth ministry at a church in Colorado. I am passionate about coming alongside families as they disciple their kids and seeing youth develop lifelong faith in Jesus Christ.