Meet the Team

Our Staff

Lenard Tavernelli

Lenard Tavernelli

Lead Pastor

Saolomon Mouacheupao

Saolomon Mouacheupao

Family & Youth Pastor

America Walton

America Walton

Bethel KIDS Director

Elida Gonzalez

Elida Gonzalez

Office Administrator

Elizabeth Hankins

Elizabeth Hankins

Interim Worship Leader

Cornell Hofman

Cornell Hofman

Technical Director

Biographies

Lenard Tavernelli

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

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.