Staff Biographies

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.

pastorlenard@bethelcommunity.org 

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.

pastorsaolomon@bethelcommunity.org 

I was born in Tirupati but spent most of my life in a town called Machilipatnam in South India. I was raised in a Christian family as a pastor’s kid, and in 2005, I came to know Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Since then, it has been a journey of growing in my relationship with Him and learning to live according to His will. While I was involved in church ministry from a young age, it was during my college years that I sensed a clear and undeniable call to full-time ministry.

I completed a Bachelor of Divinity, a theological degree roughly equivalent to a U.S. Master of Divinity, and served as an associate pastor for four years. During that time, God began to stir my heart specifically toward worship ministry. That calling brought me to Chicago, where I studied Worship and Media Arts at Moody Bible Institute. My time at Moody was deeply formative—academically, spiritually, and practically. I had the opportunity to lead worship, serve in churches, and grow in my understanding of how to shepherd God’s people through music and intentional community.

I’m married to my wonderful wife, Samhitha, and together we have a joyful daughter named Aviyah. As a family, we are honored to be part of this church community and excited to serve alongside you. We enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new foods, and watching our daughter discover the world.

I’m passionate about helping people encounter God through worship, and I also love cultivating meaningful community through the various groups in the church—from small groups and men’s ministry to adult discipleship and senior gatherings. I believe the church is at its best when it worships deeply and walks together in faith.

prazwal@bethelcommunity.org

office@bethelcommunity.org