LEADERS
PASTOR/ELDER TEAM
Vin Artese
Lead Pastor of Preaching & Vision
God saved Vin by His grace during his freshman year of high school in October of 2001. Since then he has been walking by faith and growing in grace. Vin first sensed God call him into ministry during his senior year of high school and since then has been serving the Lord in a variety of different ways. Vin has a passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God. Vin’s primary pastoral responsibilities at Wesley Chapel are preaching and vision in addition to overseeing the elder team and leadership development in the church. At Wesley Chapel, Vin also teaches membership classes and is active in discipleship. In terms of education, Vin holds a B.S. in History and Philosophy as well as an M.A. in Teaching from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Vin also holds an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Wesley Seminary in Indiana. In addition to pastoring at Wesley Chapel Vin works as a history teacher. Vin is very blessed to be happily married to Nicole since 2011 and to be the father of his two sons, Vinny and Timothy. In addition to his work, ministry, and family responsibilities Vin enjoys reading, board games, working out, listening to podcasts, theology, history, and coffee.
Contact Pastor Vin – pastorvinwcct@gmail.com
Ben Leahey
Associate Pastor of Discipleship & Outreach
Ben came to Christ when he was 21 years old, and since that time he has continued to walk in the grace of Christ and to grow in his love for God and God’s people. His heart is for one on one ministry, and he cherishes the opportunity to help in the care and shepherding of God’s people. At Wesley Chapel, he oversees care ministry and community outreach. He also leads men’s discipleship groups. Ben first felt the call to ministry when he began his walk of faith, and over time God has been working to prepare him for that calling. In addition to pastoral duties at Wesley Chapel, Ben currently works as a foodservice director in a school district. Ben holds a B.S in Ministry and Leadership from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Ben is happily married to his wife April since 2010, and they are the proud, loving parents of a son-Micah Thomas. In addition to his responsibilities to family, church, and work, he enjoys spending as much time as possible with friends, reading, working out, cooking and entertaining, and all things coffee related.
Contact Pastor Ben – pastorbenwcct@gmail.com
Anthony Artese
Elder of Worship Ministry
Anthony is passionate about coming alongside the people of God and helping them to love the Lord through worship and song. Having been brought up in a musical household, music has always been a natural outlet for him and he has found joy in God being able to use him and his gifts to serve the body of believers. Anthony is an Elder at Wesley Chapel and serves as our Worship Pastor. He leads worship, plans out the liturgy for Wesley Chapel, and helps to shepherd the members of the worship team. Anthony holds a B.A. in Music from Western Connecticut State University and has been leading worship for over ten years. When he is not serving at Wesley Chapel, he works as a Kindergarten teacher, enjoys coffee with friends, and spending time with his lovely wife Brittney.
Zach Garoffolo
Elder of Family Ministry
Zach has a passion to see families flourish as teams on a mission. He firmly believes that spouses and children are blessings and each member plays a vital role in the success of living out the gospel. He has been married to his wife Rebecca for nine years and has two amazing kids -Anna & Zachary Jr. Zach and Rebecca share a passion for implementing gospel-centered resources that actively help in building up their own multi-generational family team on mission. For his profession, Zach is a High School Math Teacher and a College Adjunct Professor. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor sports, coaching, playing board games, and lots of family time.
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