The following candidates have been nominated by members of our church for the position of elder or deacon. Following the service on Sunday, May 24th, all church members will be invited to stay for a brief congregational meeting to vote for elders and deacons.

The Elder and His Duties

Within the class of elder are the two orders of teaching elders and ruling elders. The elders jointly have the government and spiritual oversight of the Church, including teaching. Only those elders who are specially gifted, called and trained by God to preach may serve as teaching elders. 

1: Oversee / Rule

• To watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or morals enter in
• To exercise government and discipline
• To take oversight of the spiritual interests of the particular church, and the Church generally when called

2: Shepherd

• To visit the people at their homes, especially the sick
• To pray with and for the people, being careful and diligent in seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock
• To bear glad tiding of salvation to the ignorant and perishing
• To dispense the manifold grace of God and the ordinances instituted by Christ
• To administer the Sacraments

3: Instruct

• To instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the church
• To set a worthy example to the flock entrusted to their care by zeal in evangelizing the unconverted and in making disciples
• To feed the flock by reading, expounding and preaching the Word of God
• To declare the will of God to sinners and beseech them to be reconciled to God through Christ
• To proclaim the Gospel

Ray Fernandez Andes and his wife, Patricia, have been members since 2013 and have two adult sons. Ray serves as a board member of Miami Youth for Christ and as a board member and treasurer of Florida Christian School. He has been a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group leader since 2012. He currently serves as an elder, leads a men’s small group, and chairs the Finance Committee.

Damian Lue and his wife, Trudy, have been members since 2002 and have two adult children. Damian was led to the Lord as a child by a parent of children at a playground and has grown in his faith ever since. Damian has served as an elder, a facilitator in our small group ministry, on our security team, on our Joyland Learning Center’s board, and his greatest passion, as a teacher in the children’s church ministry.

Tim Pappas and his wife, Peggy, have four grown children and joined OCPC in 2020. Tim participates in Sunday school, Wednesday night fellowship and study, and is a member of a small group. He currently serves as an elder and, as a member of the Shepherding Committee, helps lead the Old Cutler Connects ministry. He also serves on the Finance Committee.

Jay Reynardus and his wife, Tania, have three grown children and joined OCPC in 2024. Jay came to faith in 1999 while processing the deaths of two friends and a family member and has experienced the Lord’s presence. He helped found the Miami Men’s BSF and served as its lead teacher until recently. He served as an elder in his former church and, since joining OCPC, has taught Sunday school and participates in our Men’s Ministry.

Chris Riccio and his wife, Jenea, have three children and joined OCPC in 2016. Chris grew up in a Christian home and gave his life to the Lord at an early age. In 2001, the Lord led him to commit himself fully to grow in him. He continues to be in awe of how he and his family are blessed. Chris participates in the prayer ministry at WCS and with a men’s prayer group at OCPC.

Luis Soto and his wife, Isabela, have three grown children and have been members since 2007. Together, they facilitate a small group and actively participate in Wednesday night fellowship and study. Luis regularly teaches in the Sunday school ministry and played a key role in helping the Spanish church plant grow into an independent congregation. He currently serves as an elder and is a member of the Discipleship Committee.

The Deacon and His Duties

The office of deacon is not one of rule, but rather of service both to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.

1: Mercy

•  To minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress
• To develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church

2: Finance

• To devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people
• To distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed
• To care for the property of the congregation, both real and personal

3: Building

• To keep the church edifice and other buildings in proper repair

Felix Aguiar and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters and joined OCPC in 2023. Felix attended church as a child and was taught about following Christ, but he did not commit his life to Him until age 17, when he experienced the Lord’s call to faith. At OCPC, Felix and Jessica serve in both the children’s and youth ministries.

Michael Batts and his wife, Claudette, have two grown children and joined OCPC in 2017. Michael grew up in the church and professed faith in Christ as a teenager when confronted with his need for Jesus. He has been involved in church life ever since, serving as a worship team member, teacher, and church board member.

Doug Hathaway and his wife, Robyn, have two daughters and have been members since 2020. He and his family serve regularly in our Livestream ministry. Doug currently serves as a deacon and has been instrumental in developing our Men’s Ministry. He is also a regular participant in the men’s Friday morning small group.

Brian Pa’u and his wife, Meredith, have four children and joined OCPC in 2025. He first encountered the Lord in college through a family who regularly invited him to church. Through their example, his understanding of faith deepened. Brian has prioritized church involvement for his family, and they serve together in our children’s ministry.

Adam Robbins and his wife, Danielle, have three boys and have been members of OCPC since 2016. Stuck in a cycle of addition, Adam was rescued by Jesus in 2010 and has lived his life for Him since. At OCPC, he has served as a deacon, a member of the Men’s Ministry team, and a small group participant.

Rick Sanda and his wife, Jenny, have three grown children and joined OCPC in 2024. Rick grew up in a Christian home. At age 12, he made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and has grown in faith since. Rick serves in the music ministry, and he participates in our Men’s Ministry and a men’s small group.

Rossi Siewnarine and his wife, Mala, have two children. Rossi grew up at OCPC and became a member in 1995 at the age of twelve. Because of his understanding of what Christ has done for him, he desires to serve and give to others. Rossi has used his gift of cooking to bless OCPC at our fellowship events.

Bryon Snyder and his wife, Monica, have three children and joined OCPC in 2019. Bryon grew up Catholic and drifted from faith for a season. His wife and in-laws helped draw him back to the Lord and into growth in his faith. He serves in our Livestream ministry, attends a men’s small group, and Men’s Ministry events.

Caleb Waller and his wife, Emily, are the parents of three boys and have been members since 2023. Raised in the PCA, Caleb came to saving faith at the end of his middle school years. He became a deacon in 2024 and has been actively involved in several small groups, the Men’s Ministry, and the security team.