OUR ELDERS


The Role of Elders at Journey Christian Church

When we read the New Testament, evidence indicates that churches had a plurality of Elders (Acts 11:30; 20:17; Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5). In Paul’s First Epistle to Timothy, he writes, “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”  But what do Elders do?
 
First, Elders pray (Acts 6:4; James 5:14).  Elders plead for the people of God under their care. To speak to people for God, Elders must speak to God for people. They consistently pray for them, and per James 5, they anoint and pray over any church member who requests it.

In addition, Elders lead. Journey Christian Church is an Elder-led organization. The Elder Team determines Journey’s Vision and has authority over and responsibility for our doctrinal integrity. The day-to-day responsibility for the functions of the church, including the various ministries and carrying out our vision and mission, is delegated through the appointment and employment of our Lead Pastor. Our Elders pray for and support our Lead Pastor and annually evaluate his success in ensuring doctrinal integrity, carrying out the vision & mission of Journey Christian Church, and his compliance with the limitations outlined in our governance policies.  

Furthermore, Elders provide financial and legal oversight. The ultimate responsibility of financial oversight lies with the Elder Team, primarily because they are the biblical shepherds and overseers of Journey and, additionally, because all boards of non-profits have a fiduciary responsibility for organizational oversight.

Finally, Elders lead by example (Hebrews 13:7; Titus 2:7).  Elders lead by their example of obeying Christ and modeling Christian maturity. They are to keep a close watch on their doctrine, themselves, and their families (1 Timothy 3:2-7, 4:12, 4:16; Titus 1:6-9).

If you have any questions for our Elder Team, please feel free to contact them at elders@journeychristian.com.

CURRENT ELDERS

Brian McIntosh - Chairman of the Elders

Lori and I have been happily married since September of 1999 and are blessed with two wonderful sons – Zachary and Carson. On top of being an amazing mother to Zachary and Carson, Lori works full time as an Admissions Coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Apopka.

I have worked in the Information Technology industry for over 25 years, and I am currently working at AdventHealth in their IT Project Management Office leading strategic acquisitions and growth projects.

I am very passionate about serving in our community, and have been grateful to lead and participate in many opportunities over the years since we started attending Journey in 2005. One of the most rewarding opportunities was leading the Journey Golf Go-Group for over 5 years. This opportunity allowed many of our church family members to combine golf with serving, giving, and fellowship, where we grew as a community of golfers on a life changing journey with Jesus.

Kennie Armstead

Alexandra and I have been married since 2003 and have a blended family of six children. Our youngest, Kamilah, attends Mount Dora Christian Academy. Alexandra is a Registered Nurse with AdventHealth, and I am retired after thirty years with the New York City Correctional system, serving as an investigator and Director of Field Operations.

Alexandra began attending Journey Christian Church in February 2018, and we became members later that year. I was baptized in 2018 and Alexandra in 2023. We’ve both served in multiple ministries: Alexandra in children’s ministry, youth events, camp nursing, Serve Day, and Food for Life; and I’ve served with the Wednesday repair crew, Seniors Helping Seniors in the community, Connections Team (New Here center and Parking), Serve Day project management, and group leadership.

We are grateful for Journey and look forward to continuing to serve wherever God leads us.

Bob Beal

Dianne and I have been married for 53 years. We have one son, Robert Wayne Beal. He is married to Kim Beal and they have two children, Ethan and Ella. Dianne and I are both retired. She worked for the Jewett Orthopedic Clinic for 34 years. I worked for the City of Orlando Police Department for 38 years (24 years as a Sworn Police Officer and 14 as a Civilian Manager).  Between stints at the Orlando Police Department, I worked as an Investigator for Travelers Insurance for 4 years.

Both Dianne and I are life long Christians. We began attending Journey in December of 2017. We joined the Connections Team and have been serving at the New Here Center since 2018. We started serving with Food For Life last year. I believe that the Good Lord led us to Journey. Both Dianne and I are excited to serve in any way we can.

Keith Collier

Margaret and I have been married for over 39 years now. We are the proud parents of 3 adult children: Jessica, residing in Casselberry, Kyle living in New York City, and Blake in the Seattle area. In order to be a great “Gigi” to both Daphne and Gwennie, Margaret retired from the public school system after 34 years of service

I have been a small business owner for the last 26 years, having a background in video production and television. Currently I own 2 locations of “Mathnasium” located in south Florida. I have been active in church leadership since 1990, serving as Lay Director, Staff Parish Committee, Assistant Pastor, Vice Chair of the Deacon Board to name a few.

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Safety and Security Team here at Journey for the past year, and really enjoy greeting everyone, especially the children going back for their worship time. Margaret serves on the Connections Team behind the Connection Desk. We both love Journey, and so look forward to getting to know others who do as well.

Wayne Hobbs

Karen and I have been members at Journey since 2015. We are grateful to serve as part of the Journey Christian Church family. We are passionate about following Jesus, serving others, and helping people feel known, welcomed, and connected within our church.

I own an aerospace engineering consulting business, and my years of professional leadership and extensive travel have shaped my appreciation for faithful service, strong relationships, and a steady commitment to God’s calling. At Journey, I have had the privilege of serving on the Worship Team, leading a Life Group, and walking alongside others as they take meaningful next steps in their faith.  We have been blessed with 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

Karen has served in administrative management roles, including a season on the Journey staff, and continues to faithfully serve on the Connections Team and Journey Students. Together, we love Journey Christian Church and are grateful to support God’s work, encourage our church family, and serve as God continues to grow us in Christ.

George Rivera

My family and I have been a part of Journey Christian Church for the past 12 years. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in various ministries, leadership groups, and participate in multiple mission trips to countries including Kazakhstan, Guatemala, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Haiti, and Ecuador—some of which I’ve shared with my family.

My wife, Margarita, and I have been married for 20 years and are proud parents to our two children, Jaiden and Julianna. Together, we own and operate an electrical contracting business, Doc Watts Electric, Inc., which we’ve both been committed to for the last two decades. We’re deeply passionate about missions and dream of one day expanding our vision to help light up the world—both spiritually and literally.