Staff
James Dodzweit, Lead Pastor
Born to missionary parents in Nairobi Kenya, James Dodzweit grew up in a Christian family living all over central Africa. Political unrest in the Congo in 1989 forced the Dodzweits to return home to upstate NY where Ben (James’ Dad) began teaching at Elim Bible Institute and James, now in high school, gave his parents plenty of reason to pray :o) In 1993 he attended Elim Bible Institute where he met his wife to be Kelly. Sensing a call to ministry in 1996 James began serving at Word of Life Church in Merritt Island as the Children’s Pastor. He married Kelly that August. In 2001, God called James and Kelly to the west coast of Florida to work at Grace Family Church in north Tampa where he built their Jr. High program “Oneighty”. After 8 years of successful youth ministry, and three children, James sensed that God was preparing him for the next step...
Jaime Kent, Campus Pastor
I'm just a guy. A guy who loves to laugh, watch football and anything on ESPN. A guy who's working on being a better husband and daddy. A guy who loves the local church and helping people find their purpose here on this earth. A guy who loves to challenge the status quo, who loves to get creative and find a new way to do something. A guy who gets jazzed about seeing others become who God created them to be. A guy who loves God, needs God, and hopes to share God with as many people as I can. I'm desperate for more of Him, because the truth is, I'm just a guy.
Linda Klippenstein, Care Pastor
Linda was born and raised outside of Washington D.C., where she met the love of her life, her physician husband, Don. They have raised three precious children while living various states, subsequently moving to Moffitt Cancer Institute, Tampa, Fl in 2008.
Linda remembers hungering for the presence of the Lord at an early age. She has always felt the strong call of God on her life. For over ten years, Linda has worked in Pastoral Care Ministry at The Tabernacle, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and Just Joy Ministries, Life Church (both of which she helped to plant), all in Buffalo, NY. In 2008, Linda became ordained and earned her Masters of Divinity Degree from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, NY. But Linda's greatest passion is living a life filled with the contagious joy of Christ and sharing it with others.
“The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Pat Thomas, Discipleship Pastor
Pat Thomas is committed to growing in relationship with God, his family, and others, and is passionate about helping others do the same. Currently employed with a leading technology and management consulting firm, Pat is also an ordained minister with 10 years’ experience as an assistant pastor and short-term missionary.
He brings corporate, ministerial, and a whole lot of “real life” experience to his teaching and ministering. Pat proposed to his wife two weeks after meeting her, and the two now have one adult son. Besides his passion for helping others grow in their understanding of God’s truths and relationship with Jesus Christ, Pat loves to travel, especially for mission trips or to the mountains for a quiet retreat.
One of my life verses can be summed up in :
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Christopher Dobson, Music Director
Christopher was born and raised in Merritt Island, FL. Although surfing was the prominent hobby in the area, he decided to take a different route with music (and skateboarding). With the suggestion of his wonderful and loving parents, he starting taking piano lessons at the age of 8 years old. From there, his love for music began to grow and through the music, his passion and love for God grew alongside. At the age of 19, after being a worship team member with his local church for a few years, Christopher parted ways with his island of a hometown and embarked on a new chapter of life by moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Here he attended a one-year music program at Ocean's Edge School of Worship (www.oceansedgeschool.com), where he gained practical and valuable knowledge and experience as being a worship leader. After an internship with Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale in the music ministry, Christopher contacted Pastor James after hearing of the one-and-only Grow Life Church. The fit was made and in August of 2010, Christopher joined the GrowLife staff as the Worship Director.
Gabi Tenpow, Elementary Coordinator
Gabriella a native Floridian married her high school sweetheart, Shayne. They have four amazing kids together. Her God given passion for equipping children has lead Gabi to the Children’s Ministry, where she sows seeds of God’s love in their lives. Her desire is to lead children to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and help kids reach their Godly potential. “Together we can make an impact in reaching the next generation. It is truly a blessing and a privilege for me to serve Grow Life Church families. For God’s Glory.”
Joshua 24:15
“…. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Shayne Tenpow, Business Administrator
Devoted husband to Gabriella and wonderful father of four beautiful children. Raised in Miami, Fl, Shayne grew up in a loving Christian home, with parents who were and still are very dedicated to serving God. Shayne learned at a young age that having a relationship with Christ included serving and belonging to a church. His grandfather was a church planter and helped bring the word of God to many. He could always be found with a tract in his pocket. With such great examples of what it is to be a Godly man, Shayne knew early his ultimate purpose was to serve Christ in whatever way possible. Shayne has a love for sports. He is a home team guy, so the Miami Heat and the Miami Dolphins are who he roots for. Favorite passage - Hebrews Chapter 11: a message on faith, has special meaning to Shayne.
Mardee Harvey, Data Entry
I married my high school sweetheart - Timothy Allen Harvey - in December of 1979 (and yes, we had indoor plumbing, running water and electricity back then). God has blessed us tremendously with love, laughter, great friends and a wonderful family. Tim and I have six children (3 biological, 3 adopted), with two still at home. We "currently" have 4 grandchildren - and more on the way.
With over 20 years experience, I've worked as a Data Entry Specialists in a various fields, including accounting, church secretary work, high school student services, construction materials assistant, medical supply company office manager and in our home business.
I initially met Pastor James when he and Kelly came to Grace Family Church as the Children's Ministry Pastor. When the Lord called James to begin Grow Life Church, he did the same for our family as well. We are excited to be a part of a church plant and all of the work that it entails. These are very exciting and rewarding times in ministry and we truly love being a part of this body of believers!
One of my life verses can be summed up in :
Proverbs 3.5-6
"With all your heart you must trust in the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road to follow."
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