About Our Senior Pastor & Ministry Leaders

Pastor Richard Starling

Richard D. Starling is the Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church. Pastor Starling has been working in church leadership for over 30 years. He has mentored and worked with teens for more than 20 years. Among other gifts, he frequently speaks at youth centers, has coached recreational basketball for 7th and 8th graders in his hometown of Union, New Jersey, continually prays over and comforts the sick and injured at area hospitals, and conducts family counseling. Pastor Starling has overseen food and clothing drive projects for needy families and the homeless. Through his marriage counseling sessions, married couples develop communication skills that last for a lifetime; he is also the keynote speaker for a marriage conference that is held annually in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Richard D. Starling has been married to his lovely wife Pastor Cheryl for over 22 years. Of this union they have three children, Kristina, Richard and Isaiah.

Elder Cheryl Starling

Pastor Cheryl Starling has more than 20 years experience working with children and has been over the children’s ministry at Christ Community Church for the past 10 years where she has incorporated cutting edge teaching materials to enhance the development of the children.  For the past 5 years she has been one of the keynote speakers at a marriage conference that is held annually in Lancaster, P.A. Pastor Cheryl heads the Women’s Fellowship ministry bringing women together each month to share growth experiences, learn more about becoming the woman God has called us to be and to have fun and fellowship in the presence of the Lord. She is the wife of Richard Starling, Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, and they have been married for over 22 years.  Of this union they have three children, Kristina, Richard and Isaiah.

Elder Dennis Waters

Pastor Dennis Waters, an entrepreneur by profession, is the owner of Allsaints Relocation and Delivery services. Pastor Dennis heads the Men’s Fellowship and Marriage Ministry with his wife Minister Melanie Waters. Dennis has been trained in several areas of business management from such organizations as the SBA of N.J and Michael Chitwood’s Master Entrepreneurial System. His greatest desire is to see underprivileged youth given the opportunity and proper training to start their own successful businesses and prepare them succeed in life. He is married to Minister Melanie Waters and is the father of four children.

Minister Melanie Waters

Minister Melanie Waters heads the Performing Arts Ministry, the Media Ministry and Marriage Ministry with her husband Pastor Dennis Waters. She has been able to share her gifts as a Worship Leader, songwriter, and teacher. She has conducted several workshops on various topics to assist attendees in fulfilling their purpose including: Praise & Worship, Goal Setting, Career Advancement, Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts, Finding Your Purpose, Discovering Your Passion and Personality Temperament. Through her guidance and coaching, she has been instrumental in assisting attendees in writing clear, measurable goals for personal and professional advancement and has also helped many of them to gain promotions on their jobs, obtain positions with higher salaries and given them the confidence they need to step out and obtain many of their goals.  She is married to Pastor Dennis Waters and the mother of four children. She holds a BA in Interactive Media Design from the Art Institute and an MBA from Kaplan University.

Bro. Brian Logan and Deaconness Shawn Logan

Bro Brian and Deaconess Shawn Logan are instrumental in the arts and service to the community. By profession, Brian is a Detective for the Newark Police Department, Office of Community Outreach, Certified D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training), currently, holds the position of Vice President of the PAL (Police Athletic League).  Brian is also the Head Football Coach for West Side High School where he led inner-city youth to a first time ever victorious win in the North Jersey, Section II, Group III, State Football Championship. Deaconess Shawn heads the Dance Ministry where she is instrumental in training the praise dance team and teaching on the purpose of dance within the body of Christ.

Deacon Tyrone and
Deaconess Rosa Echols

Deacon Tyrone & Deaconess Rosa Echols both have a heart to serve our Pastor and First Lady. Deacon Tyrone is certified in anger management counseling and has worked with drug addicted teens helping them become productive citizens in their communities. He has traveled to elementary, middle and high schools giving talks on the effects of substance abuse and how to become a leader. He is a member of the Associates of Community Organizations for Reform Now (A.C.O.R.N.) where he helps to form committees tasked with going out into the communities to assess the types of problems that exist (i.e., problems with landlords, children with lead poison, unemployment, etc.). Deaconess Rosa Echols has a passion for winning souls. Her leadership in the evangelism ministry and Personal Touch Ministry has assisted many in developing a close, personal relationship with Christ. Under her leadership many people have been touched by our annual toy, coat and food drives providing for the needs of those in the community as well as those under long-term hospital care.

Deacon David & Deaconess Tawana Hobday