Our Team
Lead Pastor
Pastor Joel and Melanie have been in ministry for over 25 years. Pastor Joel has a passion to make the Word of God easy for everyone to understand and apply to their lives. He & his wife Melanie also love leading in worship. They are excited for what lies ahead for Tree of Life Church Assembly of God.
Email him at pastorjoel@windhamag.org
Young Adult & Student Ministry Pastor
My name is Jonah McPherson. I am Pastor Joel’s son. I’ve been involved in ministry for my entire life.
I attended NorthPoint Bible College pursuing a youth ministry degree for three years. My last year there, I served as a kids’ pastor at a larger Assemblies of God church in NH for my part of my internship. God opened another door for me to do what I had been studying to do and pursue my education at the same time through a district program called “School of Ministry”. Pastor Dennis Marquardts’ former church in Vergennes, VT hired me as their full-time Youth Pastor/Associate.
While in Vermont I got my pastoral credentials and I was able to take my first steps as a youth pastor. I learned so much about myself and youth ministry.
I know that God has called me here to be with you all and I am so excited to get to know you. I covet your prayers and support as we reach the young people of this area for Jesus.
Email him at pastorjonah@windhamag.org
Pastor's Wife & Worship Pastor
As far back as she can remember, Melanie had longed to be a pastor's wife and live a life of ministry. She and Pastor Joel met at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida and married soon after graduating. Her greatest joy is being married to Pastor Joel and being Mom to their 5+ children, Jonah, Bryanna, Whitney, Meredith and Micah, Thomas and Josiah and Nona to Samuel. Melanie has a heart to see people from every walk of life and every age, come to know and experience the joy of relationship with Jesus! Her passion is worship and bringing others into the presence God through music.
Email her at melanie@windhamag.org
WCA Principal
Jackie Sands, originally from New Jersey, came to Maine in 2006 to marry the love of her life, David. She and David started attending Windham Assembly of God in 2008 and she began teaching at the high school of Windham Christian Academy in 2013. Back home in New Jersey, Jackie taught at Cornerstone Christian School at both the elementary and middle school levels. She now brings this experience to her role as principal.
She is passionate about Jesus, education and nutrition for children, and her family. She and David have two beautiful children, both which attend Windham Christian Academy.
Administrative Assistant
Bryanna grew up in ministry as Pastor Joel and Melanie's daughter. She has served in many ministries: Children's ministry, youth ministry, worship and church secretarial work.
She is married to Thomas and has a 2 year old son, Samuel and 1 year old Aurora. She is so glad to be at Tree of Life Church Assembly of God and serving as the Administrative Assistant.
Email her at bryanna@windhamag.org
Bookkeeper