Timothy Nixon, a Brooklyn, New York native, has dedicated his life to ministry and service, guided by his faith and commitment to uplifting others. A graduate of Oakwood University (B.A. in Theology, 1982) and Andrews University (M.Div., 1991), Pastor Nixon’s journey has been marked by dynamic leadership, spiritual growth, and impactful evangelism.

In 1981, Pastor Nixon began his pastoral ministry in the Northeastern Conference, serving at Hanson Place Church in Brooklyn as Associate Pastor and later Interim Senior Pastor. From 1986 to 1990, he led the Hudson Valley District, where his ministry resulted in over 200 baptisms, the renovation of three church buildings, and the launch of the “Your Bible Speaks” radio broadcast.

Answering a call to the Southeastern California Conference in 1990, Pastor Nixon pastored the Juniper Avenue Church in Fontana, where the church achieved significant growth in tithe and baptisms. He later transitioned to Valley Fellowship Church in Rialto, where he baptized over 100 members and founded a School of Lay Evangelism. His ministry continued in the Allegheny East Conference from 1995 to 1998, where he developed a Small Groups ministry and conducted multiple evangelistic series in Maryland.

In 1998, Pastor Nixon became Administrative Chaplain and Associate Pastor at Andrews University’s Pioneer Memorial Church. As sponsor and later Senior Pastor of New Life Fellowship, he inspired countless students and congregants to embrace active faith. His academic achievements include a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University (2010), along with advanced training in Clinical Pastoral Education at Loma Linda University Hospital and studies in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at Chapman University.

Pastor Nixon has preached and conducted revivals, evangelistic series, and seminars across the United States and internationally, including serving as a speaker for the NY-’13 Evangelistic Series in Brooklyn. He has also taught Youth Ministry, Public Evangelism, and Homiletics at Andrews University, shaping the next generation of ministry leaders.

From 2014 to 2018, Pastor Nixon served as Executive Secretary and COO of the Lake Region Conference before returning to pastoral ministry in 2018. He served as Senior Pastor of the Niles Philadelphia and All Nations-Berrien Springs SDA Churches, continuing his legacy of spiritual leadership and community impact.

In 2022, Pastor Nixon joined the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, bringing decades of experience, a heart for people, and a passion for spreading the Gospel. Central to his life and ministry is his beloved wife, who has been his unwavering partner in faith and service. Together, they have exemplified a Christ-centered marriage and ministry team.

Pastor Nixon’s favorite scripture, Philippians 1:6—“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”—is a testament to his faith in God’s promises and his enduring dedication to the work of ministry. His life continues to inspire all who encounter his preaching, teaching, and compassionate leadership.

Pastor Gibson LaCroix, affectionately known as "Pastah Gibby," is a humble servant of the Most High God. He originates from the beautiful island of Nassau in the Bahamas. His favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” a truth he has witnessed throughout his journey. In 2019, he graduated from Northern Caribbean University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Theology, with an emphasis in pastoral ministry. During his time at NCU, he actively served in leadership roles, including Vice President of Student Services and Social Affairs, and Sports Director of the United Students' Movement from 2017-2019. He also served as the Vice President of Spiritual Affairs and Projects Director of the International Students' Association from 2015-2016. From 2020 to 2023, Pastor LaCroix served in the South Bahamas Conference as the Associate Pastor of the Living Faith Seventh-Day Adventist Church and La Senda de la Vida Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nassau, Bahamas. During this time, he also worked closely with the Youth Department and served on the Youth Committee as Sports Coordinator. His passion for youth ministry is further demonstrated by his role as Chaplain at Bahamas Academy Elementary and Secondary School and his dedication as both a Master Guide and Senior Youth Leader. In 2023, he was honored with the "Youth Leadership in Religion" award for his ministry in youth, sports, and culture for 2022-2023. Pastor LaCroix is a lover of sports and adventure. He enjoys basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, camping, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. In 2024, he completed Unit One of Clinical Pastoral Education, further equipping him for service. He is happily married to the beautiful Chevaen LaCroix, with whom he shares his life and ministry. Pastor LaCroix’s mindset is deeply anchored in his calling to serve as a minister while skillfully balancing success in ministry with the joy of adventure, fun, and quality time with his family. His philosophy is to be a man called by God to minister to the needs of the people and to spread the gospel to all the world.

Dr. Dean Preddie is the First Elder of the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church.  His mission is to lead souls to Christ by promoting a lifelong commitment to total physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. 

Dr. Preddie is a product of Christian education, graduating from Broadview Academy and Andrews University. He earned both his masters and medical degrees at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.  After an Internal Medicine residency at Wayne State University, Dr. Preddie completed his Nephrology fellowship at Columbia University, where he still holds a faculty appointment.  He is currently the Medical Director and Regional Medical Officer for Azura Vascular Care in New York, NY.

As a physician, Dr. Preddie is keenly aware of the role that lifestyle choices make in both the immediate and long-term quality of life.  His work with kidney failure and critically ill patients has reinforced his belief in God's health laws as outlined in the Adventist Health Message. As such, he strives to promote disease prevention through interactive lectures and health programs. Dr. Preddie is not only dedicated to improving lives here on earth, but to introducing lives to Jesus Christ for heaven above.

Dr. Preddie is married to the former Melissa Dana Wout and they are blessed with two teenage sons, Jonathan and Jaiden.