Leadership

Elders & Deacons

Every faithful biblical church is led by Jesus, who is our Senior Pastor and Chief Shepherd. Therefore all of our leadership actually exists to serve him, his mission and his church. Under his headship, Legacy 242 is led by elders, more often referred to as pastors, who shepherd God's people, guide and guard the mission & vision as well as the teaching & preaching of God's Word. Along with the elders are deacons, usually referred to as directors or ministers, who serve the practical needs of our movement.

Steve Marfia

Lead Pastor

Steve is the founding Pastor of Legacy 242. While his central priority is Jesus, his devotion also goes to his wife, Kim, and their four daughters: Emma, Tori, Sophie and Georgia.

After fifteen years of depression, drug abuse and destructive living, God saved Steve and set him on a new path in life. With a restored family, renewed hope, and clear vision, Steve began to pursue God's purpose for him. That led to pastoral ministry and church planting. Steve's experience in the Marine Corps and Restaurant Management serve him on this new mission. Steve received a certificate of Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University and is currently studying towards a Masters in Theology with a concentration in Christ-Centered Preaching at Grimke Seminary.

Alongside his role with Legacy 242, Steve serves as a Pastoral Care Pastor for the Acts 29 Northeast region and a Regional Architect for the CREO Collective. When he isn't hanging out with his wife or daughters, Steve enjoys football, action-adventure films, a good book, slow smoked BBQ, making new friends and a roaring backyard bonfire.

Brandon Bressler

Local Pastor

As a local pastor Brandon focuses on his neighborhood in Belmawr and the micro-church he leads with his wife Katie. In addition, he often leads worship for network and Sunday gatherings. Brandon also co-leads in the building of deep biblical community through The Change Project.  

Brandon's calling into music and biblical counseling was generated by God after a long period of destruction, trauma, loss, depression, and addiction. God pulled him out of the pit, miraculously restoring his life, marriage, and family. He completely walked away from his old life and career in management to follow God's calling into counseling. Brandon has received his Masters in Biblical Counseling and his Specialized Certificate for Professional Counseling from Cairn University. He is currently working towards his License in Professional Counseling in NJ and PA, while counseling at Oasis Counseling Center, and assisting in training the graduate students in the counseling masters at Cairn University.  

God has graciously gifted Brandon and his wife, Katie, with two daughters, Hadleigh and Hannah. Brandon loves playing cards or Dominion with family and friends, playing/writing/recording music, riding his motorcycle, and hot-air ballooning.  

Richard Williams

Elder/Pastor Candidate

Richard is passionate about providing a Christ-like example to follow, preaching and teaching from the Bible, and helping others find a biblical response to life situations.

Jesus called Richard in his early thirties after lust and greed ravaged his life and he found himself empty after chasing those things for a decade. Jesus has since renewed Richard's heart and he now focuses on his family and sharing the gospel in his neighborhood and workplace. Richard retired from the Air Force in 2020 and earned his Master of Divinity from Regent University.

Richard is married to, as he calls her, the woman of his dreams, Lauren. They two have three young boys who are full of wonder and joy. Richard enjoys reading, working out (especially running), and creative home improvement and carpentry projects. He is a school bus driver in Gloucester and Camden counties.

Braeden Gilpin

Elder/Pastor Candidate - Youth Ministry Coordinator

Braeden has a passion for helping others live with the gospel at the center of their heart. He has several years of Youth Ministry experience and loves to teach young people to build their lives on a solid gospel foundation and become resilient disciple-makers.

Braeden grew up in the church and was raised by parents who believed in Jesus and wanted him to know the God they loved and served. As Braeden faced difficulties in life he felt the need for Jesus in a deeper way. After his dad passed away at age 17, Braeden began asking God difficult questions. The answers to those questions fueled Braeden’s passion for people and church planting. Braeden earned a degree in church planting from Ozark Christian College and currently attends Cairn University for a Masters in Counseling.

Braeden and Angela are expecting their first baby in September, 2024. In his free time, Braeden enjoys Cinema, Skateboarding, Call of Duty, reading, and wrestling with his German Shepherd Roman.

Don Bressler

Retired co-founder

Don was the executive pastor and co-founder of Legacy 242 and although he no longer serves in the day to day operations he is still an extended part of the Legacy 242 family. Don responded to God's call to ministry by studying at Alliance Theological Seminary and moving into pastoral ministry. He's served as a solo pastor and as an executive pastor for over a dozen years. Don and Deb have been married for thirty-eight years and together they have two adult children and two grandchildren. Don appreciates the beauty of God's creation, sticky buns and a day at the range.

Miah Crosby

Deacon

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Kim Marfia

Deacon - Legacy Kids Ministry

As a NJ native, Kim grew up in Gloucester City and attended Catholic school from K-12. While there was an awareness of who Jesus is, she never had a personal saving relationship with him until after marrying Steve. As Kim puts it, Jesus rescued her from a "life of insecurity, fear and loneliness." She now holds tight to the promise of God that "he who began a good work in her will bring it to completion" (Phil. 1:6).

Kim and Steve homeschool their four beautiful daughters Emma, Tori, Sophie and Georgia with a conviction that they are responsible to train their children up as gifts of God. Kim enjoys sharing her passion for singing, dancing, laughing, creativity and imagination with her children each day and with all who interact with her.