REVEREND DOUG THUEN
Lead Pastor | Ext. 1001
Pastor Doug was born and raised in beautiful northern New Jersey. Graduating from Nyack College in 1990 and Alliance Theological Seminary in 1995, he has served in full-time ministry since 1989. Doug was the first pastor called to Sparta Church and has been ministering here since 1995 with his wife Jen. Doug and Jen cherish their sons, daughters, and son-in-law and are enjoying seeing God's fruit bear out in each of their lives as they grow in Christ as adults. They love to "do life together" with Josh, Emily (married to Josh Warncke), Grace and Nate.  Doug is also known as ‘Poppy’ to the two greatest granddaughters in the world, Reagan and Mackenzie. Sometimes you may find him riding his motorcycle around the county, or swinging a golf club when he gets the chance. Pastor Doug's passion is leading people to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ while helping them identify their God-given purpose and equipping them to lead others to do the same.

STU SALVIGSEN
Minister of Discipleship | Ext. 1005
Stu grew up in Northern New Jersey.  In high school, he met Courtney, who he would marry in 2002, and raise 4 children together (Sawyer, Sayler, Channing, and Lachlan). They attended Baptist Bible College together, where Stu studied Bible for 4 years and received his bachelors of science degree.  They began attending Sparta Church in 2006, and have been serving in ministry here while raising their family. Stu served on the Deacon board for 10 years (4 years as chairman), followed by 6 years on the Elder board. In 2024, Stu was called into fulltime ministry as the Minister of Discipleship at Sparta Church.

ERWIN MORALES
Director of Children's Ministry | Ext. 1003
Born in Queens, NY Erwin has been the Children’s Director since May of 2016.  After working in Healthcare management for over 18 years, and Lay Children’s and Youth Ministry for over 26 years.  Erwin was called to ministry 4 years ago here at Sparta Church, Erwin is passionate in seeing children’s lives changed through experiencing Jesus at their level.  Erwin is married to Katherine and has 4 children named Isaiah, Daniel, Naomi and Joshua.

FINN CLIFFORD
Director of Youth | Ext. 1006
Finn was born and raised in South London with his two sisters. After living in Australia for several years, he eventually landed in Sparta, NJ in 2013, and it was then that the Lord started not only calling Him to Himself in salvation, but also to dive headfirst into ministry. Completing his formal training at Lancaster Bible College, Finn is eagerly passionate about evangelism and apologetics, and equipping the Church to live on mission. In 2022, Finn married his lovely bride, Gabby, and together they have collectively served in Sparta Church for nearly 20 years. Finn is also an avid soccer fan, often found cheering for Crystal Palace on a Saturday morning, or out on the field having a "kick about" with his students. Finn's greatest hope is to faithfully serve in building God's kingdom here, seeing as many as God gives come to know the radical, life-changing truth of the gospel, as he did at 20 years old.

JOE LIPARI
Director of Worship | Ext. 17
Born and raised in New Jersey, Joe has been the Director of Worship at Sparta Church since July of 2018. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Counseling. In August 2021, Joe married his lovely wife Anna who serves alongside him in the ministry at Sparta Church. He has been actively involved in ministry at Sparta Church for over a decade now. He has a passion for worshipping the Lord, leading a congregation in genuine worship, and growing other musicians to do the same. He believes that worship is the overflow of life in Christ and loves expressing that with the body of Christ.

KATIE BENNETT
Director of Communications & Operations
A Sussex County native, Katie has been a member of Sparta Church for the past 10 years. She graduated from Messiah University with a degree in Human Development Family Science and Family Consumer Science Education. She began pursuing a Masters of Divinity through Evangelical Theological Seminary. After serving in public education for a decade, she's thrilled to join the team at Sparta Church. God's given her a love for the church and its people; she delights in equipping and encouraging others to follow Jesus. She also loves her husband Nate and three kids: Judson, Jack and Magnolia. In her spare time you can find her leading fitness classes, gardening, hiking or reading a good story!  

LAURA PINKHAM
Bookkeeper
Laura was born in Houston, Texas, but has lived most of her life in Sussex County, New Jersey.  She graduated from Cedarville University with a degree in accounting and finance in 2008 and worked in corporate accounting for more than 8 years.  After the birth of her son, Joshua, she was blessed to start working at Sparta Church in 2015.   She has enjoyed being able to serve the body of Christ with the skills that God has given her.  Laura and her husband Dan have two kids, Joshua and Chloe.

MEGAN MORGAN
Web & Communications Manager
Another New Jersey native, Megan left the great state for the big city to attend college. She attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and received a Master's Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. After a small stint working for Sparta Church several years ago, Megan is excited to be back on the team sharing the gospel of Jesus through all things graphics. Megan has been working in Christian ministry most of her adult life, as the Assistant Director of Camp Cedarbrook in the Adirondacks, a Christian all girls camp in Upstate NY.  She is married to her husband David, who she met in the young adults ministry at church, and her two daughters, Olivia and Emma.