Elders
Elders have the responsibility of having spiritual oversight of the Church. At Liberty Bible Church we have two sets of elders: teaching and ruling elders. Teaching elders are called to the public ministry of the Word through reading, preaching and teaching the Scriptures. Moreover, they also have a ministry dedicated to prayer (Acts 6:4). As ruling elders are identified as fearing God, trustworthy, full of the Spirit, and of wisdom (Exo.18:21-22; Acts 6:3). Both sets of elders jointly govern and exercise spiritual oversight over the Church.
Founding and Lead Pastor (Teaching Elder): Rashad Gibson, Ph.D.
Rashad is eager to lead multi-generations of God’s people into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that will pour into the community and New England at large while bringing the lost to Christ. Moreover, he believes that New England is a strategic location for the kingdom of God due to its rich history regarding America’s early Christian beginnings, in which the Gospel was sown. In addition, he has a desire and passion to develop scholarly, godly leaders with the hopes of inspiring them to plant churches in the greater New England region.
Rashad has served in various ministry roles over the years, from a small group leader to Interim Pastor. He holds a B.S. in Religion, M.A.R. with an emphasis in Church-planting and Evangelism, and a Ph.D. in Christian Leadership from Liberty University. His dissertation is entitled: A Descriptive Study Exploring the Role Church Leaders Have In Maintaining Liberty Within A Free Republic. In addition, Rashad has contributed to The Western Journal as an op-ed contributor by writing over a dozen articles.
In describing Rashad’s spiritual influences, he has been blessed to learn from various leaders across the evangelical spectrum. From Leonard Ravenhill, David Wilkerson, Paul Washer, Derek Prince, Don Basham, Charles Kraft, John Piper, Voddie Baucham, John MacArthur, etc. He believes that well-trained ministers having a well-rounded understanding of Scripture will contribute to the overall effectiveness of the ministry.
Rashad is married to Courtney, who is a surgeon at Yale University and medical director of Hopeline Pregnancy Center. They have three children Amaya, Abigail, and Asher. Asher went to be with the Lord on August 29, 2020. In honor of their son, they started a nonprofit organization, Asher’s Answer, to raise funds to help families who care for children who have Trisomy 13 and 18. Rashad, Courtney, and Abigail reside in Shelton, CT while Amaya lives in New Jersey as she is a graduate of Rutgers University.
Trustees
The Board of Trustees oversee the facilities and all contractual and legal obligations of the church, risk management, and all business-related activities. They are a most valuable resource to Liberty Bible Church.
Courtney Gibson
Courtney Gibson serves as a trustee at Liberty Bible Church. Courtney obtained her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and subsequently completed training in general surgery, followed by a fellowship in endocrine surgery.
She is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Yale University/Yale-New Haven Hospital. She and Rashad share three children: Amaya, Abigail, and Asher. In 2020, Courtney and Rashad founded an organization, Asher’s Answer, that provides financial aid to families of children born with rare trisomies in honor of their son Asher, who was born with Trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome). He passed at the age of seventy days old due to congenital heart disease associated with his genetic condition.
Courtney is passionate about the sanctity of life, regardless of abilities or disabilities. She is also the medical director for Hopeline Pregnancy Center, an organization in Connecticut committed to caring for women and their families through free pregnancy services.
Melissa Rowe
Melissa Rowe is a trustee of Liberty Bible Church. She is a Speech and Language Pathologist, M.S., CCC-SLP, who has served a wide range of preschool through high school students in the public and private education systems for over twenty-three years. Recently, Melissa’s speech therapy has focused on the middle school population. Working closely with students, staff, parents, and outside providers has afforded Melissa firsthand observations and understanding of instructional practices and classroom settings that are effective. However, the most effective educational approach instills God’s teachings to build firm foundations, education, character, perseverance, and hope so that each student may become an impactful citizen in their community, country, and world for the glory of God. Melissa is passionate about facilitating students’ growth in Christ and understanding that it is only through the Holy Spirit that an individual may fully unfold and utilize their abilities, talents, and gifts to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Melissa is excited to be a part of Liberty Bible Church and come alongside staff in advancing God’s kingdom. She endeavors to see future generations be raised up as leaders and God-honoring citizens to further God’s Kingdom and help restore Biblical values, liberty, and peace to America.
Jennifer Broadbin
Jennifer is a trustee of Liberty Bible Church and has been working for a local nonprofit (Pacific House Homeless Shelter) for many years and has spent her career exceeding expectations from a revenue development perspective.
She has spent much of her career in development and fully understands the analytical side of business and operations. With a business administration degree from Sacred Heart University, she has a proficient knowledge of the business process, project management, and the importance of follow-through. She is a very strategic thinker and is an asset to Liberty Bible Church as she ensures efficiency and effectiveness of the budget and projections while working closely with the Board of Directors. Her degree in Business Administration prepared her for all aspects of working in a leadership role; her academic portfolio encompassed everything from accounting principles to organization management as well as best business practices and principles in business.
During her career, she has helped design, brand, and market products and services and launch websites for several businesses. In addition, she has fixed and resold houses in Connecticut and is currently training to help develop affordable housing for marginalized populations.
Early in her career at Reiman Publications, she worked as the East Coast Manager. After Reader’s Digest bought the company, she was given an opportunity to consult for the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA), a highly coveted leadership position. There, she integrated the various departments to work together, secured millions in revenue, and developed new revenue streams for the nonprofit organization.
She has a strong eye for detail and has demonstrated unwavering commitment, communication, and creative abilities. She brings her energy, business expertise, and love of our Lord Jesus Christ to Liberty Bible Church and outgoing personality.
