Our Leadership
Rev. Joe Hoyle, Pastor
Pastor Joe felt the call to pastoral ministry as a teenager in Texas, and over a decade ago he answered the call to minister in Boston—a city he has always loved. In his twenty years of ministry, he has served as preacher, youth pastor, hospital chaplain, associate pastor, and lead pastor.
He is a graduate of Wayland Baptist University (BA in Religion with Pastoral Ministry concentration) and of Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University (Master of Divinity specializing in Christian Education). Pastor Joe is a lifelong learner and still regularly takes continuing education and seminary courses. He is passionate about equipping people to understand the Bible’s relevance for everyday life, helping them to grow in their faith, and preparing them to make disciples themselves.
In addition to pastoring the church, Pastor Joe is the Executive Director of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, and he has served as both Secretary and President of the Saugus Faith Community Clergy Association.
He is happily married to Debora and enjoys hiking, camping, contemporary art, traveling around New England and the world, reading, learning Portuguese, and cooking.
Laurie Chan, Christian Education Director &
Phil Chan, Sexton
Members of the Cliftondale Congregational family for over twenty years, Laurie and Phil Chan have served God through our local church in various roles. Laurie holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has decades of experience working with children of all ages. Through our Christian Education ministry, she helps children and children-at-heart understand Christ’s love for them. In addition to other ministry and mentorship roles, Phil ensures that our church building is ready for worship each week.
Laurie and Phil have three adult children and are soon-to-be grandparents!
Aaron Crawford, Music Director
A committed believer since his early twenties, Aaron's faith journey started during his college years. With a deep-rooted passion for worship, evangelism, and missions, he expresses his love for music through playing as an acoustic guitarist and lending his vocals on various worship teams since 2013.
He resides in Manchester, NH, with his wife, Crystal, and their two dogs, Toby and Hope.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ( 1 Peter 4:10, NLT)
Ministries
Each of us has been given unique gifts, talents and a call to serve Christ’s church. We’re an “all hands on deck” faith, and serving at Cliftondale Congregational happens through our Boards (also known as Ministry Teams). In partnership with the Pastor, Cliftondale Congregational Church board members serve to support church program and operation.
Deacons
The Deacons assist the Pastor with the spiritual welfare of the church. They plan worship events, particularly regarding the rituals of Lord’s Supper (Communion) and Baptism. They also oversee the music, flower, prayer-chain, greeters, fellowship, hospitality and benevolence ministries.
Christian Education
Directs the religious training of our children, teens and adults through the ministries of our Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bible Studies, and teen group.
Missions
Supports the work of home and world missions by providing financial support to agencies and individual missionaries. The board also brings in guest speakers and plans special missions events.
Trustees
Our “fix-it” folks who determine ways to maintain and improve the facility and handle necessary repairs. They also approve scholarships and work with the Treasurer to ensure bills for services are paid.
Finance
Oversees the overall church budget, approves fundraising projects, manages investments, and advises the church in regard to the use of financial resources.
Nominating Committee
Recruits leaders and volunteers for church ministries.