Our Leadership
Pastors
JR Vassar - Lead Pastor
JR Vassar is the founding and lead pastor of Apostles Church. He and his wife Ginger have three children and make their home in the Upper East Side. As the Lead Pastor, JR oversees the leadership community of Apostles and is responsible for the strategic vision of the Church, leadership development and most of the teaching. ()
Ryan Taylor - Pastor of Administration
Investment banking brought Ryan Taylor to our city and, soon after, he began attending Apostles Church. In July of 2006 Ryan joined the staff and served as a Deacon at Apostles Church. He oversees all business administration responsibilities as well as the volunteer teams at Apostles. In March 2010, Ryan was appointed as a pastor of Apostles Church. Ryan makes his home in lower Manhattan and was married to his wonderful wife, Katelyn, in June. ()
David Sullivan - Non-Staff Pastor
David and his wife Shawna moved to the city in 2003 to work in finance and accounting, and soon after found their way to Apostles. They have been leading and serving in a number of leadership roles over the past five years, and David was appointed a non-staff pastor in April of 2010. David and Shawna have two beautiful children and reside in the Upper East Side. ()
Staff and Deacons
Angela Brittain - Children's Ministry Leader
Angela began attending Apostles in September of 2005 and joined our team in January of 2007. She is dynamic with people and does a great job leading our Children's Ministry at Apostles, as well as some office administration. She lives in Downtown Manhattan where she has been known to throw a great party. ()
Julia Youngblood - General Ministry Associate
Julia began attending Apostles in September of 2006 and joined our staff in October of 2007. Julia is a Deacon at Apostles and the best utility player around, working in nearly every facet of the ministries of the church. Julia lives in the Financial District. ()
Derek Devine - Pastoral Ministry Associate
Derek joined the staff in August of 2008 and serves alongside our pastoral staff assisting them in daily ministry. Derek is an amazing guy with a real gift for encouraging people. He helps coordinate our social justice and mercy ministies as well as assist in Community Groups. Derek calls a 7 man apartment home in lower Manhattan. ()
Brian Sykes - Interim Worship Leader
Brian joined the staff in June of 2010. This California native serves alongside Eric in our worship ministry and helps lead our media teams. Brian is a great addition to our staff and has a vibrant heart for the Lord. He and his wife, Sarah, moved from Pennsylvania and now reside in Elmhurst, Queens. ()
Eric Damewood - Interim Worship Leader
Eric joined the staff in June of 2010 and serves in our worship ministry alongside Brian. Eric is passionate about writing music, playing music, learning about music, and seeing music utilized well in worshiping the Lord. He currently lives with his wife, Whitney, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. ()
Dr. Steve Mason
Steve Mason and his wife, Becky, joined Apostles in September of 2006. Steve works at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center doing cancer research and Becky is a talented musician. They make their home in the Upper East Side and recently welcomed a beautiful daughter, Maelee, to their family. Steve was ordained to the Diaconate Ministry at Apostles in January of 2008. ()