Today there are various names used for leaders of the church, each reflecting a different perspective of shepherding. They may be called elders (Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5), indicating that the man himself is more mature and older in experience in the faith. They may be called overseers (1 Tim. 3:1,2; Titus 1:7; Acts 20:28), indicating the work of those who look after the flock of God. The passages show that both terms are used interchangeably and refer to the same person.

This is not a hierarchy of leaders, one over another, but a description of the simple pattern which the Lord presents for the caring of His people. It is leadership of the local assembly of believers by a team of elders or shepherds.

The assembly elders meet together regularly and will be happy to assist any who have questions about our fellowship or desire spiritual aid or counsel. The telephone numbers are listed below for your convenience.

Peter Bartlett
732 531-1269

Jerry Risden
732 531-8624

Jerry Risden has been involved in the ministry at Fifth Avenue Chapel since his Sunday School days. It was there that he met the Lord Jesus his savior and was discipled by many godly people. By profession, Jerry has been a band director/instrumental music teacher in the shore area for many years. Currently he is Concert Band Director and adjunct faculty at Ocean County College in Toms River, N.J. where is serves as co-advisor for the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. He has earned both a B.A. and an M.Ed. from the College of New Jersey and has done graduate work in Bible at Philadelphia Biblical University. He and his wife, Marilyn, have three married adult children and four grandchildren.

Tom Wilson
732 836-3386

Tom was born to pioneer missionaries in Angola in Africa. He attended a boarding school for missionary children, where he came realize his need for a Savior and trusted the Lord for salvation at an early age. Following a furlough with his parents in the UK and USA, he settled in what was then Southern Rhodesia to complete his schooling and to learn a trade. He met and married his wife, Ruth, there and shortly after moved to Northern Rhodesia. Four of their six children were born there. Following a job transfer, another was born in what had then become just Rhodesia. In the turmoil that followed the independence in these countries, it was felt that there would be more opportunity for the family in the United States where his parents had retired. Their last son was born there. In 1971, a concern for missionary work led to the family being commended to return to Rhodesia as full time missionaries. Eleven years were spent there with the primary activity being the teaching of Scripture in release time classes in the public schools. After the transfer of Rhodesia into Zimbabwe, many of these opportunities disappeared and the family moved back to the States. Since then, Tom has served with Fifth Avenue Chapel and been involved in an itinerant Bible teaching ministry among assemblies in New Jersey and elsewhere.