On this page you will find out a little bit about our team and their contact information.
Pastor
Rev. Dave Sterling
I have been the pastor here at Thornridge Community Church for 3 and a half years. I have always had a passion for discipleship, men’s ministry and marriage ministry. I love teaching people how to follow Jesus, teaching men who Jesus has called them to be and teaching couples how to have a marriage with Jesus at the center. I always like to remind people that none of us will ever be perfect in our walk. Thornridge is a real world church. By that I mean when you join us you don’t have to pretend everything is ok. We do our best to follow who Jesus has called us to be and when we fail, we get back up, dust ourselves off and learn from what we went through. The key is to grow in our relationship with Jesus. We are a family at Thornridge we would love to have you join us!!
Life verses: Jeremiah 29:11 & John 13:35
Email: pastordave@thornridgecc.org
Jenn Sterling
I have been in a relationship with Jesus for most of my adult life. I enjoy talking to people about Jesus and how He has changed my life. I oversee the ministries that we offer at Thornridge Community Church and along with that I have a strong passion for marriage. I enjoy talking to couples preparing for marriage about how important it is to have a marriage of three: Husband, Wife and God at the center. Along with marriage, it is important for everyone to keep God first in your life. He will never steer you wrong. The most important thing we can do for ourselves is be in a relationship with Jesus. Church is not about religion but about growing deeper in relationship with our Savior.
Life Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Peter 5:7 & Ecclesiastes 4:12
Email: jenn@thornridgecc.org
Ministry Director
Pastor of Recovery
Theresa Mandel
I have been a licensed pastor for a year, focusing on recovery, intercession, healing, and prayer. My passion is where my greatest pain has been- loving those who experienced and were haunted by childhood trauma, abuse, abandonment, self-harm, addictions, and the lie of worthlessness, as I did. I grew up in the Levittown area. I was taken to church faithfully by my Pop Pop-the only unconditional love I knew. I became saved at 12 years old, but my circumstances only got worse. For about the next 30 years, my life would be chaotic & painful. In my 3rd marriage, God intervened in such a miraculous way. I experienced spontaneous deliverance, did a lot of hard work through a 12-step program to heal and have been on a journey with my Savior since. I am married to Mike “Mountain” Mandel who shares in my love for recovery and has his own incredible testimony. My heart is for those who are suffering and wanting to help people heal through the redemptive love and grace of Jesus. Jesus wants to give salvation & freedom to all who will accept it-I am proof of this fact. I found the greatest love of all times in my mess- and now I want that for others.
Life Verses: Luke 7:47; Philippians 3:10; John 8:36
Song: Proof by Seth Addison
Email: pastortheresa@thornridgecc.org
Rae Carels
I get the privilege to be the hospitality director at Thornridge. I love serving God in this position because it allows me to reflect the heart of Jesus by creating a warm, welcoming place for everyone who walks through our doors. There is something powerful about helping people feel seen, valued and at home while enjoying a small conversation and hot cup of coffee. Especially those who may be nervous, hurting or visiting or the very first time. I love watching the atmosphere shift when someone is greeted with genuine kindness. A smile and a simple “We are glad you are here” can open hearts and prepare people to encounter God. Being part of that moment is a blessing and an honor.
Life Verse: Mark 10:9
Email: hospitality@thornridgecc.org
Mj Carels
I have the privilege of being the director of our youth group. My wife Rae and I serve God through Thornridge in many ways. Our daughter Karleigh is part of Action Youth and our son Noah is part of Thornridge Kids. As you can see I am not the typical looking Christian with tattoos and a big beard. The world around us would say I don’t fit in the church world well God sees the heart. That is our goal for Action Youth is for the teens to find their identity in God and not the world.
Group Verse: 1 John 3:18
Email: Actionyouth@thornridgecc.org
Hospitality and Youth
Directors
Maintenance Director
Tom Kramer
I’m a dedicated shop foreman at Airline Hydraulics with a strong work ethic and a passion for teamwork—both on the job and in my church community. When I’m not overseeing operations or helping lead my team, I’m most likely spending time with my two greatest blessings, my kids Mackenzie and Carter. Family means everything to me, and I value quality time whether we’re enjoying the outdoors, hunting, fishing, or just being together. I strive to bring the same commitment and integrity to every part of my life, both personally and professionally.