Leadership

Mike and Jenifer Matheny have been happily married for 28 years. They have dedicated the past 24 years to serving in full-time ministry. In 1999, they embarked on a life-changing journey by attending the Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission. Their training led them to spend 7 transformative months in The Gambia, West Africa, engaging in both learning and impactful outreach.
Upon completing their training, they returned to the United States, where Mike joined the staff of Southpointe Baptist Fellowship in Leesburg, FL. At Southpointe, Mike's passion for youth and children's ministry flourished as he served as the Youth & Children's Pastor for 5 fulfilling years. In 2005, Mike continued his inspiring work by joining The Father's House, also located in Leesburg, FL, as the  Youth & Children's Pastor.  He served on staff there for 11 years.  In 2016 they began the process of launching Church of the Lakes and the first service was August 16, 2017.  Pastor Mike also considers it a privilege to serve as the Chaplain of the Leesburg Police Department
In addition to their remarkable service, the Matheny's have adopted 5 beautiful children and have welcomed 3 foster children into their family.  Pastor Mike is passionate about Leesburg and the surrounding area.

Feel free to get in touch with Pastor Mike if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. He can be reached through the provided email address below:

Pastor Doug and his wife Dawn serve the 55+ age people in our church family. Married the day after College we enjoyed several years in business and education then together we were missionaries in Haiti for several years, and for the past 25 years we have had the great privilege of serving three other churches in New Jersey, North Dakota and Wisconsin. We have one daughter who with her family serves as missionaries in Africa. We've lived in Leesburg 7 years and enthusiastically embrace the vision and mission of COTLakes. It is our great joy to help retirement age friends discover that this season of life may be the most fulfilling as we together nurture our relationship with Jesus and follow Him who has created each of us with purpose for making a difference in this world!

Feel free to get in touch with Pastor Doug if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. He can be reached through the provided email address below:

James is a Leesburg Native and has many years of Leesburg community involvement, from owning business’ to serving in the local church he brings years of experience. His passion for music started at a young age, he began to play in church in his high school youth group. Being involved in many aspects of church worship teams he brings a variety of skills to COTL. James is married to Tiffany and they have 2 children Kaden and Colton.
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Feel free to get in touch with James if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. He can be reached through the provided email address below:

Monique is a musical anomaly, hailing from the heart of Brooklyn,New York; now calling Florida home. This multilingual, guitar-strumming songstress brings raw, heartfelt emotion that is clearly evident in her songwriting and experienced in her worship leading.

Feel free to get in touch with Monique if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. She can be reached through the provided email address below:

Lizzy was born at Leesburg Regional but grew up in Lady Lake. She graduated from Leesburg High School in 2013 and completed her associate degree from Lake-Sumter State College in 2016, graduating debt-free. She then began pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Lizzy loves traveling to new places and has been on five mission trips and several disaster relief trips. She married John Goodin during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and they purchased a manufactured home. Recently, they became dog parents to a German Shepherd named KoKo.

Feel free to get in touch with Lizzy if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. She can be reached through the provided email address  below:

Jenifer, a passionate individual, was born and raised in the charming city of Sanford, FL. With a love for education, she dedicated 9 years of her life as a high school English teacher, where she excelled and even assumed the role of Head of the English Department at Leesburg High School. Not only is she known for her expertise in teaching, but she also serves as the warm and welcoming Children's Ministry Director. Sharing a beautiful life together, she is happily married to Pastor Mike. Recently, they have entered a new phase of their lives as they embrace the joys of being empty nesters, cherishing the newfound freedom and opportunities that come their way.

Feel free to get in touch with Jenifer if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. She can be reached through the provided email address  below:

Eden is a Central Florida native and has spent most of her life in Leesburg, including graduating from Leesburg High School. She has served as the youth director of Church of the Lakes since 2019. She is wife to a Leesburg Police Officer and mother to two young girls. Eden and her husband, Tim, met while serving together in the United States Navy. Since her return to Leesburg after her military service, her desire has been to help restore the local community and make Jesus famous. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University.

One of Eden's greatest passions is bridging the generational gap and guiding young minds on their spiritual journey. Through her involvement in youth ministries, she strives to help students be resilient disciples of Christ that Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference in the world around them.

Feel free to get in touch with Eden if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. She can be reached through the provided email address  below:

Matthew Wintersdorf, director of Thrive Teen Centers. Born and raised in Eustis Florida, Matthew is third generation lake county native! When Matthew is not working with youth, serving his church or community he enjoys the outdoors. As an active individual he enjoys things like fishing, golf, almost anything involving a body of water and fellowshipping with friends and family.
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Feel free to get in touch with Matthew if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. He can be reached through the provided email address below:

Lover of Jesus Christ, His people and HIs creation and mother of one dear son. Really enjoy new adventures that help me grow in appreciation and understanding of God, people, food, music and cultures.  Family resides in 'wonderful Wyoming'.
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Feel free to get in touch with Kathleen if you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss relevant matters. She can be reached through the provided email address  below: