ECC is an elder-led congregation. We believe that the Bible teaches that every church is to be led by a team of biblically qualified shepherds called ‘elders’ or ‘pastors.’ This team of men oversees and cares for the congregation as a whole.
Some of our elders are employed by the church, though most work in a regular job. All elders meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9, and they endeavor to lead the church through example, preaching, teaching, discipling, and counseling. They meet regularly for shepherding, prayer, and spiritual oversight on matters concerning the church.
For an appointment with an elder, please email admin@eccad.org.
Aubrey Sequeira - Senior Pastor
Aubrey and his wife, Nishika, were born and raised in Chennai, India. Aubrey was a rock musician before the Lord saved him. After completing his Bachelor's in engineering, Aubrey worked in the IT industry for several years while engaging in bi-vocational ministry and church-planting. In 2010, following the Lord's call to vocational ministry, Aubrey enrolled at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he completed an M.Div and a Ph.D. in Biblical Theology while serving a local church in various capacities. Aubrey and Nishika love spending time with people, understanding new cultures, and trying new ethnic foods. They have been blessed with three delightful little girls.
Will Barkley - Associate Pastor
Since 2015, Will has served in cross-cultural church planting and pastoring in Indonesia and the USA. Before his arrival to Abu Dhabi, will served as the associate pastor for outreach and theological education at Indian Trail Church in Spokane, WA. While at ITC, he was directly involved with pastoral residency and internship programs focused on training pastors to serve throughout the Pacific Northwest Region. Will holds a Master of Divinity degree from Bethlehem College & Seminary and currently serves as a board member of Gulf Theological Seminary.
J.P. Stokes - Associate Pastor
J.P. has served in pastoral ministry, church planting, pastoral training, and various other roles in India, Nepal, the USA, and the Middle East. He is passionate about training people for gospel ministry and seeing people sent out to proclaim the good news. J.P. holds an M.Div from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Megan, and together they have four amazing children.
Brett Lewis - Associate Pastor
Brett was born and raised in Florida, USA, and he came to know the Lord as a teenager. He holds a M. Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brett is married to his amazing wife, Mandy, and they have been blessed with two sons, Zeke and Judson. Brett loves the local church. Brett and Mandy enjoy having people in their home, playing or watching sports, learning about new cultures (especially the foods!), and reading good books.
Elias Abera
Elias grew up in a Christian home in Ethiopia, where he regularly attended sermons and Bible studies and learned that following Jesus is a personal decision, not an inheritance. After hearing the gospel many times, particularly the message in John 3:16–18, he decided to follow Christ at the age of 16. He is married to Meron Mamo, and they have two children. He views serving the Lord and His church as both his joy and his responsibility, considering it a privilege and an opportunity, not a burden. His desire to serve stems from deep gratitude for the grace God has shown him, most significantly in saving him from God’s wrath. He currently works as a Capability Engineer at The Sanad Group. Elias enjoys traveling with family and swimming.
Chris Monforte
Christoper (Chris) was born and raised in Pasig City in the Philippines. After working in the Philippines for 11 years, in 2010, Christoper moved to Abu Dhabi to work for a construction company, and by God’s grace, his family joined him in 2012. He leads a small group and also regularly leads the church in congregational singing. Christoper completed a Master’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management in September 2017. He loves to read books, listen to sermons, watch sports, cook, and listen to Christian songs. Chris is married to Gloria and has three children, Abigail, James, and Jeremiah.
Raymond Pardede
Raymond is from Indonesia, born and raised in a strong Christian family in Jakarta, the capital city. He completed his education in Budapest, Hungary, and then moved to Abu Dhabi in 2005 working in telecommunication and IT industries. God blessed him with his wife Yudith and they have two lovely children. Raymond has been a member of ECC since 2014. He has faithfully served in a variety of capacities at ECC, including on the church board in the past, in leading congregational singing, and faithfully served as an elder, in addition to other areas of service. He enjoys singing, playing guitar, watching sports of all kinds, traveling, and outdoor photography.
Oscar Ramirez
Oscar has been happily married to Paola for 20 years, and they have two daughters, Sara and Sofia. Born and raised in a small village in Colombia, he earned his engineering degree before moving to the Middle East over 25 years ago. He currently works for an O&G company in Abu Dhabi. Oscar has attended ECC since 2006, serving the church in various ministries. He is thankful for the many opportunities the Lord has provided, which have contributed to his spiritual growth. He is currently pursuing theological studies at GTS and looks forward to completing his Master of Divinity soon. Oscar is passionate about golf. He follows the PGA Tour and plays casually.
Travis Ramsay
Travis was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He and his lovely wife Michelle, also from Toronto, Canada were married in 2007. Upon marriage, they moved to Texas, U.S.A. where they lived for nearly thirteen years and had two children. He and his family moved to Abu Dhabi in 2021 and became members of ECC that year. He greatly appreciates the opportunities that the Lord has given him to serve in the local church in various capacities including previously serving as the ECC Men’s Ministry Deacon. He holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University in the U.S.A. and works in the energy industry. He enjoys weightlifting, bike riding, and actively following American collegiate football.
Michael Franco Smit
Michael grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and has lived in the UAE for the past decade, residing in Fujairah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. He came to faith in Jesus while in the UAE and quickly felt called to lead others to Christ. Michael completed a pastoral internship at ECCD and served on staff at ECC during a key transitional period in the church’s life. Michael is married to Claudia, and they have two children. He currently serves as the Head of Middle and High School at a local Emirati private school. He enjoys reading, writing, teaching, and watching rugby.
Francis Sowani
Francis was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He moved to Abu Dhabi for Computer Engineering studies at NYU Abu Dhabi in 2010. Upon graduation, he started working as a cybersecurity consultant in 2014. Francis became a member of ECC in 2015 and married his high school friend Joyce two years later. They are blessed with a son and a daughter. Francis is grateful for opportunities to serve ECC in the family ministry, in leading a small group, and now as an elder. He enjoys year-round outdoor activities especially with his family. And is also a three-time marathoner with a personal best time of 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Daniel Teruel
Daniel was born and raised in Las Piñas City, Philippines. He arrived in the UAE in 2013, where he married his high school friend, Mary Joy. They are blessed with two children, KD and TJ. His heart is filled with joy for the opportunity that God has given him to faithfully serve the church. He is currently co-leading a small group. Daniel enjoys playing basketball and fishing in his free time.