PASTORAL TEAM
TIM BARBER
Lead Pastor
tim@searchlightchurch.com
Tim Barber is the Lead Pastor of Searchlight Church. He has been part of the Searchlight story since day one, helping Pastor Chris build the church from a handful of people gathered in a living room into a growing church serving the Jersey Shore.
Tim is passionate about helping people discover a real relationship with Jesus and experience the hope and purpose found in Him. His teaching is biblical, practical, and engaging, helping people connect God's truth to everyday life and take their next step in faith.
Before becoming Lead Pastor, Tim spent years serving in youth, young adult, and missions ministry, helping people build a faith that is truly their own—not one borrowed from parents, culture, or tradition. He believes the local church is God's primary plan to reach people, strengthen families, and transform communities.
Tim and his wife, Erica, have two daughters and call Monmouth County home. When he's not preaching, you'll probably find him spending time with family, meeting someone for coffee, reading a good book, or avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible.
His passion is simple: helping people live and love like Jesus.
CHRIS COLLETTI
Executive Pastor
chris@searchlightchurch.com
Chris Colletti is the Founding Pastor of Searchlight Church. In 2010, he and a small group of people took a step of faith and launched a church in his living room with a simple mission: reach & teach people to live and love like Jesus.
Chris loves Jesus, loves people, and firmly believes that most problems are easier to solve over pizza. Before planting Searchlight, he spent years serving as both a worship leader and youth pastor, helping people encounter God, grow in their faith, and discover their purpose. Those experiences continue to shape his passion for authentic worship, developing leaders, and creating a church where every generation can thrive.
Known for his relational leadership, practical teaching, and genuine love for people, Chris has dedicated his life to helping others discover that faith is real, church can feel like family, and nobody is beyond the reach of God's grace. Whether he's preaching on a Sunday, mentoring leaders, or meeting someone for coffee, his heart is to help people take their next step toward Jesus.
Chris and his wife, Melissa, live in Monmouth County with their dog, Sonny. Together, they have invested their lives in building a church where people can belong, ask honest questions, and experience the life-changing love of Christ.
His passion is simple: helping people find Jesus and become everything God created them to be.
SUPPORT STAFF
MELISSA COOPER
SL Kids Coordinator
GAIL SCALZO
Administrative Assistant
SHERRY JOHNSON
Next Steps Coordinator
STEPHANIE SCALZO
Website
CHURCH BOARD
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