Apostle Raffoul Najem
Senior Pastor & Elder 

Raffoul Najem was born in Beirut, Lebanon.  He became a believer in 1971 through a Foursquare Church missionary. He is a graduate of Life Bible College, Class of ’74.  He immigrated to the United States in 1976 and was ordained by Middle East Gospel Outreach Ministries in 1980 and by Faith Christian Fellowship International in 1994.  In 1982, he co-founded Community Christian Fellowship (now CCF Ministries), one church in multiple locations. Rev. Najem is the co-founder and administrator of Community Christian Academy, providing families with a solid Christian education for 30 years. Rev. Najem also co-founded the Citywide Ministries Network of the Greater Lowell Area--a movement of unity and solidarity for churches in the area.  As a visionary, he has traveled to the nations proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God for the past 40 years.  Having an apostolic calling, he is a mentor and a father to pastors and Christian leaders across the globe who seek to transform and influence the world with the message of the Kingdom of God.  He moves under the authority and power of the Holy Spirit with a message that is practical, relevant, and life-changing.  He is the father of three adult children (Jennifer, Laura, and Joshua) and a proud grandfather.

Purchase Apostle Najem's book, "Strong Wings", on Amazon.

Pastor Elvira "Vi" Whitcomb
Co-Pastor & Elder

Having planted the church along with Pastor Raffoul Najem and John Purpura, Pastor Vi served on the executive board of Women’s Aglow fellowship in the 70’s and pastored home fellowship groups for years.

She was ordained by Faith Christian Fellowship International in 1988. Pastor Vi has pioneered and conducted numerous nursing home ministries, women’s Bible studies, and women’s retreats for more than 30 years. She currently oversees a number of active ministries in the church including women and restoration, and prayer.

Bishop David Karaya
Co-Pastor & Elder

Bishop Karaya was called to the ministry at the age of 20 when he was appointed as a local church pastor with the Assemblies of God Church in Kenya.  Three years later he attended the East Africa School of Theology where he graduated with a BA in Bible and Theology. While in college he pioneered two churches.  He went on to serve as a Senior Pastor, as a presbyter over 9 churches, as an Assistant Bishop and later as Bishop of 166 churches.  He served at the East Africa School of Theology as Dean of Students, Lecturer and Business Administrator before moving to the U.S.  Bishop Karaya then attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity in Education. 

For a period of time Bishop functioned as the president of Kenya Pastor's Fellowship, Inc. in New England.  He and his wife Rose became members of CCF in 1999, where he became an elder in 2009.
 

Pastor Jennifer Najem
Lead Staff Pastor

Pastor Lucas Dougherty
Staff Pastor

Pastor Lucas Dougherty is native to Massachusetts. He has been a member of CCF since age 13. He graduated from Community Christian Academy and went on to study at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell. Pastor Lucas holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Economics and Sociology, and works by day as a Sr. Supply Chain Planner.  He has served in a worship capacity for over 17 years, and has had numerous training and mentorship opportunities that have helped mold his spiritual walk. As a musician, Pastor Lucas has had the privilege of playing and recording with multiple artists over the years. He has a heart to translate these experiences into opportunities to grow in his craft, and to lead the Worship & Creative Arts department to excellence for the glory of God. He became a licensed minister with CCFI in 2021, and a Staff Pastor in 2023. He is married, and a father to two girls.

Pastor Francis Nkansah
Staff Pastor

Pastor Francis Nkansah was born and raised in Ghana. He relocated to the United States in 2006 for graduate studies and is presently teaching at Bunker Hill Community College. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in Mathematics and Statistics, a Master of Science in Statistics, and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biostatistics. Pastor Francis is one of the co-directors of the praise and worship ministry at CCF Lowell. He became a licensed minister with CCFI in 2021 and a Staff Pastor in 2023. He is married with 3 children.