Know
Wayne Francis
Lead Pastor
Wayne Francis was born and raised in the Bronx. An avid learner, Wayne holds two bachelor degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies from Indiana Bible College and Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is a sought after speaker, leader, and innovator that has served the kingdom of God in such venues as Student Pastor of a local church, Dean of Students/Campus Pastor of Indiana Bible College, Director of Marketing for the Student Ministry Division of a worldwide Pentecostal organization boasting over 9,000 constituents, and an international speaker at numerous conferences and conventions. As a native New Yorker, his passion to reach his city with the gospel of Jesus Christ has now compelled him, along with his beautiful wife Claudene (affectionately known as Classy) and their two gorgeous daughters, Haleigh (7) and Ryleigh (5), to launch Authentic Church in White Plains, a suburb in New York Metro. In conjunction with beginning this new community of Christ followers, Wayne also has created, and serves as president of “For This City”, a not-for-profit organization that exists to serve the needs of the people of White Plains, Westchester County, and New York Metro. While he continues to flex his creativity in the publication of articles, poetry, songs, plays, short films, and serving as Lead Creative Director for the forthcoming Authentic Media Group, his heartbeat and life mission is to lead Authentic Church. With a vision to be a church distributed throughout all of New York Metro, cut Wayne … he bleeds Authentic.
Claudene Francis
A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and with an extensive background in retail management, Claudene has given leadership to multi-million dollar departments for Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. She helped launch a Singles ministry and was heavily involved in student ministry.
Her joy is parenting her two daughters Haleigh and Ryleigh and volunteering in the school system. As the Director of Authentic Kids, Claudene gives oversight to a staff and multi-sensory program that inspires kids to know God, grow together, and show love.
Ricky Fay
Born and raised in the heart of the South, Ricky Fay has been involved with ministry since he was young. After high school, he studied at Gateway College in St. Louis, MO majoring in Pastoral Studies. During his studies he interned at churches in Kenai, AK and Birmingham, AL working with various youth groups. Ricky has worked for multiple not-for-profit organizations in administrative roles.
Ricky spends his spare time playing golf, reading, keeping up with the latest technology, and solving the world’s problems from his bedroom. He moved to Westchester County in the summer of 2010 to join the Authentic Church team as the Executive Pastor. In this role, he helps produce the systems and structures that develop the ministries and support staff. He is excited to be part of this new adventure in his life and looks forward to serving the New York Metro area.
Trista Fay
Trista moved to New York in February of 2011 after she married our Executive Pastor Ricky Fay. While growing up in Wisconsin, Trista was always eager to be involved with various programs at her local church. After graduating from high school Trista attended Gateway College in St. Louis, Missouri where she graduated with honors and received her bachelor’s degree in education. During college it became apparent that Trista was passionate about serving people. She volunteered in El Salvador, taught in children's ministry at various churches, and helped plan multiple events for her college. Trista loves to cook and spend time out side (when the weather is warm). She is excited to be part of the Authentic Church team and serving the people of White Plains.
Zach Curtis
Zach came to New York to pour his energies into developing a culture of worship at Authentic Church through music. Playing at his local church, he began on the guitar. In the process, Zach developed as a bassist, pianist, and vocalist as well. Leading worship is his ultimate passion.
He is an intellectual and a student at heart. During his undergraduate studies, Zach lived in both Italy and Spain, studying culture and foreign language. He is fluent in Spanish and loves to write. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Zach spent a year as an intern at a church in Huntington Beach, CA. He assisted the music program and served on the youth staff. He loves to surf, snowboard, and mountain bike, and he grew up playing all kinds of sports.
Never settling for what comes easy, Zach is a self-motivator constantly striving for excellence, particularly in service to Jesus Christ. Joining the team at Authentic Church as the Director of Music & Worship, he is excited and honored by his task. Zach came to New York to Live for Real.
Dustin Lindsey
At an early age, Dustin was enthusiastic about education. From 2nd grade, he always strived to be an educator of sorts. As a child, he taught his brother and sister in a schoolroom he constructed in their basement. As a late teen, he volunteered at a secondary school in Uganda, East Africa. And in 2009, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Gateway College of Evangelism with dreams of revolutionizing the education of the church.
As the Know Pastor of Authentic Church, Dustin devotes his time to developing creative ways for each individual to learn about God and, in turn, to know him in a deeper way. He works hand-in-hand with the Life Groups, Authentic Kids and any other educational outlet of the church to ensure that learning facilitates the mission of Authentic Church: Know God, Grow Together, and Show Love.
What We Believe
Since creation, God has desired a friendship with humanity, and has made it possible for us to know Him through His word--the Bible--and by coming to Earth as a man -- Jesus Christ. As believers express faith in Him, a beautiful transformation begins to take place. A lifestyle change develops. Believers are baptized, filled with the Spirit of God, and enjoy the various gifts that accompany His spirit. As believers grow together they produce what the Bible describes as "fruit of the spirit"--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Believers show love to one another and to the world as a whole. The Bible highlights love as the most important of these attributes, and we do the same at Authentic Church. It is through the processes of Knowing God, Growing Together, and Showing Love in a biblical context that we strive to develop an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ and to Live for Real. If you'd like to know more about this Christ-centered lifestyle, please visit our weekend experience or one of our life groups hosted through out White Plains, Westchester and NY Metro. Also feel free to contact us by phone: 914-861-5837 or e-mail: info@authenticchurch.com.
