About Our Church
Find out what makes Redeeming Love so great!
Core Values
It is our desire to know Jesus and make Him known in our lives. As a church we want the Word of God to guide our thinking, our living and our worldview.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Is 9:7
Our Team
Richard "Woodly" & Shelly Zacek
Pastor
Bernard & Sharon Evans
Assistant to the Pastor
Loren & Carol Lenaghen
Elders
David & Sandra Zehr
Elders
Sandra Sokolowski
Elder
Sidnee Siersen
Worship Leader
About Pastor Woodly
As a child, my life was profoundly shaped by the power of God during summer youth camps. In that season, the Lord was planting seeds in my heart about His calling, and we experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence in powerful ways. My family was deeply involved in the early days of Redeeming Love Fellowship, from its beginnings as a midweek gathering in a cabin in Steuben at the home of Rev and Ruby Smallman….read more below
Read More About Pastor Woodly
I once heard it said, “If God is calling you into pastoral ministry and you can do anything else, do the anything else—because if God truly wants that for you, He will make it abundantly clear.” Taking that to heart, I pursued a path to become a math teacher and football coach. This journey led me to Cornell University, where I played football for four years and was actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other campus ministries sharing the gospel. It was inspiring to witness the deep hunger for God among students at that time.
During my senior year, I attended a BASIC conference in Syracuse, where I had a powerful encounter with God. It became unmistakably clear that He was leading me back home. The following year, I began teaching and coaching at Holland Patent, where I continue to serve as a math teacher today.
Upon returning from college, I found joy in serving at Redeeming Love Fellowship wherever needed. The first summer back, my brother and I spent many days insulating the sanctuary of our current worship center as it was being built. Looking back, I can see how God was preparing me for greater leadership through those experiences.
In 2006, our founding pastor, Ron Smallman, and the eldership team asked me to consider stepping into the role of pastor. This initiated a process of deeper connection with Elim Fellowship to receive my ministry license. Through prayer and confirmation, it became clear that the Lord was leading in that direction. In 2007, I was installed as senior pastor. I am grateful for the incredible eldership team at Redeeming Love, whose support made that transition and our ongoing journey a true joy.
In 2010, I met my wife, Shelly, and we married in 2011. Today, we are blessed with four wonderful children and are embracing the journey of parenthood. We are thankful for a community that walks with us in grace and truth as we grow together.
Beyond ministry, I have a wide range of interests, from regenerative agriculture to construction, sports, technology, innovation, psychology, and politics. I firmly believe that every believer is called to full-time ministry—whether in business, at home, or within the community. Whatever our work, it is all meant to be done as unto the Lord.
Upcoming Events
There's always something exciting going on at our church, but they'd be even better with you!
