Our Staff

Pastor Jeff Philhower

Lead Pastor

Pastor Jeff was born in Flemington, NJ and grew up in Califon, NJ. He graduated from Valley Forge Christian College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Bible degree. He has been the lead Pastor at First Assembly since 1995.

He and his wife, Heather, just celebrated 40 years of marriage. They met in an interdenominational singing group, called “Fishers of Men,” when they were seniors in High School.  They have two daughters, Bonnie and Erin, and two sons-in-law, Joe and Joe, along with two granddaughters, Lia and Natalie.

To say that Pastor Jeff has a heart for missions and missionaries, is an understatement. He views the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 as a mandate for everyone.

His activities of rest and relaxation include quality time with Heather, swimming, fishing, mystery novels, and vacationing in Cape May.  Oh, and by the way, let’s go, METS & JETS!

Pastor Matt Jones

Associate Pastor

Pastor Matt was born in Livingston, New Jersey and grew up in Mount Olive, NJ. He attended the University of Valley Forge and graduated in 2014 with a degree in Pastoral Ministries. After close to 8 years in youth ministry, Pastor Matt joined the staff at First Assembly in 2019. Currently he oversees Young Adults, Small Groups, and Media.

He and his wife Rebecca met in youth group and were married in 2015. They have one child, Noah, born in 2022. Pastor Matt loves all things Star Wars, Batman and Lord of the Rings! He also roots for the Yankees, enjoys a good cup of coffee, and does the occasional spray painting (don’t worry it’s not graffiti, it’s legal!).

Pastor Matt has a heart first and foremost to see people come to know Christ. He also has a heart for local & global missions, apologetics, and has a deep love of God’s Word. When he’s not working, Pastor Matt enjoys a good visit to the beach or a trip to NYC to unwind.

Pastor Paul Glassford

Youth Pastor

Pastor Paul is Ohio Native born and raised in Bowling Green, OH. He attended the University of Valley Forge graduating in 2022 with a Bachelors of Arts in Ministry Leadership.

He loves athletics both watching and playing. He is a big Ohio State Buckeyes Fan, as well as the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Red Wings. He also enjoys watching Marvel Movies and keeping up with the Stock market and swimming.

Pastor Paul has a desire to see young people discover their giftings to further their walk with Jesus Christ and discover who He really is in their lives.

Pastor Bonnie Polisano

Music Director

Pastor Bonnie was born in New Jersey and has been a part of serving at First Assembly of God, with her family, for the past 26 years. She studied at The College of New Jersey, Global University and Berean School of the Bible. She has been our music director here at First Assembly since 2010.

Pastor Bonnie and her husband Joe, who heads up our sound department, met in 1999. They married in 2004 and have been serving in the church ever since. They have two girls, Lia and Natalie. Bonnie loves all things musical! Her musical tastes are eclectic and change with the seasons, but her biggest influences are Keith Green and much of the music to come out of the Jesus movement in the 60's and 70's (way before she was even born)!! She also enjoys reading, television crime dramas and a GOOD cup of coffee or tea.

Pastor Bonnie loves God, His Word and His Presence! She loves to use songs (that are scripturally sound) in the corporate worship setting to lead others into God's Presence too!!

"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs."  (Psalm 100:2)

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

Pastor Emily Cantrell

Children’s Pastor

Pastor Emily is a Pennsylvania native, born and raised in Levittown, PA. She attended the University of Valley Forge and graduated in 2017 with a dual major in Pastoral Counseling and Youth Ministry with a minor in Family Studies.

Pastor Emily is a fan of many things including coffee, reading, listening to and playing music, crocheting and knitting, and is a huge Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan. She also loves watching sports when she can catch a game and is a huge fan of the Olympics. If you can’t find her, she’s usually walking trails, or chasing a sunrise, sunset, or moonrise.

Pastor Emily has a heart to see the next generation grow in their walk with Jesus. She believes that kids have a unique place in the church and desires to see the kids of First Assembly follow Jesus, to find and use their God-given talents in glory of him, and to see kids excited to share what God is doing in in their lives.

Ms. Megan Piccolo

Assistant Children’s Director

Megan Piccolo was born and raised in Howell, New Jersey. She attended Brookdale Community College and obtained an associates degree in Early Education. Currently she is studying at Global University working towards getting credentialed as an Assembly of God pastor.

Megan enjoys going on long walks with her dog Leia (she is also a Star Wars fan) and reading. She's a huge Disney fan and is always looking for a way back to Disney World. 

Megan's biggest goal is to bring the kids of our church to God with love and patience. She's had the pleasure of growing up at First Assembly, has experienced firsthand the impact children's ministry can have, and is eager to pass it on.