Our Staff

Pastor Matt Jones

Lead Pastor

Pastor Matt was born and raised in New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Valley Forge in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries, receiving ministry credentials the same year. He was ordained by the Assemblies of God in 2018 and has ministry experience across youth, young adults, adult discipleship, media, missions, and church planting.

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. He has served in various missional and community roles, ranging from the NJMN Student Missions Coordinator to the Convener of the Greater Freehold Clergy Association. He is also involved in the Freehold Township Human Relations Council, Open Door Food Pantry, and others.

He and his wife Rebecca met in youth group and were married in 2015. They have one child, Noah, born in 2022. When he’s not working, Pastor Matt enjoys a good visit to the beach or a trip to NYC to unwind. He roots for the Yankees, enjoys a good cup of coffee, and is always down for a round of Mario Kart.

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 Pastor

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 Pastor

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.