Kent Jacobs

Lead Pastor

Kent Jacobs

Kent was born in North Carolina and spent portions of his life there and in Germany, Guam, and Oklahoma before coming to Philadelphia. Since moving to Philly in 2001, Kent has become a HUGE Eagles fan (and is always available to accept tickets). They are a large part of why football is his favorite season and most depressing…come on, Super Bowl! Kent has been married to his beautiful wife, Tiffany, since 2002 and along with starting a church, they’ve also been busy raising two super-cute kids, Kayleigh and Koen (they are award-winning kind of cute).

Kent is the lead pastor at Epic Church. He spent his early years of ministry in Oklahoma and 7 years at a church in the suburbs of Philly before starting Epic in October 2008. With Epic, Kent is excited to help people discover that the most significant thing they can do with their one and only life is give it away...to God, and to others.

And though he might tell you he’s a bocce ball champion, you should know that it’s not true.

EXTRAS:

On Kent's DVR:
The Office, American Idol, The Ultimate Fighter, Shark Tank, House, Biographies.
On Kent’s VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
Top Gun, Lean on Me, Rocky, Remember the Titans, The Godfather II, E.T., Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future, Sandlot, Goodfellas.
Blasting in Kent’s Car:
U2, Coldplay, Beatles, Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, The Head and the Heart, Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, Mike Breaux.
Favorite Activities:
Spending time with my kids, watching movies with my wife, getting together with friends, watching football.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
Dear 13 year old Kent: 1. You’re allergic to silly string. 2. Invest everything you’ve got in Macintosh now.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?:
Bolton hands down. Why? "I just couldn't handle being around that many screaming 13 year olds."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFood_bTOX4
Fears:
Cockroaches. If I ever see one... we're moving.
High on Kent’s bucket list:
Become team chaplain for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Passion/Dreams:
First, I want to be the husband and father my wife and children deserve. Next, I want to be able to stand at the end of my days knowing I did my part in God’s bigger story… whatever that is. Lastly, I want to be part of helping as many people as possible discover God’s love for them and his purpose for their lives.
Contact Kent:

Tiffany Jacobs

Children's Pastor

Tiffany Jacobs

Tiffany was born in Richmond, VA, and has lived in Rockville, VA, Tulsa, OK, and Jamaica. She graduated from Victory Christian Academy and Rhema Bible with a diploma in Supportive Ministries. Since 2002, she has been married to the debonair Kent Jacobs and is the proud mother of both aforementioned Cutest Children Ever, Kayleigh and Koen Jacobs. Being a mommy and running the children’s church keeps Tiffany's hands full and her life from being boring.

Tiffany is an Associate Pastor at Epic. Currently she's heading Epic Kids, which takes care of the children that come to Epic Church. She also has the difficult and thankless job of keeping Kent Jacobs in line.

EXTRAS:

On Tiffany's DVR:
American Idol, Breakout Kings, Project Runway, Celebrity Apprentice, American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior, Alcatraz, The Office.
Favorite Disney movie:
The Little Mermaid
Blasting in Tiffany’s Car:
Planetshakers, Rita Springer, Shawn McDonald, Pink, Bruno Mars, Colbie Caillat, Kelly Clarkson, Skillet, Taylor Swift, and Veggie Tales for the kids.
Favorite Activities:
Reading, sleeping, playing with my kids.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
Have a professional teach you how to do your hair.
Fears:
Dying a slow, painful death. Just get it over with!
High on Tiffany's Bucket List:
Travel through Europe.
Passion/Dreams:
Helping others in need.
Contact Tiffany:

Joanne Domagala

Executive Pastor

Joanne Domagala

Joanne was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. She has been married for over 30 years to her husband Michael and has 4 kids and 3 grandchildren. Joanne worked as a Church Administrator for 10+ years prior to leaving to help to start Epic. She currently splits her time between Epic and working as a Contracts Analyst for a Clinical Research Organization. She has a BA in Organizational Management from Eastern University.

Joanne is the glue that holds Epic together and the oil that keeps Epic running smoothly, as well as several other clever metaphors that are helpful. As someone who has adopted four and fostered over forty children, Joanne has a genuine passion for people. This passion shows in everything that Joanne brings to Epic Church and the people she meets.

EXTRAS:

On Joanne's DVR:
The Apprentice, Top Chef, and Project Runway. It’s just fun to watch people work at excelling in a given field under pressure. Plus, I like competition – I think it would be fun to be on The Apprentice. I also like American Idol.
On Joanne’s VHS/DVD/Blu-Ray Shelf:
I love, love, love the movie A Beautiful Mind. Other than that, my favorites are mostly movies that make me laugh or think. And for sure I won’t watch anything scary. I can’t handle it.
Favorite Disney movie:
Remember the Titans and Toy Story.
Blasting in Joanne’s Car:
Bruno Mars, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, Adele, and Coldplay.
Favorite Activities:
I like playing euchre (if you’re from the Midwest you probably know this card game) and getting together with a group of people for a game night. I also really love going to church leadership conferences and reading books related to leadership and church growth. This is fun for me.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?
I’d probably give advice about not worrying about things that don’t matter. Have fun, don’t worry about what people think, and work hard at what is important.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?
Definitely Justin Bieber.
Fears:
Spiders. Scary movies.
High on Joanne's Bucket List:
Get rid of the mini-van, move to Center City, and learn to navigate public transportation.
Passion/Dreams:
I want my life to make a difference in this world by following God’s leading and living wholeheartedly for him. When it’s all over, I want how I spent my time on earth to have really mattered.
Contact Joanne:

Matt Delvecchio

Media Director

Matt Delvecchio

Matt was born in Philadelphia, and grew up in Norristown. He went to Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a BS in Electronic Media with a concomitant in Business Administration (concomitant being a fancy word meaning "accompanying"—you're allowed to be impressed). He’s putting that degree to use doing post-production work for Center City Film and Video.

Matt is our media director at Epic Church. He's the guy who puts the great videos together that you see at Epic. Matt puts his skills as a (self-admitted) technology nerd and his commitment to excellence to work for our services at Epic, and we're so grateful for the outstanding job he does. This job keeps him pretty busy and up late at night...but still he loves technology, always and forever (see Napolean Dynamite).

Matt also can grow a beard better than anyone on staff, hands down.

EXTRAS:

On Matt's DVR:
Big Bang, Criminal Minds, Modern Family, Gold Rush, The Walking Dead, House, The Office
On Matt’s VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars (the originals), Back to the Future, Anchor Man, Elf, etc.
Blasting in Matt’s Car:
Hot Chelle Rae, Hillsong, T Swift, Good Charlotte, Goo Goo Dolls, 90's Music

What would you say  to a thirteen-year- old you?:

I would say, "Don’t be afraid of what other people think."
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?:
Justin Bieber (I'm not proud of that answer though)
Fears:
Cockroaches, Snakes, Being alone, Losing family and friends
High on Matt's Bucket List:
Drive a $250,000 car and travel to lots of places.
Passion/Dreams:
Using media to connect people to God.
Contact Matt:

Paul Heggie

Worship Pastor

Paul Heggie

Paul was born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Before moving to Philadelphia, he spent five years in State College, PA. Most of that time was spent earning a BS in Secondary Education with English/Communications options at Penn State University (the rest of the time was spent on ill-advised daredevil adventures). In June 2008, he tied the knot with the love of his life, Lindsey. He currently works as an English teacher, which allows him to be a big kid amongst a group of littler kids. Actually, some of them are bigger than him.

At Epic, Paul is part of the teaching team and leads worship. He's usually playing the keyboard and singing, and occasionally hopping around like a disoriented kangaroo. Just look for the skinny Asian guy.

EXTRAS:

On Paul's DVR:
Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, The Colbert Report, How I Met Your Mother, and I always am game for reruns of The Office, Lost, and Scrubs.
On Paul's VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
Dumb and Dumber, Billy Madison, Batman Begins, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Elf, Anchorman, Braveheart, and Hook.
Blasting in Paul's Car:
Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, Coldplay, Sleeping At Last, Switchfoot, Jimmy Eat World, The Civil Wars, soundtracks, and much more. And if I'm completely honest, Taylor Swift. There. I said it.
Favorite Activities:
Anything that spikes my adrenaline, gives me a good view, or lets me be in great conversation with people.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
You know how you’re a skinny nerd who loves comic books? In ten years, you’ll still be a skinny nerd who loves comic books. Deal with it.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?:
Oh, Michael Bolton. Is that even a question? Have you seen the man's hair?
Fears:
Marionettes, people touching my Adam's apple, and marionettes touching my Adam's apple.
High on Paul's Bucket List:
Travel to every U.S. National Park, fly in a wingsuit, and prove that hidden drug ingredients are the reason why Tostitos Lime chips are so addictive.
Passion/Dreams:
Making life an adventure and making it count. Helping people (and myself) find hope and redemption and connection to God.
Contact Paul:

Lindsey Heggie

Worship Arts Leader

Lindsey Heggie

Lindsey was born and raised in State College, PA. Ever since she was young, she has been singing and using her voice in worship. Lindsey is also the fashionista of Epic’s staff, frequently brightening up any room that she is in (both figuratively and literally). In 2008, she married the disoriented kangaroo referenced above; how proud she is. Currently and appropriately, Lindsey runs a department in a major clothing retail store.

At Epic, Lindsey sings and leads worship and helps run our Junior High life group.

EXTRAS:

On Lindsey's DVR:
Mad Men, Grey's Anatomy, LOST, Intervention, Hoarders.
On Lindsey's VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
Father of the Bride, Harry Potter Series, any and all Disney movies, Dirty Dancing, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Home Alone 1 & 2.
Blasting in Lindsey's Car:
Sbtrkt, The Civil Wars, The Joy Formidable, Foster the People, Copeland, The Head and The Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Fun, Bethel, Gungor, Mumford & Sons, Avett Brothers, and more.
Favorite Activities:
Reading and reading some more. Is shopping a hobby? Hanging out in coffee shops and/or Barnes and Noble for hours upon hours. Being with friends.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
Please just wax your eyebrows.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?:
The Biebs for sure.
Fears:
Clowns, large furry spiders, drowning, and the day I won't be able to wear high heels anymore.
High on Lindsey's Bucket List:
Travel to Italy and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.
Passion/Dreams:
I just want to see people be free, and I want to live my life in such a way that pushes people to find that freedom and dwell in that place.
Contact Lindsey:

Meridyth Lanza

Worship Pastor

Meridyth Lanza

Meridyth was born in Seaford, Delaware and grew up in Scranton, PA (before Dunder Mifflin moved in), and then moved to Kissimmee, Florida. Because she loved the PA weather so much, though, she moved back to PA (...or something like that.). She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Church Music in 2011.

At Epic, Meridyth leads worship. She brings her passion and heart for helping people connect with God every Sunday.

EXTRAS:

On Meridyth's DVR:
Friends, American Idol, Modern Family, The Office, Parenthood, Face-Off
On Meridyth's VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
A League Of Their Own, Dumb and Dumber, The Help, seasons of Modern Family and Friends.
Favorite Disney Movie:
Fox and The Hound… wait! The Little Mermaid. ….wait!!!..….Remember the Titans.
Blasting in Meridyth's Car:
Jesus Culture, Coldplay, Rita Springer, Brian McKnight, Hillsong, Bethel Live, and all kinds-o-junk.
Favorite Activities:
Volleyball, music, spending time with family/friends.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
Be just a little bit more open-minded. You have good intentions, just try to express them differently sometimes.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?
Sorry Biebs…..Michael Bolton.
Fears:
Anything little…and furry, definitely not cool. And losing people that I love.
High on Meridyth's Bucket List:
Learn to play all kinds of instruments.
Passion/Dreams:
Helping people find the life of restoration, hope, and grace that's meant for them.
Contact Meridyth:

Jake Rainwater

Campus Pastor

Jake Rainwater

Jake was born in Los Angeles, California and moved to Lancaster at the age of nine. He went to Geneva College where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, before earning his Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Princeton University.

Jake currently works at AECOM Water, a drinking water and wastewater consulting engineering firm (so feel free to direct all your questions about Philadelphia's "special" water to him). He resides in Roxborough with his wife of 12 years, Alison, and three kids, Anya, Micah, and Elaina. At Epic, Jake is the campus pastor of the Manayunk location, shares some of the teaching load on Sundays with Kent, and charms us all with his elephant-sized heart (figuratively elephant-sized...figurative.).

EXTRAS:

On Jake's DVR:
Undercover Boss, Psych, Monk, Cosby Show.
On Jake’s VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
What about Bob?, Groundhog Day, Nacho Libre, Amazing Grace, A Beautiful Mind, Rocky IV.
Blasting in Jake's Car:
Hillsong United, Sarah Groves, Bill Hybels.
Favorite Activities:
Dates with my wife, anything with my kids (Okay, Barbies isn't exactly on the top of my list), eating Mexican food, basketball, playing cards, playing corn hole.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?
Don't try to grow up too fast. Give your parents the benefit of the doubt - they really do want what's best for you.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?
Is the dentist an option?
Fears:
Justin Beiber concerts, boys wanting to date my daughters, Boot Scootin' Boogie - really any public dancing.
High on Jake's Bucket List:
Defeating my 4 year-old in UNO. She changes the rules every time.
Passion/Dreams:
Seeing people come alive because they know they're doing what God created them to do. Helping men love and lead their families.
Contact Jake:

Josh Slaughter

Web Director

Josh Slaughter

Josh was born in Warren, Michigan and grew up in Troy, Michigan. After graduating from Oakland University with a BS in Computer Engineering, he now works as a web developer for a wire and cable distributor. That means he's good with computers. He also has been married to his amazing wife, Ashley, since 2009, and until a few years ago, was proudly driving around his 1986 black Fiero GT.

At Epic, Josh handles our online presence, so thank him for this great site. Not only does he do a great job with all our website needs (which isn't easy), he's a welcome presence for Epic on Sundays with hospitality and helping Epic run smoothly..

EXTRAS:

On Josh's DVR:
30 Rock, The Office, Community, and Bones. I like crime dramas. Law & Order SVU and Criminal Mind are probably my favorite. I'm also a fan of sci-fi shows like Fringe and The X-Files (from back in the day).
On Josh's VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
Comedies and action movies. I'm not the kind of guy who’s so much concerned about the acting but more so being entertained by the action. All the Fast and Furious movies: not great acting but very entertaining action sequences
Blasting in Josh's Car:
R&B and Contemporary Jazz (C-Jazz). C-Jazz favorites are Down to the Bone, and Four80East. R&B chart toppers on my playlist would be Anthony Hamilton, Raheem Devaughn, and Musiq Soulchild.
Favorite Activities:
Playing/watching soccer and tinkering with electronics...I love new toys!.
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
I would say, "Thirteen-year-old Josh, buy shares in Apple and Google!".
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?
I would rather be at a Justin Bieber concert. Since he's a protégée of Usher, I'll be hoping that he taught the Biebs some sweet dance moves.
Fears:
I hate bees. I'll play it cool when I'm with a group of people, but if I'm by myself I would totally freak out!
High on Josh's Bucket List:
I would love to take a tour through Europe and stop at each major city in those countries and watch a professional soccer game.
Passion/Dreams:
I really enjoy the conveniences of technology and I really want to leverage that to make what we do and finding out who God is as easy for as many people as possible. Technology is so intertwined in our lives; I want to be part of using that to help others connect to God.
Contact Josh:

Ashley Slaughter

Hospitality Director

Ashley Slaughter

Another Michigan native, Ashley was born in Pontiac, Michigan and grew up in Ortonville (that’s in Michigan, too). Ashley was trained to be a medic and nurse in the Army and spent four years in the Army Reserves. Ashley graduated with a BA in Communications from Oakland University and spent some time with Teach for America. She has been married to her husband Josh since 2009, up to which point she could fit everything she owned in her car!

Ashley heads up our hospitality at Epic. She's responsible for giving us that extra boost in the morning when the sheer joy of coming to church at 10:15 or 9 (or 7) is dipping a little bit (doesn't happen to any of us, of course.....). Nothing says hello like tables of free food and coffee. This may be one of the most important jobs at Epic, and Ashley does an awesome job.

EXTRAS:

On Ashley's DVR:
Law and Order SVU. Even though it gives my nightmares, I still watch it because I love it so much. Also The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report.
On Ashley's iPod:
Ne-yo, Anthony Hamilton, Lady Antebellum, and Usher.
On Ashley's Netflix:
Forrest Gump.
Best Bill Murray Movie Ever:
Ghostbusters. I still think about green goo that turns into a monster coming out of the faucet every time I take a bath.
Favorite Activities:
Eating healthy, exercising, reading, traveling
You're stranded on a desert island and can only have two possessions. What are they (besides your Bible, of course)?
A desert island survival guide and plastic bag so my survival guide won't wet!
Fears:
Unsolved Mysteries, because they are unsolved!!!!
Passion:
Trying to making the world a better place with everything I do. Convincing people to treat their bodies well by eating healthy foods!

Bruce Meier

Director of Engagement

Bruce Meier

Bruce is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to London, with his wife Genevieve, in 2001. There he worked as a producer & production manager in advertising & TV for companies like the Discovery Channel & Channel 4 Television. They moved to Brussels in Belgium for a short time before relocating to Philadelphia in 2011.

Bruce is our Director of Engagement (possibly the coolest sounding job title) which involves looking at how Epic communicates and engages with people. Bruce is also part of the tech team where he helps out with the video production.

EXTRAS:

On Bruce's DVR:
How I Met Your Mother, Dexter, Top Gear, Two & a Half Men, 24, Heroes, Scrubs.
On Bruce's VHS/DVD/Blu-ray Shelf:
Delicatessen, Tarantino films, Usual Suspects, Sherlock Holmes, The Artist, Monty Python.
Blasting in Bruce's Car:
Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz, Chemical Brothers, Hillsong, The Doors, Nina Simone, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Favorite Activities:
Getting out; museums, exhibitions, events, live music, Formula One, skiing, taking our cat for a walk!
What would you say to a thirteen-year-old you?:
Don’t get all bunched up over what you think people are thinking about you.
Would you rather be stuck at a Justin Bieber concert or a Michael Bolton concert?:
Justin Bieber (Fun fact: He speaks fluent French!)
Fears:
Snakes--you can’t trust anything that doesn’t have legs!
High on Bruce's Bucket List:
Do an expedition across a continent.
Passion/Dreams:
Working with people & teams, and together achieving something we never thought possible.
Contact Bruce:

Jordanna Kelly

Jordanna Kelly

Jordanna was born and raised in Iowa (Jordanna says, "No I did not live on a farm; we didn’t have chickens, pigs, or cows. We didn't grow anything either."). She went to Simpson College and earned a degree in Business Management. After promising to follow a friend where ever she went to grad school, Jordanna kept her word and moved to Philly in 2003. She’s currently working for an IT company that acts as an outsourced IT department for Small and Medium Sized Business.

Additionally, Jordanna would like you to know she can probably beat you in arm wrestling, and is taking on any and all challengers.

EXTRAS:

On Jordanna's DVR:
Prison Break, America's Next Top Model, Monk, Project Runway, Numb3rs.
On Jordanna's iPod:
Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw.
Fears:
Rodents. She throws up a little bit in her mouth when she sees anything that can scurry.
Passion:
LIFE. I hope that when I die, it won't be the beginning and end dates that matter, but the dash in between.
Contact Jordanna: