Meet theTeam
David and Sarah Leake
David and Sarah Leake, along with their two sons James and Johnny, are originally from Pittsburgh, PA. After 12 years of ministry at Allison Park Church, they’re stepping out to start Salt Church.
David is passionate about developing young leaders and helping people discover a vibrant, daily relationship with Jesus. Sarah has a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and at home, and she’s excited to help create a community built on deep, authentic relationships.
Together, they’re building a church where people can encounter God and grow in faith.
Gilbert & Stefanie Ackerman
Gilbert and Stefanie Ackerman, along with their daughter Aven, are from the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania.
Gilbert has worked in Next Gen Ministry for the last 12 years, of which youth ministry has been a long-standing focus. Stefanie has spent the last 10 years doing missions and local outreach. Together, they love to develop and launch young people into their calling whether it’s at their school, work, vocational ministry, or on the missions field.
They are excited to be joining David and Sarah in planting a church in St. Johns, FL.
Our Journey
In the fall of 2024, David and Sarah began sensing a stirring from God that change was coming. By April 2025, the call became clear: Jacksonville, Florida.
Not long after, someone who knew nothing of their plans gave Sarah a prophetic word describing a garden, a seed, and the call to plant. It was exactly what God had already been speaking. With hearts full of faith, they’re planting Salt Church, launching fall 2026 as part of the Assemblies of God. Their dream was a church that grows from the ground up into a Spirit-filled, life-giving home for many.
