Fire & Fellowship Ministries

A purpose being fulfilled…

Our mission is to provide exceptional hospitality through a variety of programs designed to enrich the lives of individuals and their families. We offer pastor retreat opportunities that foster spiritual renewal, organized prayer meetings to strengthen community bonds, and biblical teaching through seminary courses that deepen scriptural understanding. Additionally, we provide American history education through both online and classroom experiences. Our fellowship activities encourage meaningful connections among men, combining recreational activities with biblical studies. We also prioritize creating spaces for women to come together in fellowship, support, and spiritual growth.

Our Executive Council

  • Amber Smith

    CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Chris Work

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Daniel Smith

    CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

  • Adam Gorniak

    DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY OUTREACH

Committees

  • Daniel Smith

    Chair of Patriot Valley Ranch

  • Amber Smith

    Co-Chair of Patriot Valley Ranch

  • Adam Gorniak

    Chair of Men’s Outreach Ministry

  • Chris Work

    Chair of Patriot Academy

Church Ambassadors

  • Adam Gorniak

    Harborcreek Baptist Church

  • Dr. Kenton Andryc

    Albion Assembly of God

  • Wes Palmer

    First Alliance Church of Erie

  • Dr. John Diamond

    Corry Alliance Church

  • Bert Straub

    Erie First Assembly of God

Members of Committees

  • Rebecca LaDow

    Member of Patriot Academy

  • Elizabeth Smith

    Member of Patriot Academy

  • Daniel Smith

    Member of Patriot Academy and Men’s Outreach Ministry

  • Denise Powell

    Member of Patriot Academy

  • Chris Work

    Member of Men’s Outreach Ministry

  • Aimee Work

    Member of Patriot Academy

Overseers and Deacons

3 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of [a]overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 [b]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, [c]temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not overindulging in wine, not [d]a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation [e]incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into [f]disgrace and the snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [g]insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [h]Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but [i]temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and [j]good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a [k]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

—1 Timothy 3: 1-13 NASB

Qualifications of Elders

6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion. 7 For the [e]overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not [f]a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to [g]exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

—Titus 1: 6-9 NASB