Meet The Pastor

Joseph Pennella

“God has blessed my life. Ever since I have dedicated my life to Him, He opens opportunities for me to serve Him. I always long to find ways to serve Him better as each day passes. My prayer still remains "In whatever way I can be used, Lord use me." Pastor Joseph Pennella

Born in and raised in Morra De Sanctis, Province of Avellino, Italy, Pastor Pennella’s first exposure to the Christian life was when his father came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, Pastor Pennella was raised in a Christian home while his father became the assistant pastor in his city. As early as the age of 12, Pastor Pennella served in his church as the alternate-worship leader, and led songs when the primary worship leader wasn’t available. He also accompanied his father in all the visitations to church members and friends. Even with his Christian background and church activities, however, he didn’t yet have his own experience with Christ

But on December 22, 1962, at the age of 15, he received the Lord as his personal savior.

“What a change happened in my life! I decided to follow Christ and I made my covenant with the Lord to serve Him.” Pastor Pennella

He became an active member and servant in the Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica di Lioni, Provincia di Avellino, which was led by Pastor Rocco Ciotta. At the age of 16, in the month of August, Pastor Pennella was called to the ministry. This was confirmed with the Word of God – Romans 10: 14-17:

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written

“ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

With the call of God was clearly on his life, Pastor Pennella served in various churches. In 1963, he immigrated to Switzerland from Italy, where he served as one of the youth leaders in a local church in the city of Solocturn, led by Paster Straub. In the following year, he became the assistant pastor in his Church. During this time, the Pastor also completed correspondence courses at Assemblee di Dio, Department of Education. He continued his education by completing studies at Istitito Biblico Bereano. Later, in America he completed correspondence courses at the Liberty Bible Institute.

The Pastor continued serving in the church and in 1968, while vacationing in Italy and during a church visit, he met his wife. He was married to Tina Sica on July 27, 1969. He and his wife immigrated to America on November 22, 1969. He immediately became a member of the Full Gospel Assembly and very involved in church activities: a member of the board and a Sunday school teacher. He preached in various times; and visited other churches and as a result, he met Reverend Frank Fortunato, who introduced him to the IFCA - International Fellowship Christian Assembly (formerly known as CCNA, Christian Church of North America).

Pastor Pennella pioneered and served as Pastor of the Italian Christian Church in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1984, he was appointed to the Evangelical Christian Church, where he still serves as Pastor.

Pastor Pennella also serves as the Eastern District Region Presbyter for the IFCA, where he helps the newer churches organize and establish themselves under the umbrella of IFCA’s oversight. His personal ministry has taken him all over the world where he visits and preaches in Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chili, Guyana & Surinam, Italy, Uruguay and Venezuela. He also served as the keynote Speaker for a Pastor’s Convention.

During his time in Waterbury, Pastor Pennella has been involved with local ministries as well - such as the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship and Gideons Fellowship. He was also active in the Billy Graham Crusade.

Pastor Pennella currently resides in Connecticut with his wife Tina. The Lord has blessed the Pastor and his wife with four children, Sara, Gionaton, Jerry, and Melanie and with two grandchildren.

This text will be replaced by the flash music player.