LAKEFRONT ASSESMBLY
An In-depth review of our Church History
Our History
History of New Covenant Assembly – Lakefront Assembly
New Covenant Assembly of God (NCA) has been influential in our community, in the lives of many families and in worldwide missions for more than 40 years. In south Seminole county we have evangelized various neighborhoods, as well as, partnered with various ministries to those in need, single mothers, the sick, orphans, foster children and those in prison. We are dedicated to bringing the love of God to those around us.
New Covenant Assembly of God began in 1985 with the merger of Christian Assembly and New Covenant Fellowship. Christian Assembly was founded in 1979 and Pastored by Greg Rice. New Covenant Fellowship was planted by New Life Assembly in Sanford and Pastored by Phil Waisanen and Robert Hazen.
Initially after the merger, the church met only on Sundays at a couple of different rented locations, as well as in homes. At that time, we had 3 pastors and a youth minister, Chris Maxwell. After about a year the church, under the leadership of Pastor Bob Hazen, began to move forward in its vision of expanding and building the Kingdom of God.
In 1987, New Covenant bought the property on Lake Drive, in Casselberry, where we met in the house and, weather permitting, screened-in shed. We quickly outgrew the house and shed and soon built the Sanctuary. Most of the work on the sanctuary was done by volunteer members of the church. Ken Peterson was the contractor; Lou Rice was the construction supervisor; Stan Guillemette supervised the carpentry and roofing, and John Taylor supervised and installed the interior wood ceiling and the finish carpentry. There were many men and women who helped with everything from start to finish.
In 1995 the church added the education Building and church offices. Again, many volunteers contributed to the construction project. Steve Hogue was the Youth Minister and Eric Park was the Children’s Pastor.
Worship Leaders have been Duane DeGeus, Doug Kensrue, Ruth Scheffimiller, Norma Stewart, Josh Barker, Jeron Brownell, Nate Liaconi, and Karli Godwin.
In 2002, Bob Hazen retired after 15 years as senior pastor. We honor the many years of faithful service and godly example of Pastor Bob and Ginny. Without the vision and leadership Bob poured into our body, New Covenant would not have the heart, the legacy and the future that it has today.
In January of 2003 Mark Davenport became Pastor and resigned 2 years later.
In February of 2006, David Hogg became the pastor. David was here for 5 years. Donna Hogg began serving as our church secretary and children’s leader and David Jr. led worship. Wheeler Newman was the youth pastor, followed by Greg Conley.
Spencer Ball became the interim pastor during the fall of 2011 and Lynsey Ball directed the children’s ministry.
In January of 2012, Greg Rice became the senior pastor. Spencer Ball continued on as associate pastor until he and his family left for the mission field in Romania. Marcia Adams became the children’s director. Worship was led by several local music ministers.
In 2020 Dave Carrington became the Pastoral Partner and officially became the pastor in 2024. He and his wife, Kristi have faithfully served our church. Their daughter and son-in-law Layla and Isaac Perez serve as children’s pastors.
In 2025, Robert “Mo” Mahoney became our Youth and Young Adult pastor.
During all these years we’ve had many men and women in leadership: Ray McConnel, Lou Rice, Doug Kensrue, Steve Grier, Leon Steinmeyer, Ed Hinchey, Brad Turner (taught classes for many years) Bob Dempsey, Eric Park and Dan Anderson (who were Children’s Pastors), Rudy Koubek (Royal Rangers, Maintenance), Dennis Stewart, Jane Koubek (Missionettes), Cesar Melecio, Bill Stewart. Since 2020, Bill Drehobl has served faithfully as a deacon and elder. Since 2025 Billy Drehobl and Ross Bracken has been added as Deacons serving as tech support and groundskeeping.
Several ladies have been the church secretary: Martha Hogue, Linda Fowler, Judy Turner, Rachel Conrad, Donna Hogg, Kathy Melecio and Jackie Drehobl.
Many of our youth have grown up and had their weddings here. Many of their children now attend NCA.
Many have served faithfully on the worship team for years; notably Chris Linck, John and Chris Taylor, Kristin Wiseman, Bill Stewart, Steve Grier; Kathy Melecio, and now we’re thrilled to see the next generation involved; including Trevor, Rachelle and Brantley, more recently Nate and Kasey Licioni, Karly Godwin.
The services would be at a loss without the faithful men behind the sound, Kurt Adams, Bill Drehobl; and Billy Drehobl on live streaming and presentation slides
We honor all who have been faithful to serve God. There are many names who have been left out of this history. Not because what they did was unimportant or unappreciated, but simply because the length of the list would be too much for anyone to read and appreciate and because of pure human forgetfulness. Thank you for serving God, us and investing your life in the vision and future of NCA.
New Covenant Assembly has been blessed by several authors, missionaries, worship leaders, and other Men and Women of God who have gone on to have a lasting impact on their local, national and international communities.
In 2026, New Covenant Assembly will become Lakefront Assembly. Although our name and the faces may have changed over the years, the same Spirit continues to attract new believers to worship our Lord and Savior with us.
Originally published in 2012. Updated 2016 Updated 2025.