Our Staff
Rev. AJ Smith, Senior Minister
AJ Smith serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Branford, CT. He previously pastored a congregation in Philadelphia, PA and during that time grew in his passions for Christian community, contemplative spirituality, theology, and justice. AJ and his wife Leah have 4 children.
Education
B.S. in Biblical Studies, Clarks Summit University (2008)
Master of Divinity, Cairn University School of Divinity (2013)
Doctoral Student, Fuller Seminary (D.Min in Spiritual Direction)
Article Publications
Christianity Today
Relevant Magazine
Fathom Magazine
Converge Magazine
Jesus Radicals
The Witness: A Black Christian Collective
Book Contributions
Pray a Word a Day Volume 2
Pray a Word for Hope
Pray a Word for Strength (2024)
Michael Cretella, Organist and Choir Director
Mr. Cretella earned undergraduate degrees in music and clinical psychology from the University of New Haven along with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. He has lived in East Haven all his life. He speaks two languages, French and English.
Mr. Cretella teaches calligraphy to adults at the East Haven High School. He has taught piano lessons since 1985 and owns four pianos. Mr. Cretella is the organist and choir director for First Baptist Church in Branford.
Don Hackett, Church Administrator
Don Hackett is a lifelong shoreline resident. He was a bookseller in New Haven for many years in addition to his work for various arts organizations.
He has managed Audience Services and box office operations for the NHSO, the Shubert Theater, The International Festival of Arts & Ideas, and The New Haven Chorale.
He lives in East Haven with his wife, Peggy, and their bulldog, Pinky.