Our Story - The Beginning

Bayshore Christian Fellowship began on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1995, when the late Rev. Joseph S. Ruggerio planted a Spirit‑filled church in the Bayshore region. Originally known as Bayshore Gospel Center, the ministry grew out of a simple home Bible study for seniors and soon became a new Assemblies of God congregation commissioned by First Assembly of God of Shrewsbury, NJ. Pastor Joe laid a foundation of prayer, worship, and love for people that still shapes our identity today.

Founding Pastor
Rev. Joseph S. Ruggerio in his younger years, known in the music world as Joey Powers before God called him into ministry.

The Journey

Memories

Worship on East Front Street

A worship moment with Pastor Mike from the time our church met at the Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church building on Front Street, Keyport, NJ.

Reformed Church Days

A moment of worship by our youth praise team from our days when we met gathered at the Reformed Church of Keyport.

Prayer For Our Youth

Ministry moment at our former location at the Reformed Church of Keyport building - Pastor Mike blesses the youth of our church.

Commissioning

The commissioning of Pastor Jacob and Danielle as our youth pastors in 2016.

Tent Worship

A view of our tent set up for worship in the backyard of a Bayshore member during the COVID‑19 pandemic season.

Tent Days

Prayer worship and the word in the rain snow or shine.

Wintry Worship

Snow on the ground, heaters running, and praise lifted up during our pandemic tent season.

The Upper Room

A moment of worship from our season at the Keyport Elks Lodge.

Worship On the Bayshore

Lifting up His name for all to see at our Sound of Hope event on the Keyport waterfront.

In the early years, Pastor Michael Shahid joined Pastor Joe in the work, serving faithfully at his side. When Pastor Joe followed God’s call to serve as a missionary to Russia in 2001, Pastor Mike stepped into the role of senior pastor. Under his leadership, Bayshore Christian Fellowship continued to grow, gathering in various locations throughout Keyport and Matawan—partnering with other churches, meeting in banquet halls, and even worshiping under a tent during the pandemic season. Through every transition, God proved faithful, and our church family remained committed to the Lord.

After 29 years of ministry, Pastor Mike followed the Lord’s leading to Tennessee in 2025. The church board chose to continue the work God began decades earlier and partnered with the New Jersey District of the Assemblies of God to welcome Rev. Jacob Luckhart as Interim Pastor. Jacob and his wife, Danielle, first joined Bayshore Christian Fellowship in 2016, serving in youth ministry and worship. After years of involvement and a deep love for the church, Jacob was elected as the long‑term pastor in June 2026.

A New Season

Today, Bayshore Christian Fellowship is in a season of renewal and revitalization. We remain a Spirit‑filled church committed to equipping the saints, shining our light in the Bayshore community, and building a welcoming place where people can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. We honor our past with gratitude and step into the future with faith, confident that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6)."

Lead Pastor Rev. Jacob Luckhart