Our Leadership

We have had the blessing of having world class leadership both from our strong heritage all the way to our newest director. Get to know our leaders below.

Rev. David Wilkerson

The late Rev. David Wilkerson was our Founder but also one of the most prophetic voices America has ever seen. Not only did he have the vision for Teen Challenge but also Times Square Church and many other ministries. His legacy and fingerprint on our ministry will continue to be seen long into the future.

Rev. Don Wilkerson

Rev. Don Wilkerson worked with his brother Rev. David Wilkerson in the earliest days to build Teen Challenge as well as see it grow all over the nation and the world. He is the author of several books and continues to write, and speak at ministries all over the world in addition to providing leadership to Brooklyn TC.

Rev. Paul Burke

Pastor Paul Burke has been serving the ministry of Teen Challenge since 2008 and became the Program Director here at Brooklyn in 2017. In 2020, he became the Executive Director. He is as ordained Assemblies of God Minister, as well as a graduate of Teen Challenge. Paul is married to Ashley Burke, who is also a graduate of Teen Challenge. Together they raise their 3 sons while continuing to serve God wholeheartedly. Pastor Paul lives by the standard that everybody deserves a second chance and that no life is out of reach of God’s grace .

Pastor Michael La Pietra

Michael is a graduate of the 2016 class of New York Teen Challenge. After graduating the program he came onboard as the ministry’s Development Coordinator and attended Bible school at the Assemblies of God. In 2019 Michael moved back to New Jersey to pioneer Crossroads Worship Center with lead Pastor Anthony DiGregorio. Michael was ordained in 2021 and still remains as a Pastor at this church. Last year Michael received a call from Pastor Paul Burke to return to Teen Challenge as the Director of Advancement and Public Relations.

Michael married his lovely wife, Tyann, a year ago and runs a real estate business with her. He also loves fishing and attending baseball games with his 12 year old son Maddox. He aspires to start a church and a Teen Challenge in his home state of New Jersey and is currently enrolled in school to become ordained with the Assemblies of God.

PASTOR PATRICK IMPELLI

Pastor Patrick Impelli is currently serving the ministry of Teen Challenge since 2022 and is the Program Manager at Brooklyn Adult and Teen Challenge since 2023. He is a licensed Assemblies of God Minister, an Elder at House on The Rock Church in Rockaway Beach and is a graduate of Teen Challenge in 2008. After graduating Teen Challenge, Patrick went onto Central Bible College and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Theology. Patrick went into the private sector running a successful garage door company but in 2021 Patrick felt God calling him back into full time ministry.

Patrick is married to Andrea Impelli, who is also a graduate of Teen Challenge and Central Bible College. Together they raise their 2 daughters while continuing to serve God wholeheartedly. Pastor Patrick lives by the standard that everybody deserves a second chance and that no life is out of reach of God’s grace.

Manuel Diaz

Manuel Diaz has been serving at Brooklyn Adult Teen Challenge since June of 2024. He is a graduate of Brockton MA Teen Challenge in 2020. Manuel served as a volunteer intern at Buffalo Teen Challenge before coming to Brooklyn Teen Challenge as staff. Manuel also served as a missionary at Teen Challenge in Jamaica for 4 months in 2010. Manuel is currently pursuing a bachelor's in divinity as well as a diploma in pastoral studies. His desire is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of Christ .

DAVID FLETCHER

David Fletcher has been serving on the leadership team of Brooklyn Adult and Teen Challenge since 2023 as the Admissions Coordinator/Student Services. David was a graduate of Adult and Teen Challenge Greater Boston in 2012. David has served in my local home church in different capacities: Usher, Outreach Ministry and one of the Men’s Ministry Leaders. In 2018, David obtained his bachelor’s degree from Touro College in Human Services with a concentration in Addiction. In 2020, David was led back to Massachusetts where he became a part of the Adult and Teen Challenge Worcester leadership as the Development Supervisor. David is seeking to further his education and obtain a degree in Theology.David serves the Lord alongside his wonderful wife Orlantha, and they do so Enthusiastically!

Pastor CHARLES SIMPSON

Charles Simpson was raised in Tennessee, the eleventh of twelve children. As a teenager, he was radically saved and received a missionary call to New York City where he has spent most of his adult life, pastoring, planting churches, and working in Bible schools for decades. While serving as the pastor of prayer at Times Square Church, he married his wife, Lynn. They have worked alongside many great leaders such as David and Don Wilkerson and he has served at Brooklyn Teen Challenge for over ten years, currently as the Education Supervisor.