LEADERSHIP

CCFI was founded by Apostle Raffoul Najem and Bishop David Karaya, whose friendship, faith, and shared vision continue to guide the ministry today. They provide apostolic and executive oversight with wisdom, humility, and a deep love for the global church. Minister Donna Dougherty, who has been part of CCFI from the very beginning, serves as Director of Operations. Her steady leadership and heart for people have helped shape the ministry from its earliest days. Together, they form a trusted team devoted to building up leaders and advancing the Kingdom.

Apostle Raffoul Najem

Apostle Raffoul Najem was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and gave his life to Christ in 1971. After graduating from Life Bible College, he immigrated to the United States in 1976. He was ordained by Middle East Gospel Outreach Ministries in 1980 and by Faith Christian Fellowship International in 1994.

In 1982, he co-founded Community Christian Fellowship—now known as CCF Lowell, an international church with a heart for all people. For four decades, he faithfully served as Lead Pastor before passing the leadership to his daughter, Pastor Jennifer Najem.

Apostle Najem also co-founded Community Christian Academy & Daycare, which continues to serve families in the Greater Lowell area by providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent education for children from 3 months through 8th grade.

He helped initiate the Citywide Church of Greater Lowell, a collaborative movement of local churches working together to empower God’s people and impact the community.

His greatest passion, however, is equipping leaders and strengthening the global Church. As co-founder of CCFI (CCF Ministries, Inc.), he leads an apostolic movement dedicated to supporting churches, empowering Christian leaders, and resourcing faith-based organizations around the world. Through coaching, covering, and connection, CCFI helps leaders grow in spiritual maturity, ministry effectiveness, and Kingdom influence.

Apostle Najem is a visionary with a heart for the nations. His apostolic calling has taken him across the globe, where he continues to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom with clarity and compassion. As a spiritual father and mentor, he walks alongside pastors, leaders, and emerging voices who are called to transform lives and communities.

He moves in the power of the Holy Spirit with a message that is practical, relevant, and life-changing. He is the proud father of three adult children—Jennifer, Laura, and Joshua—and a joyful grandfather to two beloved granddaughters.

Apostle Najem's book, Strong Wings, is available on Amazon.

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Bishop David Karaya

Bishop David Karaya is a seasoned pastor, educator, and servant-leader whose ministry has impacted lives both in Kenya and the United States. He was called to ministry at the age of 20 and appointed as a local church pastor with the Assemblies of God Church in Kenya. Just three years later, he enrolled at the East Africa School of Theology, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology. While still in college, Bishop Karaya pioneered two churches.

His ministry continued to grow as he served in multiple leadership capacities, including Senior Pastor, Presbyter over 9 churches, Assistant Bishop, and later, Bishop of 166 churches. His pastoral care and administrative insight helped strengthen local congregations, encourage young leaders, and bring unity across church networks. In addition to his church leadership, Bishop Karaya also served at the East Africa School of Theology as Dean of Students, Lecturer, and Business Administrator, equipping future ministers for effective service in the Kingdom.

After relocating to the United States in 1999, Bishop Karaya pursued further theological training at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity in Education. His desire to continue learning and developing as a leader reflects his deep commitment to excellence and growth in ministry.

For a time, he served as President of the Kenya Pastors Fellowship, Inc. in New England in support of Kenyan pastors living and serving in the U.S.

In that same year—1999—Bishop Karaya and his wife, Pastor Rose, became members of Community Christian Fellowship (CCF Lowell). In 2009, he was appointed as a co-elder and co-pastor, a role in which he continues to serve with unwavering dedication.

In recent years Bishop Karaya also co-founded CCFI where he serves as the Vice President. His life reflects a deep love for God, a commitment to the local and global church, and a passion for building up leaders who will carry the message of Christ to future generations.

He is widely respected for his integrity, his pastoral heart, and his steady guidance. He and Pastor Rose continue to bless many through their faith, hospitality, and example.

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Minister Donna Dougherty

The daughter of two entrepreneurs, Donna Dougherty inherited a love for innovation and a deep motivation to make a difference in people’s lives. Entrepreneurship gave her the freedom to connect with others, meet real needs, and lead with purpose.

She co-founded Professional Support, Inc. (PSI), a medical software company in 1982, and served as Executive Director for the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions following its sale in 2001. Donna also co-founded two additional tech ventures—Provider Software, Inc. and GorilLAN, Inc.—which were sold in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Throughout her business career, she served in diverse leadership roles across operations, strategy, marketing, and HR—consistently applying her strengths to empower teams and advance both people and mission.

Donna earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2001. She later completed a Certificate of Ministry in 2009 and became a licensed minister in 2010 through Faith Christian Fellowship International. Her license was reaffirmed by CCF Ministries in 2019.

In 2004, Donna joined the staff at Community Christian Fellowship & Academy as Director of Operations, where she faithfully applied her business expertise for 20 years. Working in a ministry setting allowed her to live out her passion for making a lasting impact in the lives of others. In 2024, she transitioned to CCFI, where she now serves alongside the founding pastors—helping to lead the organization into a fresh season of growth, vision, and kingdom impact.