Mike Kaufman is the Congregational Leader of Congregation Sha’arei Shalom. Joining Sha'arei Shalom Fellowship in 2008, Mike's commitment grew steadily. He became an ordained elder in 2012 and recently took on the role of congregational leader in early 2024. Mike has dedicated himself to Messianic Jewish ministry for over 25 years, including serving as an assistant congregational leader, Bible teacher, homegroup leader, and head of men’s ministry.
Before devoting himself to his current role, Mike had a successful dual career. He served for two decades as a Navy Officer, followed by another 23 years working in North Carolina Public Health. On the academic side, Mike has a Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in Cary with his wife Lynn.
Seth Klayman serves as an Elder and board member. He was a part of Sha’arei’s founding leadership team and served as the spiritual leader for over eighteen years. Seth has been a member of the Executive Board of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and an integral part of numerous Messianic Jewish initiatives. His writings have been published in scholarly journals, Messianic Jewish publications, and the edited book Introduction to Messianic Judaism: Its Ecclesial Context and Biblical Foundations.
Seth holds a B.A. in Jewish Studies from The Ohio State University, a Graduate Diploma in Jewish Studies from Oxford University, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion (Judaic Studies) from Duke University, as well as Rabbinical ordination through the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. His areas of focus in his teaching and writing include Hebrew Bible, Jewishness of the Apostolic Writings, and roots and development of Messianic Judaism as a modern religious movement. Seth resides in Cary with his spouse Rachael and their three children.