Ryan Lantaff
Lead Pastor
Born in 1980 in Custer, South Dakota and raised in Alabama from the age of four, Ryan Lantaff is a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Kathleen and a proud father. Today, he serves as the Lead Pastor of Agape Life Gardens, a Christ-centered recovery ministry born out of his own journey from addiction to redemption. Ryan began struggling with drugs and alcohol at just 13 years old—a battle that spanned over two decades and led to repeated trouble. Everything changed on February 12, 2017, when Ryan surrendered his life to Jesus Christ during his time at the Wings of Life recovery program in Mobile, Alabama. There, he received a divine vision for what would later become Agape Life Gardens, founded to help others break free from addiction through discipleship and the Gospel. Following treatment, Ryan poured himself into ministry and service. He worked at The Shoulder, helped build the outreach department at People Engaged in Recovery (PEIR) as a trainer and leader, and later served as its Executive Director. All the while, he continued nurturing Agape Life Gardens, which officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in January 2019. In addition to his work with Agape, Ryan and Kathleen also run Lillian Transport LLC, providing compassionate crisis transportation for individuals seeking treatment and mental health care. He has also served in ministry leadership roles, including Assistant Pastor at Northside Bible Church and Love Me Anyway Ministries. Today, Ryan is fully committed to the calling God placed on his life: to share the transforming power of Jesus and walk alongside others on the path to healing and restoration.
Matthew G. Murray
Assistant Pastor/Men's Ministry Director
Assistant Pastor/Men's Ministry Director
Born on May 28, 1980, in Gulfport, Mississippi, Matthew G. Murray is a devoted husband to Billie Murray and proud father of one. His life’s journey is a powerful testimony of God’s redeeming grace.
Matthew began battling addiction at an early age, leading to a 23-year struggle with drugs and alcohol. In June 2019, everything changed when he entered The City of Refuge for Men—a Christ-centered recovery home. It was there that the Lord saved and radically transformed his life, doing what only God can do.
He remained at The City of Refuge for five and a half years, growing in faith, discipline, and leadership. In February 2025, Matthew answered God’s call to join Agape Life Gardens, where he now serves as Assistant Pastor.
With a heart full of gratitude, Matthew is honored to be part of this life-giving ministry, walking alongside others in their journeys of healing and discipleship. He is passionate about sharing the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ and helping others discover their God-given purpose.
Matthew began battling addiction at an early age, leading to a 23-year struggle with drugs and alcohol. In June 2019, everything changed when he entered The City of Refuge for Men—a Christ-centered recovery home. It was there that the Lord saved and radically transformed his life, doing what only God can do.
He remained at The City of Refuge for five and a half years, growing in faith, discipline, and leadership. In February 2025, Matthew answered God’s call to join Agape Life Gardens, where he now serves as Assistant Pastor.
With a heart full of gratitude, Matthew is honored to be part of this life-giving ministry, walking alongside others in their journeys of healing and discipleship. He is passionate about sharing the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ and helping others discover their God-given purpose.
Kathleen Lantaff
Women's Ministry Director
If you were born here, you know there is nothing like growing up around the Mobile River Delta in the Heart of Dixie! Bonfires, boat rides, hunting, mosquito bites, and late night swims were all a part of my youth! I came from a great family that had a lot of love, but even good family roots are no match against darkness and bad choices. I started using around 13 years old, but gave my heart to Jesus at 18 years old and was radically transformed!
In 2020, when the world was changing, I realized there was more to being a Christian than just going to church on Wed and Sunday. God had more. In January of 2022, after a series of events, God clearly called me to Chickasaw. I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Treasurer, am learning to write grants, and help with events and transportation. I hope you find where God has called you, if you have not done so already!
If you were born here, you know there is nothing like growing up around the Mobile River Delta in the Heart of Dixie! Bonfires, boat rides, hunting, mosquito bites, and late night swims were all a part of my youth! I came from a great family that had a lot of love, but even good family roots are no match against darkness and bad choices. I started using around 13 years old, but gave my heart to Jesus at 18 years old and was radically transformed!
In 2020, when the world was changing, I realized there was more to being a Christian than just going to church on Wed and Sunday. God had more. In January of 2022, after a series of events, God clearly called me to Chickasaw. I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Treasurer, am learning to write grants, and help with events and transportation. I hope you find where God has called you, if you have not done so already!
Billy Barnes
House Manager
Originally from Tennessee, Billy Barnes has been living in sobriety for over five years and is a powerful example of what it means to walk in freedom through faith. Since November 18th, 2023, Billy has been a dedicated part of the Agape Life Gardens family, serving faithfully as the House Manager at The Williams Place Men’s Home.
Billy is a faithful member of Love Me Anyway Ministries, where he actively serves by feeding the homeless and mentoring the men at Agape, offering encouragement, wisdom, and accountability to those seeking transformation. His steady leadership and servant’s heart have made a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Outside of ministry, Billy finds peace and joy in the great outdoors. He loves hiking, kayaking, camping, and spending quality time with his beloved niece and nephew, Milo and Ruby, as a proud and loving uncle.
Billy’s life is a testament to God's grace, and he is passionate about helping others discover hope, healing, and their God-given purpose.
Billy is a faithful member of Love Me Anyway Ministries, where he actively serves by feeding the homeless and mentoring the men at Agape, offering encouragement, wisdom, and accountability to those seeking transformation. His steady leadership and servant’s heart have made a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Outside of ministry, Billy finds peace and joy in the great outdoors. He loves hiking, kayaking, camping, and spending quality time with his beloved niece and nephew, Milo and Ruby, as a proud and loving uncle.
Billy’s life is a testament to God's grace, and he is passionate about helping others discover hope, healing, and their God-given purpose.