New Life Staff
Pastor Joshua J. Ellis -
Senior Pastor
Pastor Josh is a distinguished graduate of Christ For Nations in Dallas, Texas, holding a degree in Practical Theology. He also holds a degree in Business Management from Monroe County Community College, where he graduated with high honors, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honors society, and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Together with his wife, Sarah, they have been dedicated to ministry since 1998, initially founding a vibrant young adult group at Christ Church, Ft. Worth, Texas. Their ministry journey led them to the New Life team in 2003, where they established a thriving young adult and college-age ministry. Sarah, became the primary worship minister. After nine years of steadfast service in the young adult and college-age ministry, Pastor Josh assumed the senior role in January 2012.
Pastor Sarah Ellis -
Worship Pastor
Pastor Sarah's journey with New Life Church began at birth with her parents being a part of the founding. In 1998, she ventured to Dallas, Texas, to delve into the realms of theology and music ministry. At Christ for the Nations, she earned her Practical Theology Diploma with a minor in music ministry. It was here that she and Pastor Josh crossed paths, igniting the start of their shared ministry as students.
In 2003, both Pastor Josh and Sarah responded to the call to return to New Life Church, driven by a shared purpose to make a significant impact on their generation. Together, they have been integral in shaping the spiritual landscape of the church, honoring the past and leading into the future.
Brandon Hauser - Associate Pastor
Pastor Brandon grew up going to New Life Church. At the age of 18, he felt the Lord calling him into the ministry. He graduated from Eugene Bible College in 2007, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pastoral Studies and Bible and a minor in youth ministry.
He has ministered in different capacities from college age, youth, children, and homegroup ministries.
His heart is to see people fall in love with Jesus, pursue Him with their whole heart on a daily basis, and grow in their relationship with Him.
Gabe Cole - Tech Director
Gabe has been a lifelong attendee of New Life, as his family began attending in 2001. He is a graduate of Bedford High School where he most enjoyed machining class and playing soccer. Gabe has always been active at New Life, whether as a student or volunteering. Once being of age to enter the youth group, he quickly became the youth pastor’s shadow and sidekick and had an interest in serving in any capacity. Gabe served in youth for the last couple years that he was a student, working the sound booth (both at youth group and Sunday morning service) as well as accomplishing tasks around the building, always working alongside the youth pastor, and, in the summer of 2019, Gabe was brought on staff as the Tech Director, where he continues to joyfully serve/work.
Anna Maertin -
Student Ministries Director
Anna has grown up in New Life and has served in various capacities throughout her time at the church. During high school and college, she led various Bible studies and orchestrated campus outreaches. In 2010, she began doing work overseas in Kenya and has frequently returned there to disciple, teach, and build relationships. In 2013, Anna attended the Harvest School in Mozambique with Iris Ministries and has continued to work with several nonprofits that conduct international missions. Currently, Anna oversees the students ministries including Emerge Youth and the Young Adults and desires to see this generation reach their fullest potential in the Kingdom.
Rachel Cress - Kids Ministries
Rachel grew up in the church, but her relationship really became tangible in her late teen years. Since giving her heart to the Lord she has continuously served His kingdom in various capacities. She has served within creative arts mintries, youth ministry and outreaches. In April of 2021, Rachel started to attend New Life Church, and by March 2022 Rachel was Co-Director of the Potters Kids Minstry.
Rachel has dedicated over 15 years to expanding her knowledge in child care. She is passionate about pairing her knowledge in childcare and fostering children's relationships with Jesus!
Joanna Hauser - Kids Ministries
Joanna started attending New Life as a youth in 2010. At the age of 16, she gave her heart to the Lord. She then felt the call to ministry and spent her first year out of high school in Colorado, where she attended Ascend Master’s Commission, a discipleship program. During that time, she enrolled in seminary, serving the community she lived in. After returning home, she attended Monroe Community College, where she studied Business Management. She also began serving at Citylight Church of Toledo, staying there 7 years where she was involved in worship and youth ministries.
In 2015, she married her husband, Travis. Together, they have 3, soon to be 4, beautiful girls. Joanna’s passions are homeschooling and teaching children the Word in creative ways. She also co-leads “Kingdom Kidz”, a co-op group she helped start in 2022.
Donna Maertin - Bookkeeper
Donna has been part of New Life Church since the founding years. She attended the University of Toledo and majored in Accounting and Computer programming. Throughout the years at New Life, she has served in various places of ministry including Pioneer Club, Kidz Alive and the nursery. She has worked in the kitchen and was part of the team that started the Wednesday night dinners. In 2011, she took over the bookkeeper position. She and her husband Oke have two children and three grandchildren.
Sandee Bowman -
Office Manager
Sandee has been serving in the New Life Church office since 2010. She has brought strengths to the church she developed in the corporate world. She learned property management and bookkeeping at East Liberty Associates before retiring in 2009. Sandee and her husband, Jim, have been a part of the New Life Church family since 1982 and she loves serving the church family through organization and coordination of ministries and calendars.
Branden Cunninham -
Online Streaming Director
Branden was raised in the church and began attending New Life with his family in 2010. He is a graduate of Summerfield High School and has always had a passion for AV and film production. Branden went to Full Sail University where he obtained his degree in film production and recently began producing live productions for New Life in the spring of 2020. He now heads live streaming and insures that everyone that can’t be with their church family in the sanctuary can be with them from home.
Pastor Jerry and Marianne Siler
Pastoral Care
From the moment God brought them to New Life Church four years ago, Pastor Jerry has demonstrated a heartfelt commitment to caring for our church attendees. With twenty years of experience as an evangelist and eighteen years as a pastor in the Church of God denomination, Pastor Jerry brings a wealth of expertise in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care ministry. Pastor Jerry plays a vital role in extending compassion and support to those who are hurting and in need as our Care Pastor.