Staff – New Life Church

Meet Our Staff

Pastor Joshua J. Ellis

Senior Pastor

Pastor Ellis is a shepherd, teacher, and community leader who carries a contagious love for Jesus and a bold vision for the Church. A graduate of Christ For The Nations in Dallas, Texas, he holds a degree in Practical Theology and a degree in Business Management from Monroe County Community College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and recognized with high honors for academic excellence.

Pastor Ellis’s ministry extends beyond the church walls. He serves as a board member for The Salvation Army Northwest Ohio Services Area and as a volunteer chaplain for the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, providing spiritual support to first responders and families in moments of crisis.

Together with his wife, Sarah, they have been dedicated to ministry since 1998, initially founding a 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 ministry. After nine years of steadfast service in the young adult ministry, Pastor Ellis assumed the senior role in January 2012.

Pastor 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.

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 1974. In 1998, she ventured to Dallas, Texas, to immerse herself in 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, starting 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 passion to make an impact on their generation. Together, they have been integral in shaping the spiritual landscape of the church, both honoring the past and leading into the future.

Jerry Siler

Pastoral Care

From the moment God brought them to New Life Church in 2019, 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.

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.

Pastor Gabe Cole

Young Adults Pastor / Tech Pastor

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, as well as most recently becoming the leader of our Young Adults ministry.

Rachel Cress

Children’s Ministry

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!

Madisyn Eppard

Children’s Ministry / Special Needs Ministry

Madisyn gave her life to Christ at the age of 15 and has pursued Him ever since. Her passion for children, especially those with special needs, began in her own childhood as she grew up alongside a cousin with Autism. This early experience ignited a lifelong calling to create spaces where every child can encounter the love of Jesus in ways that are both meaningful and accessible. Madisyn is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in K–12 Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Intensive Special Education and currently serves as a 3rd grade Intervention Specialist.

Madisyn met her husband, Michael, in high school, and she began attending New Life Church in 2021. Since then, they have served on the worship team and participated in several mission trips, deepening their heart for reaching the lost. Madisyn first began serving in the Nursery and Potters Kids before stepping into leadership—directing the Special Needs Ministry in January 2025 and co-leading the Children’s Ministry in June 2025. She and Michael married in July 2024 and look forward to raising their children in a church that prioritizes making the gospel accessible to every child, regardless of ability.

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.

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.

Kali Kirsch

Streaming Director

Kali has lived for Jesus her whole life and grew up in the church. She is an amazing mother to two little boys. Kali graduated from Full Sail University earning her Bachelors of Science degree in Show Production. She has a passion for reaching souls for Jesus and Audio Visual work.

Easter Eggstravaganza & Special Needs Egg Hunt