Meet Our Staff
Drew Ryall / Lead Pastor
Drew has been on staff at NLF since 2010 and is our main teaching pastor. His
passions are teaching (fittingly) and discipleship of the church family. He loves seeing
others discover their gifts and how the holy spirit will lead them to use it for His kingdom.
He has the ability to be vulnerable when teaching but also in conversations with those
who call NLF home.
Drew and his wife Molly have three children. They spend a lot of
their time trying to keep up with them and (when they can find one) love a slow
Saturday morning. For the past many years, Drew has coached a variety of sports
within our local school system. Drew enjoys playing a round of golf with friends, Notre
Dame football, Wordle and road trips with the family.
Russ Hunsberger / Senior Associate Pastor
Russ joined the NLF Staff in 2014. As a pastor, Russ uses his spiritual
gifts by helping lead Sunday morning services and thrives in relational
ministry, whether it be men’s prayer breakfast, one on one
conversations, or challenging others in their walk with Jesus, being
spiritually curious all the while. He longs to see the Body of Christ living
out the “one-anothers” found in scripture. Russ is quick witted but has
a heart full of compassion for people.
Russ and his wife Becky love exploring the national parks, spending
time with family and discovering the latest board or card game to share
with family or friends. Both of their hearts beat for healthy marriages
and families thriving on their journey with Jesus.
Neil Miller / Director of Operations
As the Director of Operations at New Life Fellowship, Neil oversees the “day
to day” operations which includes office functions, administration, human
resources, and the business affairs of NLF. He has a heart to help do what is needed
to further Christ’s kingdom and would prefer his title be changed (at times)
to “Helper.” He believes strongly in the team approach to ministry and has a
desire to see all who call NLF home find and utilize their spiritual gifts for
God’s kingdom.
Neil and his wife Jasmin have called NLF home for over twenty years, and
have four sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. While Neil’s background
is in accounting/finance/management, he will quickly tell you while he is
getting work done, he loves to take time for those meaningful conversations
along the way. When not at NLF, Neil enjoys traveling with Jasmin, being
outdoors, playing board games, meeting others for conversation, and baking
an occasional pie or two.
Kerin Miller / PreTeen Connect Director
Kerin’s desire is for kids and people of all ages to feel connected, loved and
heard. She has a heart for serving and desires to see pre-teens bridge the
gaps between church and community. Her hope is that the kids she works
with will see the difference that they can make in their community, school and
at home.
Kerin has the gift of discernment and has a sharp eye for details, helping the
staff in a variety of ways in planning and organizing. Kerin loves spending
time with her daughter, family, and friends. Vacationing to sunny warm places
rank pretty high on her list of favorite things to do, and watch out for her
sneaky sense of humor!
Emily Esh / Worship Director
Emily has been a part of the NLF staff since May of 2024. Emily grew up in Elkhart, and recently graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Worship Arts. She has been leading worship since she was in 7th grade in her youth group. She is passionate about seeing people encounter the Lord in times of worship and prayer. She aims to lead a worship culture that loves the Lord well, and authentically worships Him.
Emily recently married Adrian in December, 2023. They both love coffee, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Adrian and Emily were both mentored by pastors at Nappanee Missionary Church, and through that, they have developed a passion for discipling the next generation as they were discipled.
Missy Eichelberger / Preschool Director
Missy has been a part of the preschool ministry since its inception in 2009. She enjoys
teaching the children, showing Jesus’s love to them, and watching them light up when
they understand what is being taught! It’s also rewarding for her to hear the children
share what they’ve learned about God and Jesus. Missy has a heart for children and
the outreach the preschool provides.
Missy and her husband Dave have attended NLF since 2008. They have two grown
sons and a daughter-in-law, as well as three grandchildren, two of whom have attended
Little Sprouts. When she’s not teaching, Missy enjoys being a mawmaw (grandma),
reading, spending time with family, gardening and walking with the two family dogs.
Molly Ryall / Office Administrator & Preschool Teacher
While Molly thrives in the planning and details, she will tell you it’s all about
kids and adults feeling welcome, loved and accepted by truly encountering
God. Some of her favorite times in preschool are when the kids recite from
memory the Bible verses they’ve learned in class, and she gets excited during
devotion time when they ask questions about God. In the office, she enjoys
the staff relationships and being a “behind the scenes” helper for the ministry
of the church!
Molly has a quick wit and a huge heart for people of all ages, especially those
who feel alone. She and her husband, Pastor Drew are high school
sweethearts and have three children. When she isn’t at one of her kids’ many
activities, she’s probably watching sports (ND football is a family favorite) or
planning their next travel adventure or home project.
Barry Wiard / Facility Maintenance Coordinator
As New Life’s Facilities Manager, Barry directs all things
related to taking care of the physical property of NLF,
including maintenance, fix-it jobs and everything in
between. Barry is meticulous in details and always wants
things done in a way that would please the Lord and
stewards NLF’s resources well.
Barry and his wife Julie have attended New Life for over 5 years and have
two married children, four grandchildren, and two dogs. When not at New
Life, Barry enjoys traveling with Julie (favorite trips have been to England,
Israel, Hawaii, and Alaska), and fishing of all types, but especially from his
kayak and musky fishing in Canada. Barry is also known for his “pun”ishing
sense of humor….be sure to ask him to share a few of his favorites!
Drew Ryall
Lead Pastor
Russ Hunsberger
Senior Associate Pastor
Neil Miller
Director of Operations
Kerin Miller
PreTeen Connect Director
Miranda Miller
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Missy Eichelberger
Preschool Director
Molly Ryall
Office Administrator
Barry Wiard
Facility Maintenance Coordinator
Meet Our Elders
Steve Christner
- Elder since 2023
- Meaningful Scripture: Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
- Prayer for NLF: I pray that NLF would be Holy Spirit led and that we would be biblically based in our teaching. I also pray that every person who attends NLF would feel loved and appreciated.
- Fun Fact: I played baseball at the University of Evansville.
Steve and Jaynee Christner
Ren Cripe
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: John 16:33. I have said these things to you, that in me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. - Prayer for NLF: My prayer for New Life is for a humbleness that makes all feel welcomed to walk through our doors. Families/individuals that are fully committed to the calling Christ has placed on their lives and an unapologetic desire for the truth of the written word to be known and delivered out of love and not out of condemnation.
- Fun Fact: I have a college degree in secondary education for mathematics.
Ren, Carlie, Knox, Cora
Marty Gates
- Elder since 2023
- Meaningful Scripture: Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
- Prayer for NLF: I pray that we become a unified body with unwavering faith, wholly
surrendered to God and directly reflecting Jesus Christ by loving and serving others well!
Marty, Lora, Kaylyn, Caedmon
Jordan Hostetler
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: Acts 2:42-47. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
- Prayer for NLF: I pray that NLF would continue to dive deeper into relationships with one another and not settle for the comfort of Sunday morning church. Accountability and grace should guide our love for one another, eventually leading us to
a deeper relationship with Christ. - Fun Fact: I drive over 500 vehicles each year.
Jordan, Lynsey
Russ Hunsberger
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
- Prayer for NLF: I pray that our people walk in such close proximity to Jesus that we will consistently and clearly know the next steps he is asking us to take with Him and with others.
- Fun Fact: I have been collecting various board games for over 20 years and love the challenge of helping others discover new games and fresh ways to have fun interactions.
Russ, Becky, Morgan, Ryan
Kurt Lambright
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: Colossians 3:17. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him. - Prayer for NLF: I pray New Life Fellowship would be a community of believers who have found the fullness of life and grace only provided by God the Father. I pray we would walk by the leading of the Holy Spirit fully surrendering our lives and sharing the Gospel and love of Jesus out of an act of obedience.
- Fun Fact: I ran my first full marathon when I was a freshman in high school.
Kurt, Paige, Piper, Posie
Neil Miller
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8. Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
- Prayer for NLF: That all who come into Jesus’s church would grow deeper in their walk with each passing day until we see Him again.
- Fun Fact: I enjoy making pies.
Neil, Jasmin
Dave Rahn
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: Acts 20:24. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Prayer for NLF: I pray NLF breeds salty leaders who reflect truth, love, and joy with Jesus no matter where they are.
- Fun Fact: My family and I lived for four months in Jamaica with 9 college students in the spring of 1992.
Dave, Susie
Drew Ryall
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: Philippians 1:6. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
- Prayer for NLF: I pray NLF will be a sending church, not just a sitting church.
- Fun Fact: As a 9-year-old, I sang a duet with my Mom centered around Philippians 1:6
Drew, Molly
Devon Weaver
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17. “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love — the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
- Prayer for NLF: I pray that we can live out Colossians 3:12-17 as a church.
- Fun Fact: Winter is my favorite season and I love snow!
Devon, Linda
Herman Yoder
- Elder since 2020
- Meaningful Scripture: John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Psalms 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!
- Prayer for NLF: I pray that we all stay humble and obedient followers of Jesus Christ.
- Fun Fact: I love to talk about Jesus!
Herman, Lydia