Staff and Leadership
Aaron & Melissa Fleming
Aaron is lead pastor at New Life and Melissa serves as an elder and worship leader. They became friends in high school, connecting around a shared love for cross country running and a student-led Bible-study. Almost 30 years later they both still love gathering people together to meet and know God, and they both love coaching track and cross country.
They moved to Wellman in 2002 and launched New Life in 2007 because they love small towns and believe every small town should have as many life-giving churches as possible. They are positively convinced that you have a gift from God that would really help other people, and they would love to have you as part of the New Life family!
They live on 8th Avenue with four children (David, Ana, Abby, and Keilah) and a cat named Forest; they love the kids more than the cat. Melissa carves out time for playing classical piano, loves long walks and kayak trips, and bakes a world-class apple pie. Aaron reads history, is working (slowly) on a second novel, and can make scrambled eggs.
Levi & Iva Bontrager
Levi and Iva serve as elders at New Life. They live in rural Kalona on the farm that Iva was born and raised on. They are parents to Austin, Lucas, and Ethan.
Iva takes delight in watching Jesus bring transformation to the lives of people around her. She loves deep conversation with friends along with a good cup of coffee. Being organized is what makes her happy.
Levi is happy to serve anywhere he is planted, full of energy and positive encouragement to give to those around him. He loves a good game of basketball, and enjoys anything sports related. He is always ready for a good laugh or joke and enjoys being with friends. The more the merrier!
Larry and Tanna live in Keota and Tanna serves as an elder at New Life. She has been married to her inspiring husband for over 50 years. They have two amazing children, Sara McCollum (Jason) of West Burlington and Jeff (Terra) of Wellman and four awesome grandchildren, Liam, Ellie, Tyson, and Kaden.
Tanna enjoys traveling, playing cards, board and computer games, cooking and having friends over. Walking closer with Jesus each day is her life's goal.