Staff
Kevin Melin, Senior Pastor
Kevin returned to ECC of New London in 2012 having served as Lead Pastor at Lakeview Covenant in Duluth and Crossview Covenant in Mankato. He started his ministry as a youth pastor right here from 1982 to 1998. So be careful what you believe around here as some stories tend to grow with time! His greatest joy is seeing the body of Christ work together to do big things for a great God! Kevin's cool things to do are anything out of doors, following both college and pro football, keeping his lawn well-groomed and any time spent with his family. He shares life with his bride, Mary, having celebrated over 35 years of marriage. Kevin and Mary have two grown daughters, Alyssa and Laura, along with son-in-law, Tommy, and two grandchildren, Judah and Isaiah. Watching them grow and contribute to Christ's Kingdom is one of Kevin's greatest thrills in life. Romping with the grandkids makes grandparenting his finest gig at present. John 10:10 and Romans 12:1,2 are Kevin's theme verses which guide his mission for life and ministry.
Matt Christiansen, Pastor of Youth Ministries
Matt took an unconventional path to ministry. He has a degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design, and worked as a graphic designer before feeling God’s call to youth ministry. Matt is married to his beautiful wife Melissa and they’re blessed with an adorable daughter, Ember, and an energetic son, Jaden. When he’s not doing youth ministry, Matt enjoys spending time with his family outside (pretty much any kind of outdoor activity) and carving wood with anything from knives to chainsaws.
Matt’s ministry philosophy stems from John 8:31 & 32, in which Jesus tells his disciples that “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If there’s one goal in his ministry, it’s to equip students with a fundamental understanding of God’s truth revealed through scripture in such a way that when they leave home and enter the real world, they can continue to walk with Christ and be a light to the world.
Matt’s ministry philosophy stems from John 8:31 & 32, in which Jesus tells his disciples that “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If there’s one goal in his ministry, it’s to equip students with a fundamental understanding of God’s truth revealed through scripture in such a way that when they leave home and enter the real world, they can continue to walk with Christ and be a light to the world.
Paula Holmen, Children’s Ministries
Paula serves as our Children's Ministries director, which involves giving leadership to the ministries for children ages 0-6th grade and their families. She quotes, "God is at work among us and it is evidenced even in the lives or children! Sharing the love of Christ and the knowledge of and power of the written Word of God are the two most exciting things any of us can be doing here on this Earth and within our church family and community. It is my commitment to give our children and their families a place to belong and be a part of the family of God, while being discipled and encouraged in their walk with Jesus. The firm foundation of their faith can only be found in the Truths of scripture, and making that the cornerstone of children's ministries is my commitment and heartfelt mission."
Paula’s family is the joy of her life and they are actively involved in camping, fishing, and various outdoor activities. Prior to serving here, Paula taught high school Social Studies, served as worship leader and ministry volunteer and has been actively involved in our church camp, Lake Beauty Bible camp in a number of capacities. She homeschooled their sons and gives leadership to a local homeschool co-op. Paula’s motivation and inspiration for her work with children come from the following verse: 3 John 1:4, “ I have no greater joy than to hear that (my) children are walking in the truth.”
Paula’s family is the joy of her life and they are actively involved in camping, fishing, and various outdoor activities. Prior to serving here, Paula taught high school Social Studies, served as worship leader and ministry volunteer and has been actively involved in our church camp, Lake Beauty Bible camp in a number of capacities. She homeschooled their sons and gives leadership to a local homeschool co-op. Paula’s motivation and inspiration for her work with children come from the following verse: 3 John 1:4, “ I have no greater joy than to hear that (my) children are walking in the truth.”
Allison Pappenfus, Office Manager/Financial Secretary
Allison and her family moved to Willmar in July 2017 where her husband Chris now serves as the Senior Pastor of First Covenant Church in Willmar. They have three boys, Ryan (18), Brendan (16) and Micah (11). She enjoys gardening, downhill skiing, cooking, hiking and biking with her boys, reading, and listening to Christian music.
Lowell & Sherry Warren, Custodians
Saralyn Olson, Organist
Saralyn grew up in the New London Evangelical Covenant Church, and was the assistant pianist during her high school years! She became the church organist in the mid 1980s. She received her music education degree from Bethel College, and taught elementary school music in Manitoba, Canada. After returning from Canada, she did office work for a couple of businesses in the area. Saralyn has served as our Treasurer for the last eleven years and wrapped up her time in that role in June 2021. She enjoys listening to music, playing piano and organ, reading, and spending time with family and friends. The verses she claims are Philippians 4:6-7.
Melissa Christiansen, Treasurer
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Melissa is the wife of our Pastor of Youth Ministries Matt and started her role as Treasurer in June 2021. She is a busy mom to their two young children, Ember and Jaden, and in her free time she enjoys reading, exercise and being outdoors.
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