Staff
Matt Christiansen, Lead Pastor
Pastor Matt spent 10 years in youth ministry before being called as the Lead Pastor at Evangelical Covenant Church of New London. He is married to his beautiful wife Melissa and they’re blessed with two energetic, vibrant children (Ember and Jaden).
Pastor Matt is passionate about digging into God’s Word with the goal of knowing God more deeply. This passion overflows into his heart for helping others grow in His truth. In his devotional life, he strives to embody Psalm 1, dwelling on God’s Word, enabling it to be an unending source of refreshment and life.
When he’s not engaged in ministry, he enjoys spending time with his family, preferably outside experiencing God’s creation. Matt likes theology, reading, writing, being outdoors, and making things with his hands.
Pastor Matt is passionate about digging into God’s Word with the goal of knowing God more deeply. This passion overflows into his heart for helping others grow in His truth. In his devotional life, he strives to embody Psalm 1, dwelling on God’s Word, enabling it to be an unending source of refreshment and life.
When he’s not engaged in ministry, he enjoys spending time with his family, preferably outside experiencing God’s creation. Matt likes theology, reading, writing, being outdoors, and making things with his hands.
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.”
Stephanie Finsaas & Melissa Christiansen, Office Managers
Introducing our new interim office managers! Melissa and Steph started their roles as Co-Office Managers in June 2024 and are splitting roles in this position as they see best.
Stephanie Finsaas, Financial Secretary
Steph started her role as Financial Secretary in June 2024. She is a busy homeschooling mom of two, Bella and
Colter. In her free time she enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with her family.
Colter. In her free time she enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with her family.
Melissa Christiansen, Treasurer
|
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.
|
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.