meet our Pastoral Team
Stephen and Jolynn Brown
Lead pastors Stephen and JoLynn have led New Life since 1988. Stephen and JoLynn have been married since 1982. They have served churches in various capacities in Stanwood, WA, Juneau, AK, Anchorage AK and Kenai, AK. Stephen was raised in Alaska and JoLynn in Montana. They have two sons and two grandchildren.
Stephen graduated with a B.A. from Northwest University and with an M.A. from Azusa Pacific University. He currently serves as the senior board member for the Alaska Ministry Network. Both Stephen and JoLynn are ordained ministers with the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Pastor Michael Butler
Student Ministries and Worship Pastor
5 things to know about me:
1.What are your favorite things to do?
Disc Golf, Board Games with friends or kids, Watching Netflix with Rose while eating a hot plate of Nachos, Watching Football. Go SEAHAWKS!
Sitting in my chair in the morning with coffee in one hand and You Version in the other. Playing music with the New Life Worship Team
2.How long have you been in youth ministry?
Just over a decade
3.What is your favorite midnight snack?
I have two: Grapes and cheese or Nachos
4.What is your favorite color?
Blue/Green I call it “Gablue” or “Bleen”
5.What countries have you been to?
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Korea
Mongolia
Indonesia
Family:
God has blessed me with a wonderful family. I am married to an incredible woman, Rosanne Butler. One thing that sets her apart is her character, she is true to herself and those she comes to know. We have 4 kids. Ryder 15 likes video games and Nerf, Hannah 10 likes video games, Ella 8 likes art, and Greylon 7months likes food.
Ministry:
It is an honor and a privilege to serve New Life in Worship and in Youth Ministry. I have been involved in full time ministry for over 10 years. God called me first to ministry when I was 15 years old. I finished High School in Arlington, Washington and then pursued ministry. I attended Arlington Master’s Commission for 3 years, and during my third year I came to Alaska for an internship at Peninsula Christian Center in Soldotna. In 2002 I started full time as Youth Pastor at Peninsula Christian Center, and was on staff for 8 years. I have been attending New Life since 2010, and began volunteering with them in ministry in 2011. I have been on full time staff since July of 2013 and looking forward to what God has planned for New Life
PAstor grant parkki
Young Adults/Connect Groups Pastor
5 Questions for Pastor Grant
1. What is your family like?
I have been married to Heather since 1997. I also have two beautiful daughters (Hadessah, and Leia) who are soon going to necessatate the purchase of my first firearm to keep the boys away.
1. How long have you lived in Kenai?
My family and I arrived here in July of 2013. Prior to that we have served in full-time vocational ministry for 15 years in churches in Lodi, CA, Corvallis, OR, Boulder, CO, and Keokuk IA.
3. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Aitkin, MN but grew up mostly in Denver, CO, and my wife Heather grew up in Arlington, WA.
4. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
Spending time with my family, reading, trying to make my family laugh at my cheesy jokes, playing video games, and making attempts to look like a discerning coffee snob, all the while still drinking pretty much any cup of coffee put in front of me.
5. What is your favorite thing about Kenai New Life?
Absolutely all of the amazing people! I love how there is such a rich diversity of people of all ages and all walks of life, all unified together as family in Christ. We are so blessed to be able serve in such an incredible church family!
CONNIE ARP
KIDS PASTOR
New Life is pleased to welcome our new Kid Ministries Pastor, Connie Arp! Connie comes to us from Fairbanks with over three decades of Kid Ministries experience. We are excited to have her as a part of the team here at NewLife!