James Applegate, Lead Pastor
James Applegate is the Lead Pastor here at New Life Vineyard. He and his wife, Tara, have been married since 2002. They have three children - Tyrus, Christopher, and Lucy. James has 18 years of experience serving in full time ministry since 2001 and has a Bachelors of Education from Central Michigan University. His first position was as the program director at the R.O.C.K. Youth Center - a faith based, non-profit organization. He also served as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor for eight years at NLV. Other ministry experience includes Biblical Studies courses from Cornerstone University; leadership in worship and small groups for youth, young adults, and young marrieds; internships; and more. James and Tara love connecting with people and helping them connect with the Lord. James also enjoys being active (volleyball, basketball, softball, etc.), backpacking with Tara, off-roading with Tyrus, playing disc golf with Chris, and going on daddy dates with Lucy.
Daniel deleeuw, associate pastor
Dan and his wife Stefanie joined the church in 2013 after they were married and immediately began volunteering with the youth. He has worked for the church since 2018 when he began serving as part-time Youth Ministries Director. In 2021 he took on additional responsibilities around the office and changed to full time. After serving as the Youth Pastor for 5 years, in 2023 Dan became the Associate Pastor and continues to work with the Young Adults and the Discipleship ministries. His interests include hiking, running, and golf. His wife Stefanie serves on the women's ministry leadership team, makes graphics for the church, and works as Global Brand Manager for Nexteer Automotive. Their daughter, Grace, was born in 2015 and keeps them on their toes.
LEE BLANCHARD, NEXTGEN & FAMILY PASTOR
Lee Blanchard is our Next Gen & Family Pastor. Lee leads the youth group at NLV, oversees our awesome kids ministry, and helps parents connect their kids to Jesus in a deeper and more meaningful way. He and his wife Renee have been married for nineteen years and have five children (Asa, Lily, Selah, Eli, and Ezra…whew!) Lee has been serving the Lord in ministry for nearly twenty years. Twelve years as a Youth Pastor and seven years as a Senior Pastor in Northern Michigan.
Lee holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministries and a master’s degree in ministry leadership, both of which are from Lee University (yes, it’s a real school, you can google it!) In his spare time, Lee enjoys tinkering with and collecting wristwatches, riding motorcycles, reading novels, exercising, and bicycling. Renee works with the federal government and is an avid marathoner and thrift store extraordinaire. Together, they love spending time with their family, relaxing, and playing games by the fireplace.
Matt Worsley, Worship PASTOR
Matt is our Worship Pastor here at NLV. He and his wife Kathy have been married since 2007 and have two children, Oliver (b. 2012) and Emily (b. 2014). Matt has served on worship and production teams in various capacities since 2007, both in New Zealand and here in the US, completing his Diploma in Pastoral Leadership at Equippers College, Auckland in 2011. In his spare time Matt enjoys music, playing guitar, and spending quality time with his family. Kathy, a California native, works with MyMichigan Health and loves quilting and taking the kids out on fun, spontaneous outdoor adventures. Together they look forward to all Jesus has in store as they make their home in Midland.
Dave Vercellino, Children’s Pastor
Dave Vercellino retired as our long time Associate Pastor in 2022. He continues to serve as our Kids Church Leader AND SPEARHEADS OUR OUTREACH TO WHISPERING PINES MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY. Dave’s been married to his wife, Jodi, since 1985 following their graduation from Central Michigan University (they met in the library, honest!). Dave & Jodi have seven children - Joe (Heather), Dan, Robin (Adam), Andi (Will), Sandy, David, and Ben. They became grandparents in 2016. Prior to joining the church in 2002, Dave was employed by Dow Chemical as an IT professional and is a graduate of the Vineyard Institute. Jodi is our former care coordinator and women’s ministry leader. Together, Dave and Jodi enjoy helping to care for their growing group of grandchildren, traveling, and managing their home rental business.
larry moe, care and connection pastor
Larry Moe is our Care and Connection Pastor here at Midland New Life Vineyard. Larry and Karen were married in 1988. They have three adult children; Cammie (Greg), Ben (Tanya) and Jake (Janelle) all who have contributed to their 8 grandchildren. Larry graduated from the Vineyard Leadership Institute in 2012. He retired from Dow Corning in 2015 where he had worked for 30+ years, retiring from the pipefitter/welder shop. Upon retirement he was called to serve as the Associate Pastor at a local church for three years. Larry and Karen began to call New Life Vineyard home in 2006. They have served in many roles over the years; Larry has led and served on various prayer ministry teams, connect group leader and leader of Connect Groups. Karen has served as Nursery Coordinator and on various prayer ministry teams as well, but you will probably most recognize them as being in the lobby every Sunday morning greeting people. One thing they love and look forward to is having all 16 of their family over for lunch every other Sunday after church. It’s a tradition that has been going on for 17 years.
katie turner, children’s ministry director
Katie Turner is the Children’s Ministry Director of the nursery, toddler, and preschool rooms. She and her husband Garrett have been married since 2009, also the same year they began attending the Vineyard. Katie graduated from Hope College with a history degree and worked in that field before returning to school to become a registered nurse. Garrett is a math teacher and tennis coach at Dow High School. Katie also spent several summers on staff at a Christian summer camp in the Adirondack mountains. While at NLV, they have been Connect group leaders/hosts since 2012, and volunteer regularly in the preschool room. Katie has also been the preschool coordinator and serves on the Women’s Ministry team. They have 3 young children who enjoy running the church halls, and love to camp and spend time on Michigan’s beautiful lakes.
don milton, pastor emeritus
Don Milton served as the Lead Pastor of New Life Vineyard for 28 years. He now serves as Pastor Emeritus. Don and Melody, his wife, have been married since ‘81. They met while attending Southern Bible College in Houston, Texas. There they received Bachelor’s Degrees in Christian Ministry and Education. Don went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with his Master’s degree in 1984. While in Fort Worth the Milton 's two daughters, Abigail and Gabrielle, were born. Melody also completed her nursing degree. Pastor Don often says, "I love this city, area, and church. I was born to live and minister here." The Miltons favorite things to do are: worshiping, biking, gardening and hanging out with people.