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meet our team

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Larry Smith
lead pastor

As the lead pastor at New Life Philly, Larry enjoys leading people into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Larry’s passion is to see people As the lead pastor at New Life Philly, Larry enjoys leading people into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Larry’s passion is to see people transformed by experiencing the grace and power that is in Jesus Christ. He has been involved in urban ministry for over 35 years and has the vision to see next-generation leaders developed and deployed to carry on the kingdom's work. Larry and his wife Harriette have had a lifelong passion to see multi-ethnic expressions of the body of Christ that give us a glimpse into our heavenly hope. Larry has an M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and has also done graduate studies at Eastern University and Midwestern Seminary. He has written one book, Jesus Life, that is a practical guide to building your life around following Jesus. Pastor Larry has been married to Harriette for 35 years and they have three grown children and five grandchildren. In addition to his role at New Life, he serves as the US coordinator for the work of the Pastoral Training Institute of Africa. Favorite Movie: The Apostle. That jawn is crazy, but the last scene where he holds up the baby………..that’ll get you saved all over again! Favorite Book: (This changes about once per month for me). Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This book has had a great influence on my life and serves as a foundation for healthy discipleship. Thank you Pete Scazzero. Favorite Food: Medium Rare 18 oz. Ribeye steak cross grilled to perfection. Writing that just made me hungry. Apologies to all my vegetarian and vegan friends! Fun Fact: I was born in Mobile Alabama but grew up mostly in Wampsville, New York. That’s right – Wampsville. by experiencing the grace and power that is in Jesus Christ. He has been involved in urban ministry for over 35 years and has a vision to see next-generation leaders developed and deployed to carry on the kingdom's work. Larry and his wife Harriette have had a lifelong passion to see multi-ethnic expressions of the body of Christ that give us a glimpse into our heavenly hope. Larry has an M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and has also done graduate studies at Eastern University and Midwestern Seminary. He has written one book, Jesus Life, that is a practical guide to building your life around following Jesus. Pastor Larry has been married to Harriette for 35 years and they have three grown children and five grandchildren. In addition to his role at New Life, he serves as the US coordinator for the work of the Pastoral Training Institute of Africa. Favorite Movie: The Apostle. That jawn is crazy, but the last scene where he holds up the baby………..that’ll get you saved all over again! Favorite Book: (This changes about once per month for me). Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This book has had a great influence on my life and serves as a foundation for healthy discipleship. Thank you Pete Scazzero. Favorite Food: Medium Rare 18 oz. Ribeye steak cross grilled to perfection. Writing that just made me hungry. Apologies to all my vegetarian and vegan friends! Fun Fact: I was born in Mobile Alabama but grew up mostly in Wampsville, New York. That’s right – Wampsville.

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Tim Bathurst
Pastor of Spiritual Formation

As Associate Pastor, Tim has dedicated 25 years to the ministry of New Life Church. He desires to see the diversity of the Olney community represented in this church – “I can think of nothing better than to watch the beautiful mosaic of Christ’s heavenly body be revealed at New Life Church.” Tim and his wife, Amy, moved into Olney in 1991 to fulfill this mission. Tim is a graduate of both Grove City College (B.A. in Religion and Sociology) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M. Div). He and Amy have been married for 33 years, raising their three children (Rachel, David, and Samuel) here in the city. Tim is currently working on a two-year program to be certified as a Spiritual Director. He has long been inspired by the contemplative traditions of the Christian church. Favorite Movie: Dances with Wolves. I watch bits and pieces of this movie every time it is on, which is a lot. I have probably watched it over 25 times. I love the dignity it brings to the Native American people. Favorite Book: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. I developed a love for Steinbeck through my father. I enjoy the crazy, everyday characters Steinbeck develops in this short story. They remind me of members of my own family. Favorite Food: Arroz con gandules cooked by any of the Latina women of our church. Fun Fact: In college, I was a part of a dance troupe called Orchesis. I was picked on relentlessly by my fraternity brothers because of this, but they all came out to see every one of my performances. That is the power of dance!

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chris browne
Pastor of Worship and Teaching

Chris Browne was born on September 20, 1986, and was raised just outside of Philadelphia in Cheltenham, PA. Both of Chris’ parents are educators who have a deep love for the Lord. They committed Chris to the Lord’s service from an early age. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science from West Chester University and a Master of Divinity from Missio Seminary. After graduating from Missio, Chris took additional courses in Greek and Hebrew to further enhance his ability to study the scriptures. On June 7, 2014, Chris was graced to be able to marry the love of his life, Lisa – formerly Mahoya – Browne. Chris and Lisa have two boys, Jude Mambo and Luke Shacka. Lisa is originally from South Africa and is herself an educator. Lisa’s passion for racial representation in early childhood development has manifested itself in her work with First Up, and in her own initiative, Colorful Stories. In addition, Lisa is an adjunct faculty member at Arcadia University. Chris sensed a call to ministry in 2011. With the guidance of his pastor, Dr. Willie Richardson from Christian Stronghold Baptist Church, Chris enrolled in seminary in 2012. Chris was licensed to preach in 2015 and ordained in 2018 at Christian Stronghold. There Chris served as a Ministry Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Praise and Worship Leader, Youth Minister, and Associate Minister. Chris has served for the last three years as the Director of Worship at New Life Philly. In addition, Chris has been involved with the Young Adults ministry at New Life and has preached frequently in the past two years. Chris has worked for two world-leading financial firms in his 10 years of financial planning - formerly Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fener & Smith, and currently Goldman Sachs & Co. Chris is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant – helping clients gain more clarity, confidence, and control in all aspects of their financial life. Chris’ community engagement includes service on the Advisory Boards of Missio Seminary, Redemption Housing of Philadelphia, and John Graves Productions. Chris’ earnest prayer is to help dispel the skepticism of the gospel in our postmodern culture by the proclamation of God’s mission of redemption and love; a mission marked by attitude and action on behalf of the other.

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seth cross
youth director

As Director of Youth Ministries, Seth Cross leads weekly gatherings of young people in a time of fun, worship, and Bible study. He works alongside a team of other committed leaders to disciple the next generation. Seth graduated from Cairn University with a BA in Bible and Youth ministry and is currently in his final semester at Westminster Theological Seminary working towards his M.A.R. Seth married his wife Brianna in 2014. The two can often be found in Port Richmond walking their dog North who will try to jump on you and lick your face. Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind Favorite Book: The Name of the Wind Favorite Food: Plantains Fun Fact: Martin Luther is Seth’s 13th great uncle.

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greg snow
young adult & media director

​Greg Snow is our Young Adult director and media specialist. Greg, who moved from Harrisburg during Covid, considers Philly his new home and New Life his family. He is grateful to be able to partner with young adults to serve, lead and refocus alongside a community of believers while navigating being on mission in the world today. Greg loves running at Belmont Plateau, performing spoken word, and enjoying the wide variety of restaurants that Philly has to offer.

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Sarah Trott
children's ministry director

Christel McNeil is a native of Philadelphia. Born and raised in Southwest and West Philadelphia. She has experience working with children and families professionally, in ministry and as an active member in the community. As the Children’s Ministry Director, she is committed to impacting and supporting the children and families of New Life Church and the surrounding communities with the truth of the gospel and the practical application of biblical principles.

Our elders

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