meet our team
.jpg)
Larry Smith
Lead Pastor
_edited.jpg)
Tim Bathurst
Associate Pastor
chris browne
worship leader
Seth cross
youth director
Greg Snow
Pastoral Intern
Our elders
Our deacons
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 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 a vision to see next generation leaders developed and deployed to carry on the kingdom 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.
Tim Bathurst
Associate Pastor
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!
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.
Cheryl Lawrence
Office & building administrator
Cheryl decided to leave Corporate America to go into full-time ministry in 2006. She works closely with Pastor Larry and Pastor Tim to support the vision of New Life. She also manages both buildings and oversees projects and contractors to keep our building safe and operational. She and her husband, Perry, have been married for over 25 years and have grown children and a spoiled dog named Lola. They share a passion for building relationships and sharing the hope of Jesus in Philadelphia neighborhoods that struggle with poverty, crime and addiction. They have partnered with various non-profits and city initiatives to improve family wellness by empowering them with life skills and encouraging people to walk in their God-given purpose and hope. For R&R Cheryl loves the beach, camping, hiking and kayaking.
Favorite Movie: Beverly Hills Cop (any of them). No matter what kind of day I'm having Eddie Murphy's laugh is contagious.
Favorite Book: The Shack. I've read the cover off of it. Literally.
Favorite Food: Pizza...I believe it should be on the food chart as a necessary food group.
Fun Fact: I graduated from Personal Training Institute at 47. Me and another old head sweated right alongside all those young 20-somethings.
Danielle Paul
Community Liaison Intern
Danielle works to help New Life more effectively reach our diverse community through meaningful partnerships and outreach events. In June 2020 she will complete her Masters in Divinity from Missio Theological Seminary located in Center City Philadelphia. Serving in many leadership positions in ministry she brings a heart for God’s people and a sincere desire to see all understand the power of love and compassion demonstrated by Christ. Prior to Missio she earned her Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Peirce College. Danielle is willing to serve in any capacity that will help move the mission of Christ forward. It is her desire to see the Ephesians 4 church manifest in the earth.
Favorite Movie: The Color Purple
Favorite Book:
Favorite Food: .Seafood
Fun Fact: I love The Golden Girls
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 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 a vision to see next generation leaders developed and deployed to carry on the kingdom 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.
Tim Bathurst
Associate Pastor
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!
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.
_edited.jpg)
Emily Abbott
Office administrator
Emily was baptized as an infant at New Life, but grew up moving all over the country with her family. She recently moved back to Philadelphia from East Texas with her two kids, Layla and Luke - plus her sweet dog, Lola. She works closely with Pastor Larry and Pastor Tim to support the vision of New Life. Emily's professional background is primarily in hospitality management, so she is pleased to use some of her skillset to help further along the ministry of New Life.
Favorite Movie: It depends on my mood, but you can't go wrong with 90's chick flicks or superheroes.
Favorite Book: I won't even try to narrow it down. The Dresden Files, Harry Potter, anything Madeleine L'Engle or Gary Paulsen or Lois Lowry writes...
Favorite Food: Tacos!
Fun Fact: I harmonize with everything. Like everything. Vacuums, fax machines, microwaves.
Chris Browne
worship leader
Chris is an associate minister of Christian Stronghold Church in West Philadelphia. He graduated from Missio Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in Urban Ministry in 2015. Chris is a lover and enthusiast of Christian art and music. In a typical week, you will find Chris dissecting cinema, blasting show tunes, directing imaginary choirs - all while being attached at the hip to Philly sports #4for4. Outside of ministry, he works in Wealth Planning and resides in Mount Airy with his lovely wife and son, Jude.
Favorite Movie:
Favorite Book:
Favorite Food:
Fun Fact:
Greg Snow
Pastoral Intern
As the Pastoral intern at New Life Church, Greg works closely with the young adult and life group ministries. He is about to enter his last semester at Cairn University where he runs cross country. He majors in Pastoral Ministry with a minor in Urban Ministry. Greg felt called to be a pastor during his freshman year of high school and was called into urban ministry during his freshman year of college. In his freshman year, Greg studied in an urban ministry first-year program under Dr. Coz Crosscombe. Greg hopes to gain valuable experience during his time here and aid in the mission of establishing a diverse church community here at New Life.
Favorite Movie: (At the moment) Avengers Infinity War. I have seen every Marvel movie with my dad since I was two so it was both exciting and sad watching Infinity War.
Favorite Book: The Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson.
Favorite Food: Sushi and Vietnamese Pho go back and forth as my number one and two.
Fun Fact: I have been to South Africa and saw the great Pyramids in Egypt in the same week.
Christel McNeil
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.
Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman
Favorite Book: The Best of Enemies by Osha Gray Davidson
Favorite Food: Broiled Salmon with roasted potatoes and veggies
Fun Fact: My favorite game is Scrabble