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Introducing Our New Churches Columnists
J.A. Medders, Dan Steel, Barnabas Piper, Ronnie Martin, Noah Oldham, Jon Kelly & Mark Lee
We're excited to announce that our team is growing! Meet our new columnists.
As part of our ongoing commitment to bring you diverse perspectives, expert insights, and fresh ideas, we’ve added some talented voices to our roster of contributors. Each of them brings a unique background and set of experiences that we’re confident will enhance the quality of content you find on NewChurches.com.
Let’s meet our new columnists!
J.A. Medders – The Planters’ College
J.A. (Jeff) Medders is the Director of Theology and Content for Send Network and General Editor for New Churches. He is also an author, a preacher, and a PhD student in biblical spirituality at Southern Seminary, studying Charles Spurgeon and the Song of Songs. Jeff is a native Houstonian, where he lives with his wife and two kids.
Dan Steel – Wise Church Planting
Dan Steel has been involved in church plants—in one way or another—for the last 25 years. He currently resides in Oxford, UK with his wife (Zoe) and 2 kids (with 2 away at university). He’s an elder at Magdalen Road Church and the Principal of Yarnton Manor. He’s the author of Wise Church Planting, a global research study seeking to listen to and learn the lessons from struggling planters.
Barnabas Piper – Gospel Culture
Barnabas Piper serves as one of the pastors at Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the author of several books including, The Pastor’s Kid: What it’s Like and How to Help and Belong: Loving Your Church by Reflecting Christ to One Another. He is married to Lauren and has three children.
Ronnie Martin – Leader Renewal
Ronnie Martin is Director of Leader Care and Renewal for Harbor Network. He has authored several books including The Unhurried Pastor with Brian Croft, and is co-host of “The Heart of Pastoring Podcast” with Jared C. Wilson.
Noah Oldham – Ecclesiology
Noah Oldham is the Executive Director of Send Network. He served as the founding and lead pastor of August Gate Church for 15 years and the Send City Missionary to St. Louis for almost 10. In both these roles, he led his church and dozens of others to plant churches throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. He holds master’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Leadership and is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. He writes, speaks, and trains in the areas of two of his greatest passions: the local church and physical fitness. Noah and Heather have been married since 2005 and have 5 children.
Jon Kelly – Nuts & Bolts
Jon Kelly was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has a BA in Theology from Moody Bible Institute, MA in Biblical Studies at Wheaton College, and a Doctorate in Global Missions from Southern Seminary. As someone formerly incarcerated, Jon has a heart for serving families that have been affected by incarceration and who often are forgotten. Jon also serves on the Lead Team of Church Planters for Send Network. He and his wife, Danielle, have been married for 14 years and have three sons.
Mark Lee – Nuts & Bolts
Mark Lee planted VantagePoint Church in Eastvale, California in 2008. Since then, the church has helped plant 10 other churches around the country. Mark also serves on the Lead Team of Church Planters for Send Network.
Why We’re Excited
Our new columnists will help broaden our scope and bring even more valuable content to you, our readers. Whether you’re here for expert advice or simply to learn something new, we’re confident these voices will add immense value to our church planting community.
Stay tuned for their upcoming articles!
