Our Staff
JOHN WHITE, PASTOR
John White grew up in Pella, IA, attended the University of Iowa and graduated from Central College with a B.A. in religion. He received his Masters of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey and has pastored churches in both the Midwest and the East.
John and his wife, Marue, and their sons Benjamin, Stephen, and Jesse moved to this area in the fall of 1994 to begin New Life. They now live in Tiffin and love to make new friends. With his free time, John likes to run, bike, follow Hawkeye sports and cook.
His personal philosophy for ministry has always revolved around God's amazing grace for us all and how he can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. He says, "I believe deep down that the church is still where and how people can have the greatest impact on our world, as one of my professors put it long ago. It's always been an adventure for me."
JUDY NYREN, CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Through the loving support of the church family, New Life's children's ministry focuses on building a child's understanding of God's love, care, and purpose for their life and helping them develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Judy grew up in Webster County and graduated from ISU with a BA in Family and Consumer Sciences and a minor in Art. She has used her creative teaching gifts in ministry and community volunteer work with children in Johnson County for over 25 years. Her creative approach to teaching has led to a unique ministry opportunity over the last several years. She is a contract writer for Gospel Light VBS curriculum.
Judy's husband Dave is a veterinarian and they have two children. Their daughter Noelle lives and works in Iowa City. Their son Andrew and his wife Amy live in Ames where he is the Christian Education Director at Bethesda Lutheran.
SARA PLOEGSTRA, MUSIC MINISTER
Sara Ploegstra grew up in Ireton, Iowa. She graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, with a bachelor's degree in social work and a minor in vocal performance. She and her husband Jeff moved to North Liberty in the summer of 2000. She began her work at New Life in September while Jeff began graduate studies at the University of Iowa. Sara enjoys singing, playing piano and trumpet, reading, and tennis.
JOSH RATH, YOUTH PASTOR Having graduated from Christ for the Nations Bible School in Dallas, TX and Dallas Baptist Univ with a degree in Business, Josh worked several years with Home Depot in Clinton and Lowe's in Coralville. All the time, he was hearing the call to get into ministry. In Sept 2007, Josh started his youth job at New Life Church. Along with directing our F.I.R.E. and senior high youth group, he has responsibilities in the area of Family Ministries. Josh's outside interests include fishing, hunting and biking. He is married to Stacia and they make their home in Iowa City.
DIANE RYAN,
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Diane Ryan is a Vinton, IA native who attended the U of I focusing on business. For 14 years she worked with Lutheran Campus Ministries on the ISU campus in Ames-handling all office responsibilities and meeting students. She has proven to be organized, enthusiastic, compassionate, able to see the big picture, multi-task and relate well to people. She loves being around the church setting and has always been active in her own church (United Methodist). Diane lives in Coralville with her husband Tom who works for Panchero's Restaurants. They have a son Jason, who lives in Cedar Falls with his wife Barb, and 15 year old twin daughters-Molly and Brooke who are sophomores at West High School.
