All Of Him, All Of Life.

Senior Pastor

Pastors Dave and Tyra Laughlin have faithfully served New Creation Church for many years. Pastor Dave grew up at New Creation, the church founded by his parents. He joined the staff as a part-time pastor in 1991 and became Senior Pastor in 2000.

Pastor Tyra joined the staff in 2006 after years of serving in the church. She has a passion for prayer, women's ministry, and helping others grow in their faith.

Together, they are committed to leading New Creation with faith, compassion, and a heart to see lives transformed through Jesus Christ.

Contact Pastor Dave: dave@newcreationwoc.org

Contcat Pastor Tyra: tyral@newcreationwoc.org

Associate Pastor

Pastor Sam and Edna Quartey’s journey of faith and ministry began with a step of obedience. Pastor Sam moved from Ghana, Africa, to Minnesota in 2003, with Edna joining him later. Though he originally planned to become a medical doctor, God redirected his path and called him into pastoral ministry. In 2005, Pastor Sam joined the staff at New Creation and now serves as an Associate Pastor, faithfully helping lead and care for the church family.

Contact Pastor Sam: sam@newcreationwoc.org

Nueva Creación

Pastor Rey and his wife, Yesenia Alonzo, have faithfully served Iglesia Nueva Creación since its beginning in 2013, when they first started volunteering with the ministry. In 2017, when Iglesia Nueva Creación became a Hispanic church, Pastor Rey stepped into the role of full-time pastor. Together, Pastor Rey and Yesenia continue to serve with dedication, love, and a heart to see lives transformed through Jesus Christ.

Contact Pastor Rey: rey@newcreationwoc.org

Nueva Creación

Pastor Ismael and Maria Vargas began serving at Iglesia Nueva Creación in 2014 as volunteers, offering their time and hearts to the ministry. Over the years, their commitment and love for the church family continued to grow, and Pastor Ismael now serves as the Associate Pastor of Iglesia Nueva Creación. Together, he and Maria are a blessing to the church as they help lead, encourage, and support the community in faith.

Contact Pastor Ismael: ismael@newcreationwoc.org

Youth & College

Pastor Anthony and Sara Passante have been a meaningful part of Encounter since its beginning in 2010. In 2012, Pastor Anthony began serving as the Revolution YTH Pastor, investing in the next generation with passion and purpose. Today, he continues to serve in youth and college ministry, helping lead students and young adults toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Contact Pastor Anthony: anthony@newcreationwoc.org

Discipleship & Student Ministries

Pastor Burabari and Ali Kordah have been a valued part of the Encounter family for many years, with Ali being involved since Encounter began in 2010. Together, they serve in Encounter College Ministry, investing in young adults and helping them grow in their faith and community. Pastor Burabari also leads the New Here Ministry at New Creation, helping create a welcoming environment for guests to connect and take their next steps. Ali is also on staff at New Creation and plays a vital role in the church’s media and communications.

Contact Pastor Burabari: burabari@newcreationwoc.org

Contact Ali: ali@newcreationwoc.org

Front Desk
Lill Mether has been a faithful part of the New Creation Church family for over 40 years alongside her husband, Dan. She joined the church staff in 2008 and leads the Usher and Welcome Ministries, helping create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the doors. In her free time, Lill enjoys spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Contact Lill: lill@newcreationwoc.org

Tech Director
Andrew Miller has been serving on staff at New Creation Church since 2008 as the Tech Director, using his gifts to help create an excellent worship experience each week. Outside of church, Andrew enjoys DJing events and is affectionately known as Mankato's favorite Uber driver. His passion for serving others shines both inside and outside the church.

Contact Andrew: andrew@newcreationwoc.org

Children’s Director
Lauren Laughlin has served on staff at New Creation Church since 2016 as the Children's Director. She is passionate about helping the next generation know, love, and serve Jesus, and she brings energy, creativity, and a whole lot of fun to every ministry opportunity. When she's not at church, you'll probably find her checking out a local coffee shop, spending time with family, or convincing everyone that her Goldendoodle is the cutest dog you'll ever meet.

Contact Lauren: lauren@newcreationwoc.org

Children’s Director

Erica Irvin has served as Children’s Director at New Creation Church since 2014 and continues to invest in the next generation through part-time children’s ministry. She is passionate about teaching kids a strong foundation of faith in Jesus and helping them grow in their relationship with Him. When she’s not serving at church, Erica loves staying active and going on adventures with her family.

Contact Erica: erica@newcreationwoc.org

Communication & Design

Kelsey Whiteside has served on staff at New Creation Church since 2023 in Communications and Design, helping share the church's mission through creativity and storytelling. She also has a heart for women's ministry and prayer, faithfully serving as a volunteer in both. In her free time, you can usually find her with a coffee in hand, literally chasing her toddler, and capturing life's sweetest moments with her camera.

Contact Kelsey: kelsey@newcreationwoc.org

Accountant

Phillip Kendall Jr. joined the New Creation Church staff in 2026 as the Church Accountant. He uses his gifts of organization and stewardship to help support the ministry and mission of the church. Phillip is passionate about serving behind the scenes and helping create a strong foundation for all that God is doing through New Creation.

Contact Phillip: phillip@newcreationwoc.org

Financial Assistant

Tanya Backstrom joined the New Creation Church staff in 2023 as a Financial Assistant. She also leads the church’s Connect Group Ministry with her husband, Peter, helping people build community and grow in faith. In her free time, Tanya enjoys reading, spending time with her horses, and camping with her family.

Contact Tanya: tanya@newcreationwoc.org

Office Assistant

Andie Lewis joined the New Creation Church staff in 2026 as an Office Assistant, helping keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. She also helps lead the Freedom Life Recovery Ministry and is passionate about seeing people experience freedom, healing, and a life transformed by Jesus.

When she’s not serving at church, Andie enjoys spending time with friends, hanging out with her cat, and enjoying her favorite sweet treat, Nerds Gummy Clusters.

Contact Andie: andie@newcreationwoc.org

Facilities

Rachel Allen joined the New Creation Church Facilities Team in 2026, helping create a welcoming and well-cared-for environment for everyone who walks through the doors. She enjoys serving behind the scenes and being part of what God is doing at New Creation.

In her free time, Rachel loves soaking up the sunshine, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family.

Facilities

Matthew Miller joined the New Creation Church Facilities Team in 2026, helping create a welcoming and well-maintained environment for everyone who walks through the doors. He enjoys serving behind the scenes and being part of what God is doing at New Creation.

In his free time, Matthew loves spending time with his family and making memories together.