Joe Snyder
Lead Pastor
Where are you from?
Born in Philly, raised in Bucks County.
Tell us about your family:
Dana and I are college sweethearts, married in 1996. Two kids, Kaleigh (22) and Cole (19).
What excites you about what you do?
I love preaching and teaching God’s Word, in such a way that it truly leads to life change for people! And then, those changed people, impact and change the lives of others. Changed lives change lives.
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
I’ve said it before, I truly believe the church is the hope of the world! We have God’s Spirit within us, and are living containers of the one and only hope the world has… JESUS.
Give us a hot take:
Summer is the best season, Fall is 3rd best, and Pumpkin Spice is nasty.
(Joe received his undergrad degree from Cairn, and his Masters of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary.)
Born in Philly, raised in Bucks County.
Tell us about your family:
Dana and I are college sweethearts, married in 1996. Two kids, Kaleigh (22) and Cole (19).
What excites you about what you do?
I love preaching and teaching God’s Word, in such a way that it truly leads to life change for people! And then, those changed people, impact and change the lives of others. Changed lives change lives.
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
I’ve said it before, I truly believe the church is the hope of the world! We have God’s Spirit within us, and are living containers of the one and only hope the world has… JESUS.
Give us a hot take:
Summer is the best season, Fall is 3rd best, and Pumpkin Spice is nasty.
(Joe received his undergrad degree from Cairn, and his Masters of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary.)
Andrew Knechel
Worship Pastor
Where are you from?
Montgomery County, PA
Tell us about your family:
I love my girls! My beautiful wife Chelsey and I have been married since 2019 and we have 3 baby girls. #GirlDad
What excites you about Worship & Creative Arts?
We get to enter into God’s presence together as a church and personally I’ve connected that way more strongly through music and song & hope to be able to show people how to connect that way - whether it’s new to them or not. It never gets old.
Favorite sports team?
4 for 4 thru & thru. Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, Flyers.
Hot Take?
OCNJ is the best jersey shore.
Montgomery County, PA
Tell us about your family:
I love my girls! My beautiful wife Chelsey and I have been married since 2019 and we have 3 baby girls. #GirlDad
What excites you about Worship & Creative Arts?
We get to enter into God’s presence together as a church and personally I’ve connected that way more strongly through music and song & hope to be able to show people how to connect that way - whether it’s new to them or not. It never gets old.
Favorite sports team?
4 for 4 thru & thru. Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, Flyers.
Hot Take?
OCNJ is the best jersey shore.
Ryan Roush
Ministry Pastor
Where are you from?
Milton, PA - a small town on the Susquehanna river.
Tell us about your family:
I have been married to Michelle for 34 years who is my best friend and the love of my life. God has blessed us with three children, now young adults. Curtis who is currently serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. Megan who is currently working in Lancaster, PA, and taking steps to become a missionary. Emma is back at home and a doctoral student in physical therapy.
What’s something you want everyone to know about you, whether you think it’s obvious or not?
I lead from my heart. God has given me a deep longing to help his bride not just know about him, but know him and live in his love, forgiveness, peace and joy. Helping people walk in the fullness of Jesus.
Give us a hot take:
Star Wars does not hold a candle to Lord of the Rings.
Milton, PA - a small town on the Susquehanna river.
Tell us about your family:
I have been married to Michelle for 34 years who is my best friend and the love of my life. God has blessed us with three children, now young adults. Curtis who is currently serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. Megan who is currently working in Lancaster, PA, and taking steps to become a missionary. Emma is back at home and a doctoral student in physical therapy.
What’s something you want everyone to know about you, whether you think it’s obvious or not?
I lead from my heart. God has given me a deep longing to help his bride not just know about him, but know him and live in his love, forgiveness, peace and joy. Helping people walk in the fullness of Jesus.
Give us a hot take:
Star Wars does not hold a candle to Lord of the Rings.
Landon Riley
Student & Young Adults Pastor
Where are you from?
I am from the great state of Arkansas! Woo Pig Sooie!
Tell us about your family:
I am married to my amazing wife, Kayla, and we have 4 crazy boys! Brooks, River, Jones, and Shepherd.
What excites you about Student Ministry?
The thing about student ministry that constantly keeps me going is watching students come to know Jesus for the first time and taking their next steps in their relationships with Jesus. Dodgeball is also pretty great even though I have to ice my shoulder the next day.
Little known fact about you?
The way to my heart is coffee and donuts.
Hot Take?
Pineapple does NOT belong on pizza and beans don’t belong in chili.
I am from the great state of Arkansas! Woo Pig Sooie!
Tell us about your family:
I am married to my amazing wife, Kayla, and we have 4 crazy boys! Brooks, River, Jones, and Shepherd.
What excites you about Student Ministry?
The thing about student ministry that constantly keeps me going is watching students come to know Jesus for the first time and taking their next steps in their relationships with Jesus. Dodgeball is also pretty great even though I have to ice my shoulder the next day.
Little known fact about you?
The way to my heart is coffee and donuts.
Hot Take?
Pineapple does NOT belong on pizza and beans don’t belong in chili.
Tricia Jacob
Children's Ministry Director
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Nampa, Idaho.
Tell us about your family:
My husband, Samuel and I have been married since 2017 and our son, Joshua (who we call Raj) was born in 2020.
What excites you about Kids’ Ministry?
I am so excited about seeing kids better understand God’s great love for them and those around them. My hope is that they would build solid foundations rooted in truth and scripture to help guide their steps for years to come.
Little known fact about you?
Christmas is my favorite holiday/season by far. I get very nostalgic and blast my 90’s Christian music all season long. I like the traditions that either get repeated or added as the years go. I love seeing the world reorient to something that, at least at the heart, has to do with Christ. It’s always my hope that God will use that season to bring people closer to him.
I’m originally from Nampa, Idaho.
Tell us about your family:
My husband, Samuel and I have been married since 2017 and our son, Joshua (who we call Raj) was born in 2020.
What excites you about Kids’ Ministry?
I am so excited about seeing kids better understand God’s great love for them and those around them. My hope is that they would build solid foundations rooted in truth and scripture to help guide their steps for years to come.
Little known fact about you?
Christmas is my favorite holiday/season by far. I get very nostalgic and blast my 90’s Christian music all season long. I like the traditions that either get repeated or added as the years go. I love seeing the world reorient to something that, at least at the heart, has to do with Christ. It’s always my hope that God will use that season to bring people closer to him.
Deb Stecher
Executive Assistant
Where are you from?
I’m from PA.
Tell us about your family:
My mom, Lonnie, lives with me, and I have one brother, Dan and with his wife Gretchen, and he has 4 kids (Alisa with her husband Jesse and kids Malakhi, Warren, Woodson, and baby boy on the way; Daniel with his girlfriend, Faye; Bai with his wife Jensen and baby girl on the way; Emy with her fiance Tosh), and 3 kids by marriage (Jenna, Julissa, Jade).
What excites you about serving NEXT?
I’m passionate about my ministry because I believe that the greatest opportunity we have is to serve Jesus by serving His church. So it is my joy and honor to serve NEXT Community Church however needed. Plus we have such great people, so that makes it fun!
What’s something everyone should know about you?
Despite the rumors, no, I don’t “run the place”. 🙂
I’m from PA.
Tell us about your family:
My mom, Lonnie, lives with me, and I have one brother, Dan and with his wife Gretchen, and he has 4 kids (Alisa with her husband Jesse and kids Malakhi, Warren, Woodson, and baby boy on the way; Daniel with his girlfriend, Faye; Bai with his wife Jensen and baby girl on the way; Emy with her fiance Tosh), and 3 kids by marriage (Jenna, Julissa, Jade).
What excites you about serving NEXT?
I’m passionate about my ministry because I believe that the greatest opportunity we have is to serve Jesus by serving His church. So it is my joy and honor to serve NEXT Community Church however needed. Plus we have such great people, so that makes it fun!
What’s something everyone should know about you?
Despite the rumors, no, I don’t “run the place”. 🙂
Mike Jacobs
Business Administrator
Where are you from?
I am a Philly Boy, born and raised in NE Philly! Moved to Harleysville 25 years ago and am “Home”.
Tell us about your family:
I am married to the love of my life for almost 35 Years (yea!!) I have three children, Josh who serves on the mission field in France and was just married in July to his beautiful bride Charline, Sarah who is married to Shane and they have two sons, Nathan who is 2 years old and Cameron who is 5 months old, and Elizabeth who is married to Paul and they have one son Calvin who is 16 months old.
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
I am excited to see so many people from various walks of life gather together to worship Jesus. I look forward to how God will continue to use NEXT in the Great Commission – Go Ye!!! Where will the Lord lead the church locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in regards to the mission that awaits us.
Favorite sports team?
E-A-G-L-E-S!!!!
Give us a hot take:
Yogurt is better than ice cream, Cheesesteaks are better than pizza.
I am a Philly Boy, born and raised in NE Philly! Moved to Harleysville 25 years ago and am “Home”.
Tell us about your family:
I am married to the love of my life for almost 35 Years (yea!!) I have three children, Josh who serves on the mission field in France and was just married in July to his beautiful bride Charline, Sarah who is married to Shane and they have two sons, Nathan who is 2 years old and Cameron who is 5 months old, and Elizabeth who is married to Paul and they have one son Calvin who is 16 months old.
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
I am excited to see so many people from various walks of life gather together to worship Jesus. I look forward to how God will continue to use NEXT in the Great Commission – Go Ye!!! Where will the Lord lead the church locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in regards to the mission that awaits us.
Favorite sports team?
E-A-G-L-E-S!!!!
Give us a hot take:
Yogurt is better than ice cream, Cheesesteaks are better than pizza.
Laura Bonner
Children's Ministry Associate
Where are you from?
Atlanta, Georgia
Tell us about your family:
I have 3 grown children. Jordan is married to Cara and I get to be Mimi to the sweetest kids ever, Owen & Lilah! Jonathan is using his PSU degree near Atlanta & Anna Marie is studying nursing at St. Louis University.
What excites you about Kids’ Ministry?
I love watching the Littles connect a Bible story of God’s love to their own lives and then share it with their family! They begin to see the Bible as the true Word of God and start to memorize scripture.
What’s something you want everyone to know about you, whether you think it’s obvious or not?
Being Mimi is the BEST, but I also love spending time with friends & family – coffee dates, biking/walking trails, playing board games, watching movies and baking!
Hot Take?
Wawa over Starbucks ANY & EVERY day of the week.
Atlanta, Georgia
Tell us about your family:
I have 3 grown children. Jordan is married to Cara and I get to be Mimi to the sweetest kids ever, Owen & Lilah! Jonathan is using his PSU degree near Atlanta & Anna Marie is studying nursing at St. Louis University.
What excites you about Kids’ Ministry?
I love watching the Littles connect a Bible story of God’s love to their own lives and then share it with their family! They begin to see the Bible as the true Word of God and start to memorize scripture.
What’s something you want everyone to know about you, whether you think it’s obvious or not?
Being Mimi is the BEST, but I also love spending time with friends & family – coffee dates, biking/walking trails, playing board games, watching movies and baking!
Hot Take?
Wawa over Starbucks ANY & EVERY day of the week.
Michelle Roush
Renew Ministries Director
Where are you from?
Williamsport, PA
Tell us about your family:
I’m married to Ryan who is the love of my life. We have 3 children; Curtis who is a Lieutenant in the Army, Megan who lives and works in Lancaster, and Emma who is a doctoral student in physical therapy.
What excites you about Renew Ministries?
I love seeing people move from isolation to community as they work through their struggles. I love pointing people to Jesus and helping them find hope and freedom in Him! I believe He has A LOT in store for us!
Little known fact about you?
I’m a bit adventurous! I like motorcycle riding, zip lining, and jumping out of airplanes!
Give us a hot take:
Decaf is the way to live!
Williamsport, PA
Tell us about your family:
I’m married to Ryan who is the love of my life. We have 3 children; Curtis who is a Lieutenant in the Army, Megan who lives and works in Lancaster, and Emma who is a doctoral student in physical therapy.
What excites you about Renew Ministries?
I love seeing people move from isolation to community as they work through their struggles. I love pointing people to Jesus and helping them find hope and freedom in Him! I believe He has A LOT in store for us!
Little known fact about you?
I’m a bit adventurous! I like motorcycle riding, zip lining, and jumping out of airplanes!
Give us a hot take:
Decaf is the way to live!
Hannah Larkin
Community Groups Director
Where are you from?
Born & Raised in LA, but consider myself a full-fledged Pennsylvanian now!
Tell us about your family:
My husband Sean and I met at Cedarville University and have been married for 7 years now. He is God’s good and gracious gift to me! We have two little boys–Noah and Kellan. Noah is an amphibian expert and Kellan is a goofy, sweet little red head… both have our hearts completely.
What excites you about what you do?
I am so humbled and thankful to be the administrative support to the amazing ministries that Next has to offer. I feel like I have a front row seat to all the exciting things going on at our church, and I just feel honored to be in a position where I am able to help our leaders accomplish God’s mission!
Little known fact about you?
I absolutely LOVE a good burger. I completed the Bub’s “Big Ugly” 1lb cheeseburger challenege and have my picture on the reataurant wall to prove it!
Hot Take?
Coffee is gross.
Born & Raised in LA, but consider myself a full-fledged Pennsylvanian now!
Tell us about your family:
My husband Sean and I met at Cedarville University and have been married for 7 years now. He is God’s good and gracious gift to me! We have two little boys–Noah and Kellan. Noah is an amphibian expert and Kellan is a goofy, sweet little red head… both have our hearts completely.
What excites you about what you do?
I am so humbled and thankful to be the administrative support to the amazing ministries that Next has to offer. I feel like I have a front row seat to all the exciting things going on at our church, and I just feel honored to be in a position where I am able to help our leaders accomplish God’s mission!
Little known fact about you?
I absolutely LOVE a good burger. I completed the Bub’s “Big Ugly” 1lb cheeseburger challenege and have my picture on the reataurant wall to prove it!
Hot Take?
Coffee is gross.
Hannah Parmer
Administrative Assistant
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in York, PA, but at the age of 11 I moved with my parents to Budapest, Hungary to become missionaries!
Tell us about your family:
My husband, Azariah and I met at Cairn University. We were married in 2018 and I am so thankful for his gentle and patient nature! We welcomed our long awaited miracle daughter into our family in 2023. We also have a mini golden-doodle named Honey who definitely misses being an only child.
What excites you most about the future of our church?
I’m excited to watch NEXT keep growing and stepping into what God is calling the church to do - especially how we can keep connecting the body of Christ to each other through community groups. We came originally because they had a huge emphasis on getting people connected in community groups. I love watching people come, get connected and allow God to change their lives through other believers.
What’s something you want everyone to know about you, whether you think it’s obvious or not?
I love being outside and enjoying nature, but I will not be caught alive going on a full on camping trip out in the woods.
Hot Take?
Salty snacks > sweet snacks.
I was born and raised in York, PA, but at the age of 11 I moved with my parents to Budapest, Hungary to become missionaries!
Tell us about your family:
My husband, Azariah and I met at Cairn University. We were married in 2018 and I am so thankful for his gentle and patient nature! We welcomed our long awaited miracle daughter into our family in 2023. We also have a mini golden-doodle named Honey who definitely misses being an only child.
What excites you most about the future of our church?
I’m excited to watch NEXT keep growing and stepping into what God is calling the church to do - especially how we can keep connecting the body of Christ to each other through community groups. We came originally because they had a huge emphasis on getting people connected in community groups. I love watching people come, get connected and allow God to change their lives through other believers.
What’s something you want everyone to know about you, whether you think it’s obvious or not?
I love being outside and enjoying nature, but I will not be caught alive going on a full on camping trip out in the woods.
Hot Take?
Salty snacks > sweet snacks.
Jeff Kerchner
Saturday Service Worship Leader
Where are you from?
Born in Lancaster, live in Phoenixville.
Tell us about your family:
Married to my extremely intelligent, funny and beautiful wife Becki, who was one of my best friends in college. We have 3 really cool sons who are in the high school/college phase (which I honestly can’t believe).
What excites you about our church?
I love how God shows up when we are genuinely seeking Him together. I know that He is going to move and meet people right where they are at as we come together to worship, and He is going to provide exactly what we need.
What are some things everyone should know about you?
We moved to Phoenixville to be where I was leading worship at a small church plant in the middle of town. We lived in less than 1,000 square foot home with 1 bathroom for 17 years. I am really tough to beat at air hockey. I don’t like the idea of shrimp and have never tried it. I was the #1 tennis player at my middle school my 7th grade year.
Give us a hot take:
While I typically like all things Philly, I just don’t understand The Mummers… at all…
Born in Lancaster, live in Phoenixville.
Tell us about your family:
Married to my extremely intelligent, funny and beautiful wife Becki, who was one of my best friends in college. We have 3 really cool sons who are in the high school/college phase (which I honestly can’t believe).
What excites you about our church?
I love how God shows up when we are genuinely seeking Him together. I know that He is going to move and meet people right where they are at as we come together to worship, and He is going to provide exactly what we need.
What are some things everyone should know about you?
We moved to Phoenixville to be where I was leading worship at a small church plant in the middle of town. We lived in less than 1,000 square foot home with 1 bathroom for 17 years. I am really tough to beat at air hockey. I don’t like the idea of shrimp and have never tried it. I was the #1 tennis player at my middle school my 7th grade year.
Give us a hot take:
While I typically like all things Philly, I just don’t understand The Mummers… at all…
Mathew Winkler
Facilities Manager
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but have been living in Pennsylvania for many years now.
Tell us about your family:
My loving wife, Karah, and I have a LARGE family together. We’d love for you to get to know us all in person… we’re always around!
Why are you passionate about your ministry area?
I love helping others, making sure everything runs smoothly, and working with such a wonderful church staff who truly care about our community.
What excites you most about the future of our church?
To nurture our community and foster fellowship with those around us, to grow spiritually together in the word of God, and to embody the teachings and actions of Christ’s Church as His hands and feet.
What are your hobbies?
Singing, playing worship music, playing video games with my kids, and researching new technology.
Do you have a favorite sport? A favorite team?
No. Go home team!!
Give us a hot take…
Apple Music is better than Spotify.
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but have been living in Pennsylvania for many years now.
Tell us about your family:
My loving wife, Karah, and I have a LARGE family together. We’d love for you to get to know us all in person… we’re always around!
Why are you passionate about your ministry area?
I love helping others, making sure everything runs smoothly, and working with such a wonderful church staff who truly care about our community.
What excites you most about the future of our church?
To nurture our community and foster fellowship with those around us, to grow spiritually together in the word of God, and to embody the teachings and actions of Christ’s Church as His hands and feet.
What are your hobbies?
Singing, playing worship music, playing video games with my kids, and researching new technology.
Do you have a favorite sport? A favorite team?
No. Go home team!!
Give us a hot take…
Apple Music is better than Spotify.
At NEXT, we believe in plurality of leadership and have set up specific governance to reflect that. We are an elder-led church, as laid out in scripture.
Our elders have been humbly called to shepherd us with unity and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is not a singular leader that makes all of the decisions, nor does the body of believers govern themselves.
Elders are responsible for shepherding, oversight, leading, and caring for the local church.
Our elders have been humbly called to shepherd us with unity and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is not a singular leader that makes all of the decisions, nor does the body of believers govern themselves.
Elders are responsible for shepherding, oversight, leading, and caring for the local church.
Dennis Holt
Bill Schick
Steve Thompson
Louis Ashley
Josh Kemmerer
Matze Hufnagel
Robert Dunner
Joe Snyder