STAFF
Joe
Snyder
Lead Pastor
Where are you from?
Born in NE Philly, raised in Bucks Country, live in Schwenksville.
Tell us about your family:
Dana and I are college sweethearts, married in 1996 & have two kids, Kaleigh & Cole!
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
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 NE Philly, raised in Bucks Country, live in Schwenksville.
Tell us about your family:
Dana and I are college sweethearts, married in 1996 & have two kids, Kaleigh & Cole!
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
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.)
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... my best friend and the love of my life. God has blessed us with three children: Curtis who serves in the United States Army. Megan who works in Lancaster, PA, taking steps to become a missionary & Emma is back at home and a doctoral student in PT.
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... my best friend and the love of my life. God has blessed us with three children: Curtis who serves in the United States Army. Megan who works in Lancaster, PA, taking steps to become a missionary & Emma is back at home and a doctoral student in PT.
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.
Andrew
Knechel
Worship Pastor
Where are you from?
Right outside Phoenixville.
Tell us about your family:
My beautiful wife Chelsey and I have been married since 2019 and we have 3 baby girls + welcomed our first baby boy in 2025!
What excites you about Worship & Creative Arts?
We get to enter into God’s presence together as a church and personally I’ve deeply connected that way 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.
Right outside Phoenixville.
Tell us about your family:
My beautiful wife Chelsey and I have been married since 2019 and we have 3 baby girls + welcomed our first baby boy in 2025!
What excites you about Worship & Creative Arts?
We get to enter into God’s presence together as a church and personally I’ve deeply connected that way 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.
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.
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.
Give us a hot take:
Yogurt is better than ice cream, Cheesesteaks are better than pizza.
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.
Laura
Bonner
Littles & Buddy Coordinator
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.
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”. 🙂
Meagan
Nice
Administrative Assistant
Where are you from?
Born & raised in Souderton, PA and now call Schwenksville home.
Tell us about your family:
Married to Ryan for 21 years and have 3 amazing kids - Jonah, Naomi & Isaac. We love spending time together playing games, laughing and going on adventures!
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
I enjoy filling in the gaps and supporting the various ministries behind the scenes. I’m excited to use both my creative gifts and my organizational skills to support what God is doing at Next and in the community.
What’s one thing people may not know about you that may surprise them?
I love owning and caring for animals. Over the years I've raised pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep & rabbits. I also own a cat, 2 dogs and a horse.
Give us a hot take:
Mountains > beaches.
Born & raised in Souderton, PA and now call Schwenksville home.
Tell us about your family:
Married to Ryan for 21 years and have 3 amazing kids - Jonah, Naomi & Isaac. We love spending time together playing games, laughing and going on adventures!
What excites you most about the future of NEXT?
I enjoy filling in the gaps and supporting the various ministries behind the scenes. I’m excited to use both my creative gifts and my organizational skills to support what God is doing at Next and in the community.
What’s one thing people may not know about you that may surprise them?
I love owning and caring for animals. Over the years I've raised pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep & rabbits. I also own a cat, 2 dogs and a horse.
Give us a hot take:
Mountains > beaches.
Mathew
Winkler
Facilities Director
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 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!!
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 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!!
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!
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!
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!
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…
ELDERS
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
Where are you from?
I am a Hoosier, born in Muncie, Indiana. I was raised in a Christian home, coming to know the Lord at an age earlier than I can pinpoint in time. I moved around a bit after high school. Baltimore, Boston, SF bay area and eventually settled in PA for work in 1984. Currently Chris and I reside near Gilbertsville.
Tell us about your family:
I am the middle of three brothers, my best friends. I met my wife Chris in high school, but we did not marry until some 27 years later. Ours is a great story for another time.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
I pray that each member of our body would love the Lord and seek to be a true disciple of Jesus, not only knowing what He taught and commanded but obeying and teaching others to do the same. Ezra 7:10, ‘study, obey, teach’, is the essence of the great commission Jesus left for us, and it is the true expression of love for the Father and for others.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7. We are called and equipped to declare the Kingship of Jesus, today.
I am a Hoosier, born in Muncie, Indiana. I was raised in a Christian home, coming to know the Lord at an age earlier than I can pinpoint in time. I moved around a bit after high school. Baltimore, Boston, SF bay area and eventually settled in PA for work in 1984. Currently Chris and I reside near Gilbertsville.
Tell us about your family:
I am the middle of three brothers, my best friends. I met my wife Chris in high school, but we did not marry until some 27 years later. Ours is a great story for another time.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
I pray that each member of our body would love the Lord and seek to be a true disciple of Jesus, not only knowing what He taught and commanded but obeying and teaching others to do the same. Ezra 7:10, ‘study, obey, teach’, is the essence of the great commission Jesus left for us, and it is the true expression of love for the Father and for others.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7. We are called and equipped to declare the Kingship of Jesus, today.
Bill
Schick
Where are you from?
Grew up in Richboro, Bucks County; now live in Telford, Montgomery County.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I work as a Project Manager for a construction company. I enjoy all the work that goes into a building project and the satisfaction of turning it over to the client for them to enjoy for years to come. I also enjoy the connections with people that come through all aspects of every project.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
Jessie's BBQ (in Telford) for what the name says! Or Bella Fiona (in Harleysville) for a really good local dinner.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
I would say God's holiness and reverence. A correct view of this is foundational to the Christian life and how we ultimately view God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then how we view and conduct ourselves. Proverbs 9:10 is one of the many verses on this subject.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Despite what they may see with their eyes, God is always working, even if behind the scenes. He can always be trusted.
Grew up in Richboro, Bucks County; now live in Telford, Montgomery County.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I work as a Project Manager for a construction company. I enjoy all the work that goes into a building project and the satisfaction of turning it over to the client for them to enjoy for years to come. I also enjoy the connections with people that come through all aspects of every project.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
Jessie's BBQ (in Telford) for what the name says! Or Bella Fiona (in Harleysville) for a really good local dinner.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
I would say God's holiness and reverence. A correct view of this is foundational to the Christian life and how we ultimately view God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then how we view and conduct ourselves. Proverbs 9:10 is one of the many verses on this subject.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Despite what they may see with their eyes, God is always working, even if behind the scenes. He can always be trusted.
Steve
Thompson
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Bristol, Pennsylvania. I have lived in Harleysville, Pennsylvania since 1983.
What do you do for work (or what did you do)?
I worked at Rohm and Haas Chemical Company and then Dow Chemical in chemical research and development for 38 years. Additionally, I served for seven years as an associate pastor at a local church. Since retirement I spend my time ministering to others through my time at Next and chaplaincy with the International Fellowship of Chaplains, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the North Penn Goodwill Service.
What is your absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
I enjoy spending time with my family, enjoying a meal, kayaking or just hanging out.
Where & what is vacation for you?
Stone Harbor, NJ is a regular for my family.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
I pray that our people will not become complacent, nor will they simply be pew-sitters or consumers. I pray that they are constantly seeking God’s “next” in their lives. We will each have a “next” until we take our last breath on earth. I also pray that each of our people will live a life of faith in Jesus.
Who is your favorite Bible character, & tell us why:
Nehemiah is my favorite Bible character. He is an excellent leader, full of faith, even in the most difficult of situations. He folds prayer into every part of his life and ministry. He understands that God is most important to the success of all that he does. I have tried to incorporate Nehemiah’s example into my life.
I was born and raised in Bristol, Pennsylvania. I have lived in Harleysville, Pennsylvania since 1983.
What do you do for work (or what did you do)?
I worked at Rohm and Haas Chemical Company and then Dow Chemical in chemical research and development for 38 years. Additionally, I served for seven years as an associate pastor at a local church. Since retirement I spend my time ministering to others through my time at Next and chaplaincy with the International Fellowship of Chaplains, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the North Penn Goodwill Service.
What is your absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
I enjoy spending time with my family, enjoying a meal, kayaking or just hanging out.
Where & what is vacation for you?
Stone Harbor, NJ is a regular for my family.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
I pray that our people will not become complacent, nor will they simply be pew-sitters or consumers. I pray that they are constantly seeking God’s “next” in their lives. We will each have a “next” until we take our last breath on earth. I also pray that each of our people will live a life of faith in Jesus.
Who is your favorite Bible character, & tell us why:
Nehemiah is my favorite Bible character. He is an excellent leader, full of faith, even in the most difficult of situations. He folds prayer into every part of his life and ministry. He understands that God is most important to the success of all that he does. I have tried to incorporate Nehemiah’s example into my life.
Bill
Martin
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Goodville, Pennsylvania, in eastern Lancaster County. I've called Harleysville home for the better part of my life.
Tell us about your family:
My wife, Sharon and I have been married for 41 years. We have three adult children and four grandchildren.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I drive tractor trailer for Penn Valley Gas hauling propane. The thing I like best is being on my own and being solely responsible to get the load there safely.
Where & what is vacation for you?
Renting a house in the woods or near a lake and just relaxing. And as many day trips to Lancaster County that we can fit in.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
The Mill in Kulpsville for every day, and Versante in Schwenksville for something more special.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
The biggest thing God's been teaching me is humility. It's more than just being a humble man, but it's having a heart that desires it.
Who is your favorite Bible character, & tell us why:
I would say it's the Apostle Paul. I love the way. God turned his life 180° and used him in such a powerful way.
I'm originally from Goodville, Pennsylvania, in eastern Lancaster County. I've called Harleysville home for the better part of my life.
Tell us about your family:
My wife, Sharon and I have been married for 41 years. We have three adult children and four grandchildren.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I drive tractor trailer for Penn Valley Gas hauling propane. The thing I like best is being on my own and being solely responsible to get the load there safely.
Where & what is vacation for you?
Renting a house in the woods or near a lake and just relaxing. And as many day trips to Lancaster County that we can fit in.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
The Mill in Kulpsville for every day, and Versante in Schwenksville for something more special.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
The biggest thing God's been teaching me is humility. It's more than just being a humble man, but it's having a heart that desires it.
Who is your favorite Bible character, & tell us why:
I would say it's the Apostle Paul. I love the way. God turned his life 180° and used him in such a powerful way.
Samuel
Jacob
Where are you from?
Grew up in Northeast Philly and currently living in Royersford.
What is your absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Sitting on a chair and reading a book or if it’s during football season, watching the birds play.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
Anywhere with a great cheeseburger or cheesesteak.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
This changes month to month but currently I have been wrestling through 1 Peter 1:15-16.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Sometimes, during a difficult season, we don’t want to hear truth. Sometimes we just want to be angry and frustrated. God is big enough for our anger and frustration and, in the midst of our anger/frustration/sadness, He will hold us close. He will never leave you.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
My prayer is that we would pursue God with all of our heart. That this world, and all that it offers to distract us from God, would seem empty, pale, and poor compared to the fullness, color, and richness it is to know Him. Also, that we would live out and share this good news with those around us in intentional relationship.
Grew up in Northeast Philly and currently living in Royersford.
What is your absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Sitting on a chair and reading a book or if it’s during football season, watching the birds play.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
Anywhere with a great cheeseburger or cheesesteak.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
This changes month to month but currently I have been wrestling through 1 Peter 1:15-16.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Sometimes, during a difficult season, we don’t want to hear truth. Sometimes we just want to be angry and frustrated. God is big enough for our anger and frustration and, in the midst of our anger/frustration/sadness, He will hold us close. He will never leave you.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
My prayer is that we would pursue God with all of our heart. That this world, and all that it offers to distract us from God, would seem empty, pale, and poor compared to the fullness, color, and richness it is to know Him. Also, that we would live out and share this good news with those around us in intentional relationship.
Roy
Ford
Where are you from?
Born in Arizona, but raised in Texas. Now call Harleysville, Pennsylvania home.
Tell us about your family:
I’ve been married to my wife Maggie for 10 years, and together we have three kids (a daughter and twin boys).
What is your absolute favorite way to spend Sunday afternoon?
Life has a way of becoming “busy” so it’s nice to be able to slow down and just be with my family. Even if that just looks like taking a walk around the neighborhood and grilling out.
Where and what is vacation for you?
Hilton Head, South Carolina. We used to live in Savannah, Georgia and fell in love with Hilton Head while we were down there.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bit or a coffee in our community?
Easy - Sammy’s.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
For our people to fall in love with community. We weren’t meant to navigate life alone. We are meant to be plugged in with one another, share life with one another, and grow with one another. Find a way to get plugged into the church. Whether thats directly in a community group or serving in a ministry. You won’t regret it.
Who is your favorite Bible character, & tell us why:
Joseph. His story is amazing, very relatable, and extremely encouraging. I am encouraged that everything he went through (the bad and the good) had to happen exactly the way it did in order for him to be in the position he ultimately was in. There’s so much truth to that, and helps put our own life experiences in perspective.
Born in Arizona, but raised in Texas. Now call Harleysville, Pennsylvania home.
Tell us about your family:
I’ve been married to my wife Maggie for 10 years, and together we have three kids (a daughter and twin boys).
What is your absolute favorite way to spend Sunday afternoon?
Life has a way of becoming “busy” so it’s nice to be able to slow down and just be with my family. Even if that just looks like taking a walk around the neighborhood and grilling out.
Where and what is vacation for you?
Hilton Head, South Carolina. We used to live in Savannah, Georgia and fell in love with Hilton Head while we were down there.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bit or a coffee in our community?
Easy - Sammy’s.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
For our people to fall in love with community. We weren’t meant to navigate life alone. We are meant to be plugged in with one another, share life with one another, and grow with one another. Find a way to get plugged into the church. Whether thats directly in a community group or serving in a ministry. You won’t regret it.
Who is your favorite Bible character, & tell us why:
Joseph. His story is amazing, very relatable, and extremely encouraging. I am encouraged that everything he went through (the bad and the good) had to happen exactly the way it did in order for him to be in the position he ultimately was in. There’s so much truth to that, and helps put our own life experiences in perspective.
Matze
Hufnagel
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Germany, in the Franconia region of Bavaria. In 2002 God moved me to Franconia, PA of all places! I have been residing in Harleysville since 2006.
Tell us about your family:
My wife Marybeth and I have been married for over 20 years, we have two daughters and one son. We enjoy family meals, attending our kids’ sporting events, and don’t pass on going to a Phillies game.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a registered architect and have worked for various architectural firms in PA, currently working for Philadelphia’s public transit agency as a Quality Manager for Design and Construction. I love seeing design ideas become a reality and how a good design benefits people in their daily lives.
Where & what is vacation for you?
We like to visit family oversees or go to the beach. When traveling to new places I am curious to trying new foods, to learning about different languages, and to experiencing other customs and cultures.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
That we never stop growing in his truth, that we stay Kingdom-minded, and that we continue to reach others with the gospel.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Psalms 13 has provided me guidance in many hard seasons. Scripture here shows how you can be honest with the Lord about your desperation and pain during hard times and yet have hope by trusting in God’s faithful love.
I was born and raised in Germany, in the Franconia region of Bavaria. In 2002 God moved me to Franconia, PA of all places! I have been residing in Harleysville since 2006.
Tell us about your family:
My wife Marybeth and I have been married for over 20 years, we have two daughters and one son. We enjoy family meals, attending our kids’ sporting events, and don’t pass on going to a Phillies game.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a registered architect and have worked for various architectural firms in PA, currently working for Philadelphia’s public transit agency as a Quality Manager for Design and Construction. I love seeing design ideas become a reality and how a good design benefits people in their daily lives.
Where & what is vacation for you?
We like to visit family oversees or go to the beach. When traveling to new places I am curious to trying new foods, to learning about different languages, and to experiencing other customs and cultures.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
That we never stop growing in his truth, that we stay Kingdom-minded, and that we continue to reach others with the gospel.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Psalms 13 has provided me guidance in many hard seasons. Scripture here shows how you can be honest with the Lord about your desperation and pain during hard times and yet have hope by trusting in God’s faithful love.
Joe
Snyder
Where are you from?
Born in NE Philly, raised in Bucks Country, live in Schwenksville.
What do you do for work?
I get to pastor the best church in the world!
What is your absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
GOLF! Mostly playing golf... sometimes watching golf (which usually ends in a nap).
Where & what is vacation for you?
Anyplace WARM. Ocean City, NJ will always have a special place in my heart.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
My new favorite place has been Daybreak Café in Skippack.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
Let us be the church that God calls us to be: obedient to His leading, and always ready to step into our Next.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Psalm 23 is always such an encouragement. The Good Shepherd lets us know that He is there to comfort us in our valleys. We don’t have to fear. And one day, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Born in NE Philly, raised in Bucks Country, live in Schwenksville.
What do you do for work?
I get to pastor the best church in the world!
What is your absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
GOLF! Mostly playing golf... sometimes watching golf (which usually ends in a nap).
Where & what is vacation for you?
Anyplace WARM. Ocean City, NJ will always have a special place in my heart.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
My new favorite place has been Daybreak Café in Skippack.
When you think about the future of our church, what is your prayer for our people?
Let us be the church that God calls us to be: obedient to His leading, and always ready to step into our Next.
If someone is walking through a difficult season, what biblical truth or perspective do you hope to offer them?
Psalm 23 is always such an encouragement. The Good Shepherd lets us know that He is there to comfort us in our valleys. We don’t have to fear. And one day, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Ryan
Roush
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Milton PA, but I have lived in Montgomery County since 1992.
Tell us about your family:
My wife, Michelle, and I have been married for 36 years. We have 3 children: Curtis who is a captain in the Army and lives in North Carolina, Megan who is a full-time missionary with YWAM Lancaster and just married Jagger Blough in September of this year. And Emma who just graduated from Temple University and completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am the Ministry Pastor at NEXT. What I like most is helping people walk in the
fullness of God’s love for them and what he created them to do.
Where & what is vacation for you?
A fishing trip to a secluded place with
friends and family.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
Hennings for coffee and Main Street Salad for food.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
Ephesians 1-3. That God created me to be in a relationship with him and his
deliberate pursuit to make me holy. I’m learning what the role of the Holy Spirit is and how to live daily in his power, love and discipline.
I’m originally from Milton PA, but I have lived in Montgomery County since 1992.
Tell us about your family:
My wife, Michelle, and I have been married for 36 years. We have 3 children: Curtis who is a captain in the Army and lives in North Carolina, Megan who is a full-time missionary with YWAM Lancaster and just married Jagger Blough in September of this year. And Emma who just graduated from Temple University and completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
What do you do for work, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am the Ministry Pastor at NEXT. What I like most is helping people walk in the
fullness of God’s love for them and what he created them to do.
Where & what is vacation for you?
A fishing trip to a secluded place with
friends and family.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite or a coffee in our community?
Hennings for coffee and Main Street Salad for food.
Is there a specific verse, book, or revelation that God has been teaching you lately?
Ephesians 1-3. That God created me to be in a relationship with him and his
deliberate pursuit to make me holy. I’m learning what the role of the Holy Spirit is and how to live daily in his power, love and discipline.