ELDERS
Purpose Statement:
To shepherd, to guard and to protect the flock of God.
Specific Functions:
- To pray.
- To guard and evaluate the overall health of the church, both in spiritual life and effectiveness (ensuring we are being good stewards of God’s resources/people), and being sure we are fulfilling our mission statement and values.
- To approve activities beyond the budget with fiscal responsibilities and authority delegated by the Senior Pastor.
- Evaluate the Senior Pastor annually.
- Give input on strategic plan and annual church-wide goals and objectives.
- Approve church policy as initiated by the staff.
- To handle church discipline as referred by the pastors.
- To affirm new ministries and positions as recommended by the pastoral staff.
To read the Elder Rule of Life, please click here.
Andrew Favilla
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Andrew Favilla has called Queens his home for 53 years. He has been married to his wife Laurel for 32 years and they have three children; Michael (29), Frank (26; married to Aabye since June ‘09), and Ian (11). Andrew and his family have called New Life Fellowship their home church since Spring 1989. Since joining New Life’s family, Andrew has served in Small Groups, Marriage Ministry, Prayer Ministry, and since 1993 on the Elder Board. Presently Andrew is Chair of the Elder Board. Outside of New Life, Andrew has worked for Metro-North Railroad in various capacities in their Operations Department for more than 33 years. When he can, Andrew likes walks in the park with Ian and is looking forward to spending more time with his wife. |
Greg Gardner
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After joining NLF in April 1994, Greg Gardner became a member of the elder board in 1997, making him one of the more elder elders. Over the years, his areas of service at NLF have included the altar ministry, the stewardship campaign and the baptism class. A musician in a previous life (with the NLF worship team and before), Greg still loves listening to jazz, gospel and CCM. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a BA in psychology and has had a long career working for the Social Security Administration in various technical and management positions. Greg and his wonderful wife, Ruth, a former NLF elder, have been married since 1981. In 2008, God chose to interrupt their lives with a firestorm of love, joy, beauty and complications in the person of their amazing daughter, Dionasia. While enjoying his newly overflowing cup, Greg still attempts (rather unsuccessfully) to indulge in his pasttimes of reading, travel, tennis and fine dining. |
Jake Garcia
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Jake Garcia has been married to a beautiful and wonderful lady named Iris for the last 40 years. He has 3 children and 4 grand children. Jake has been employed for a private company positioned as a product manager for the past 15 years now. His goal in life is to develop relationships and strengthen existing ones, most importantly, his relationship with Christ. Jake’s passion is to offer a listening ear coupled with a word of encouragement to people in need. |
Carroll Oliver
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Carroll Oliver has been attending New Life Fellowship along with her daughter Dawn and grandson George for 12 years. She has been a follower of Christ for 25 great & challenging years. Carroll is a native Queens New Yorker, living in East Elmhurst with her mom, sister, daughter & grandson. After working full time in the corporate arena, she is now semi-retired spending more serving at church. Carroll is currently serving in New Life as an Elder; a small group leader in the Elmhurst community; part of the Welcoming team and an occasional volunteer in our clinic. She loves to sing (worship); shop – shoes are her downfall; watch & collect movies – she has a great collection; read; and walk. |
Kelly Ng
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Kelly Ng is one of the Elders of New Life Fellowship Church and he also serves in the Marriage Ministry. Embracing his weaknesses and being true to who he is, he strives to live a life that reflects the goodness and grace of God – pointing others to see and taste that the Lord is good. What makes Kelly’s eyes light up and brings a smile to his face? He appreciates healthy church leadership, thoughtful conversations, healthy marriages, Kona Peaberry coffee and a good game of tennis. Kelly is joyfully married to Shirley and calls her “his best vacation”. |
Bonnie Wheaton
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Bonnie Wheaton was born and raised in Maine, but has lived in NYC since her junior year in high school. She’s attended New Life for fourteen years and became an elder in 2008. Her greatest desire is to love the Lord. Her passions are to know, hear and obey His Voice and to see His people do the same. Her lesser passions are the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox. She oversees the Altar Ministry at New Life and co-leads a Small Group. She shares an apartment with Sue Pincusoff and their two cats, Loverboy and Wellie. |
