Staff
Rev. Nathan J. Liedtke
Lead Pastor
Pastor Nate was called to serve as pastor of New Life in Jan. 2010. He and his wife Kerrie have two children (Ben and Katie), and two dogs, and two cats. Nate served Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin before accepting the call to serve at New Life. He was born and raised in Wisconsin, and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA before receiving his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA in 2006. In addition to his call to ministry at New Life he serves as chaplain for the Des Moines Fire Department & the Norwalk Fire Department.
Get in touch with nate at: [email protected]
Erik Ullestad
Minister of Engagement
Erik Ullestad began serving as the Minister of Engagement in March 2026. He and his wife Allison have three adult children (Anna, Isaac, and Evan). Erik is a certified youth minister who has served multiple congregations in a variety of roles. He has also worked in the ministry of publishing with 1517 Media. Erik grew up in Cedar Falls, IA and received a music education degree from Wartburg College in 2001. In addition to his work at New Life, Erik is also the Director of Administration & Communications at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive. He enjoys running, playing guitar, and traveling to Scotland.
Get in touch with Erik at: [email protected]
Pablo & Janessa Guardiola
Youth and Kids Ministry Coordinators
We’re thrilled to welcome Pablo and Janessa Guardiola to the New Life staff team! Pablo joins us as our new Middle and High School Minister, and Janessa steps into the role of Pre-K – 5th Grade Minister—a dynamic duo serving across the full spectrum of Next Gen ministry.
Pablo brings a deep passion for youth ministry and a heart for helping students grow in faith and step into leadership.
“I’m excited to establish significant relationships with the youth and guide them to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus.
That will allow them to become leaders in their community,” Pablo shares.
Janessa shares that same heart for ministry and is excited to walk alongside our youngest students and their families as they begin their journey of faith. The Guardiolas—along with their sons, Daniel and Matias—are excited to be part of the New Life community, and we’re just as excited to welcome them!
Pablo brings a deep passion for youth ministry and a heart for helping students grow in faith and step into leadership.
“I’m excited to establish significant relationships with the youth and guide them to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus.
That will allow them to become leaders in their community,” Pablo shares.
Janessa shares that same heart for ministry and is excited to walk alongside our youngest students and their families as they begin their journey of faith. The Guardiolas—along with their sons, Daniel and Matias—are excited to be part of the New Life community, and we’re just as excited to welcome them!
Get in touch with pablo at: [email protected]
Getin touch with janessa at: [email protected]
Shannon Keefer
Administrative Assistant
We are pleased to welcome Shannon Keefer as our new Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for coordinating worship volunteers, overseeing all weekly and monthly publications—including worship bulletins and the New Life LINK—and managing the church website.
Get in touch with shannon at: [email protected]
New Life is led by our Executive Committee and Church Council.
Members of our Executive Committee are: Greg Hayworth, Julie Tuttle, Nick Pilling, Michelle Benschoter, Jennifer Topf, and
Members of our Church Council are: Leanne Smith, Jessica Iverson, Josh Ullom, Sean Coen, JJ and Nate Beattie, Danene VanZuuk, and Ava Norem
Members of our Executive Committee are: Greg Hayworth, Julie Tuttle, Nick Pilling, Michelle Benschoter, Jennifer Topf, and
Members of our Church Council are: Leanne Smith, Jessica Iverson, Josh Ullom, Sean Coen, JJ and Nate Beattie, Danene VanZuuk, and Ava Norem
