And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Pastors Gary and Michelle Smith
Founding Pastors
Gary and Michelle serve as a team, faithfully mentoring, discipling those who make New Life their church home.
After giving their lives to Christ Jesus in 1978, they quickly discovered a passion for telling others what God had done for them. Their passion grew into the recognition of God's clear call on their lives. In 1992, Gary became the Senior Pastor of New Life, a new church plant. Michelle worked alongside him in every area as the church grew and became established.
They have effectively led New Life through many growth phases and into becoming a strong influence in their community for Christ. Nothing gives them more joy than seeing others brought into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and discovering his plans for their lives.
Gary is a diligent student of God's word and ways. His straightforward approach and ability to relate the message of Jesus to everyday life, combined with practical application, down-to-earth humor, and a love of history makes his preaching and teaching impactful.
Michelle is known for her visionary insights, wisdom, and leadership ability. She is gifted in teaching and exhortation and is passionate about unlocking the potential in others to live out all that God has intended for them. She launched Purely Women's Ministries, with the purpose of helping women of all ages discover their true identity as a woman of God.
They enjoy time with family, gardening, canoeing, camping and the outdoors.
Luke Dreyer
Associate Pastor
Luke had a personal encounter with Jesus in 2014 and has been part of the New Life church family since then. As God worked in his life, he became passionate about his faith and began dedicating his time and talents to serving God, speaking His Word, and strengthening his fellow believers.
Luke is a worshipper at heart and has served in the praise ministry, the men’s ministry and in many other areas. He is known for his visionary insights and hunger for God.
The New Life leaders sensed God calling him to leadership and in June of 2026 Luke stepped into the role of Administrative Pastor. He oversees the day-to-day church operations, helps further the churches vision and mission, and provides spiritual care for the congregation
Luke and his wife Kathy are blessed with 4 children. Spending time with his family and pursuing the beauty of God’s creation are his favorite things to do in his free time.
Cliff Prince
Elder
Cliff is gifted with a shepherd's heart and is a strong influencer for the spiritual growth of the New Life family. He brings spiritual wisdom and strength to the leadership team and youth ministry of New Life.
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Cliff and his wife, Cherith have 5 children. He is also an avid outdoors-man and enjoys sharing his passion with nature with his family. He serves in the United States Armed Forces and completed two oversees tours of duty.
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Deb Kelley
Office Administrator
Deb moved to Michigan, from Northern NY in 1991. She has 2-adult children and 3-sweet grandchildren, who live out of state.
​Ms. Kelley gave her life to Jesus at NLCF in 2012 and has witnessed many miracles and God stories ever since.​
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She has been an active advocate for women in need at Options Pregnancy Center in Alpena and enjoys biking, pet sitting, baby care, elderly care and serving in the church body.
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Beckie LaMay
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Beckie is a devoted follower of Jesus with a passionate commitment to serving in women’s and children’s ministry. ​
Her heart is dedicated to helping others discover the transformative freedom found in Christ, as she actively engages in nurturing and empowering those around her.
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She finds joy in sharing the love of God and witnessing lives being changed.
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Ms. LaMay is a proud mother and grandmother and for the past 29 years, she has been a valuable member of a successful team at a local company.
​She attends New Life Christian Fellowship and enjoys the friends and community of her church.
Pinky Grzesiak
Treasurer
Pinky and her husband, Dan, moved to Alpena from Colorado 15 years ago, bringing with them a deep love for the outdoors. With more than 40 years of experience in the accounting field, she has been heard to say that working with numbers is fun!
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Pinky is also an active member of WOVEN, the New Life Women's ministry. She finds great joy in seeing lives transformed and people set free through the love of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. New Life Christian Fellowship has become her church family, and she is honored to serve on the board, helping to advance God's Kingdom in the community.
Elaine Landry
Financial Assistant
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Elaine has over 20 years of professional experience working as a hospital file clerk, church administrator and also a real estate agent. She eventually moved from Freemont, MI to Alpena in 2024 to be closer to friends and family.
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Elaine has found renewed fulfillment as NLCF's financial assistant and also serves the New Life children as a teacher in Little Lights. She is passionate about caregiving for the elderly and loves to walk the beaches of Alpena with her pets.