Info Letters

CAMPUS MINISTER

Tyler and Jennifer Ellis Tyler Ellis was born in Southern California and raised in Portland, OR. He is the youngest of three and will be turning thirty years old on June 9th. After graduating from Columbia Christian High School in 1998, he enrolled in a two and a half year apprentice missionary program called Adventures in Missions (AIM), which enabled him to serve in Western Samoa and Sydney, Australia. Through this experience he developed a heart for bringing Christ to the nations. While seeking his degree in Biblical Studies at Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI), he served as an instructor at AIM teaching classes on Personal Evangelism. Also, during his last year at SIBI, he served as Evangelists for Tarzan Church of Christ His interests include traveling, racquetball, disc golf, photography and videography. Tyler and his wonderful wife, Jennifer, were married in October 2009. Having taught as a high school and kindergarten teacher, Jennifer now works as an online coach for a Christian school called College Plus. Tyler is presently Campus Minister for Vintage Christian Fellowship which he founded in 2005 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. He is passionate about reaching the nations through international students and helping college students own their faith and graduate missionaries. He is also an aspiring author with plans to publish The Ultimate Test, and curriculum, The Life Lesson Series.

Matt Wilson accepts position with Wilmington University

Thank You, Matt!

Matt came to the Newark Church as a ministry intern in the summer of 2002, while he was a student at Ohio Valley University. After a one-year ministry with the Cedars church, Matt came to Newark as our youth and worship minister in 2005. When David Blackwell left Matt took the reigns of the campus ministry. During his five years of full-time ministry with us, Matt has had an opportunity to influence our church, as individuals and as a family. While a good amount of Matt’s work was with segments of the church (youth, college students) he influenced each of us in specific ways. Matt is a very creative person, and his creativity helped me a lot in my preaching. Some of the best sermon series I’ve preached were collaborative efforts. Matt also influenced me through his diverse reading. We were at a preacher’s meeting once and I joked, “I’m biblical and Matt is not.” His retort was, “I am theological and Steve is not.” I tend to start with a scripture, while Matt prefers to think about theological concepts. His thinking enriched my understanding of God and my life. He introduced me to Scot McKnight’s Embracing Grace, a book that has shaped my view of God and the church. I also remember going with Matt to hear N.T. Wright speak in Baltimore. That was a high point for both of us. We went on several mission trips together and attended a number of conferences. As a bonus, I was never afraid to walk the streets of Monterrey (or Wilmington or Nashville) with Matt nearby! Matt had a positive influence on us through his relationship with our elders. He has a lot of maturity and our elders respected his views on different matters. He held them in high honor as well. Matt is an effective worship leader and we are blessed that he will continue to serve us in this way. After his sermon last Sunday one of our senior members remarked to me, “That was one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard.” I had to agree with him. When Matt told the elders of his plans to transition to Wilmington University, he said he was looking forward to continuing his influence on young people, only in a different setting. He intends to bring Christ to the campus through his teaching and administrative duties. If the past is any indication, Matt will do an excellent work, and we look forward to encouraging him in his endeavors. God bless you, Matt!

--Steve Mahoney