We only allow imperfect people to serve on staff and leadership at WNLA… this is mostly due to the fact that we have yet to find someone who is perfect (so please throw away your pedestals, we hate falling off high places). We humbly love our God and as a result are filled with a passion for people, our city, and our world. We want to walk along side you and together press forward from glory to glory to see the whole world filled with the joy that comes from the Good News of Jesus (are you sick of hearing the phrase “Good News”? Good, we aren’t either!).
Staff & Leadership
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Andy & Stephanie Fox
Lead Pastor | Worship Pastor
Andy began attending WNLA when he was only 5 years old. Here is a bit of his story in his own words: “I recall the Sunday morning years ago when my parents announced to us that we were trying out a church in Ferndale… I immediately hid behind the couch and refused to go. Fear always tries to rob us of the good things God wants to do in us doesn’t it? I LOVE my church! It was within these walls that I heard the gospel and gave my life to Jesus; it was within these walls as a teenager that I was baptized in water, and through the ministries of this church I was filled with the Holy Spirit and discovered what I was created to do… I am so grateful that my parents forced me out from behind the couch."
Andy attended Western Washington University, has a Masters in Education, and is ordained with the Assemblies of God. Andy and his wife Stephanie have served in ministry together for over 20 years.
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Tanner & Catyler Steele
youth pastor | Admin pastor
Tanner graduated from Carroll College in the spring of 2021. He and his wife moved back to where they grew up, Whatcom County, to join WNLA as youth pastors. Through a passion for worship and a desire to step outside of their comfort zones, their desire is to see students encounter Jesus and spread His love throughout their everyday lives.
Catyler graduated from Arizona State University. After serving with the youth for three years with Tanner, she joined church staff as the admin pastor. She loves to plan church events, outreach to the community, and see the name of Jesus be glorified through worship, missions, and youth ministry.
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Elise & noah braun
children's pastor
Elise joined our team and has been blessing our children's ministry immensely! She has her degree from Oral Roberts in Early Childhood Education, has been heading the local chapter of Classical Conversations homeschool program, and loves to spend time with her family on their farm! Elise and her husband, Noah, have three kids, Coen, Evy, and Ander.
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John & Angela Steele
Executive Pastor
John and Angela have been working and serving in ministry for over 25 years. They have served in several areas including youth and traveling evangelism. In 2006, God brought them and their family back to where they started ministry in Lynden. They started attending WNLA in 2013 and were asked to join as part time staff shortly after. John has been helping the staff grow spiritually as well as equipping the staff to better fulfill God's calling for this church.
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Tsegaye & Bizu Mekonnen
Associate Pastor - Ethiopian Fellowship
Tsegaye and Bizu were both born and raised in Ethiopa and came to the United States as refugees in '82 and '96 respectively. They came to Whatcom County in the early 2000's to start an elderly home care facility and they soon found, and fell in love with, WNLA. They quickly realized there was nothing for the Ethiopian community in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. They then started the Ethiopian Fellowship to reach the Ethiopian community in the area through counseling and Biblical teaching. Tsegaye also serves as Vice President on the church board.
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Daniel & Yohana Cruz
Associate Pastor- Spanish Language Service
Daniel and his family came to know Jesus in Whatcom County through a local Spanish ministry. They were given the opportunity to work with the youth in a local church in Bellingham. As God was moving the Cruz family to a different church, they were invited to Whatcom New Life Assembly and felt right at home. Shortly after making WNLA their home church, they stepped in to start a Spanish language ministry.
