Get Connected
At New Life Assembly, we are dedicated to helping you take the next step of faith and grow in your relationship with God. The scriptures are clear. We should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Therefore, we offer many opportunities for you to connect with other believers. Our staff is excited to meet you!
J.D. Montgomery is a pastor, husband, father and grandfather. He was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. J.D. was recognized as a leader during his high school years, that recognition fueled his next steps as he accepted front line leadership roles in retail businesses as a post-graduate. At 21, he joined one of Kansas City’s premiere employers DST Systems, Inc. where he rose quickly through the ranks of leadership. Although very successful in the business world, he felt a deeper call on his life and obtained pastoral credentials with the Assemblies of God. This work was not foreign to him as he had spent his earlier years leading in a variety of capacities at his local churches. After 34 years in the business world, J.D. accepted the lead pastor position with New Life Assembly of God church in Barnett, MO. There he was and continues to be used by his gracious Lord to see the congregation grow from 30 to an average of 300 in weekly attendance. He has been a public servant, successful businessman and effective communicator but his greatest joy remains sharing the message of the gospel and the transforming power of Jesus Christ in people’s lives.
J.D.’s wife, Toni, serves as an instrumental part of the entire ministry at New Life, while also working full-time at State Street Bank-Kansas City. She leads the Sisterhood (ministries for ladies) at New Life. J.D. and Toni have raised two children of their own as well as provided foster parenting for several other children/young adults.
If you’re visiting New Life for the first time, you’re probably wondering if this is a place you’ll fit in and feel accepted. We want to assure you, we don’t judge or care where you're from or how you look. We just care that you’re here.
At New Life, you’ll be welcomed into a friendly environment by people who are excited to see you. We offer a variety of ministries and resources for people just like you to get connected with.
Tim and Kathy Flora serve as the leaders of children's ministry (R.O.A.R.) of New Life Assembly of God. They have been serving in some capacity of church leadership most of their adult lives. They strive to minister to children, sharing the love of Jesus Christ and helping the children grow in their relationship with God and in service. Tim’s father has been in the ministry over sixty years and has developed a heart of ministry in his family.
The theme verse for the ministry is Revelation 5:5 - The lion of the tribe of Judah has triumphed. This reflects the power of God available to every Christian of every age. Children are encouraged to attend services at 10:00 am each Sunday morning.
Tim and Kathy Flora took over the children’s ministry at New Life in 2019 and have great plans for the future of the ministry. They have one son T.J. who recently entered the United States Armed Forces.
Each Sunday at New Life, infants through 5th graders hang out at ROAR, an awesome area created with your kids in mind. Your kids will get to hear stories from the Bible in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate environment, all just for them!
But, it’s not just all about your kid having fun. We also want to partner with you, parents, to help you grow your family spiritually. We want to make sure we’re teaching and training up the next generation of Jesus followers to go out into the world and make a big difference.
Evan Heishman is a recent graduate of Evangel University, in Springfield Missouri. From evangel he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Biblical Studies. He currently serves as New Life’s Interim student ministries pastor. He strives to continue the growth of the group and to lead students closer to God.
Evan strives to create real relationships with the students. Walking alongside them and encouraging them to step into the purpose God has for their lives. Whether it is through Wednesday night services, one-on-one conversations, or exciting youth events he is all about pointing students to Jesus.
When Evan is not doing ministry, he enjoys being outdoors, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.
Our midweek environment is a combined service for both middle school and high school students. We create a safe and fun place for students to find and follow Jesus. Through music, games, messages and family group meetings, students have a chance to learn and grow alongside their peers. Midweek services begin at 7pm every Wednesday night.
Maddie grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri where she and her family attended one of the largest churches in the area. As a child and during her youth she began to discover her natural musical talent which was nurtured at home by her parents. She has been used by God in the ministry of music and spiritual worship since being a student in the children and youth programs. She recently felt the call of God to a deeper relationship as well as a desire for leadership in corporate worship.
At the end of 2019, Maddie and her husband Jonathan decided to move to the Eldon area. It is there that God directed her to attend New Life Assembly and she began to participate on the Worship team. Within months it was clear that she was sent to be a part of the team leading the New Life worship experience.
Becky Lee serves as a New Life Ministries office administrator. Her duties are numerous in this capacity but most importantly she assists in providing oversight to the daily operations of the church.
Becky has spent most of her life at New Life Assembly of God and joined the church as administrator in March, 2016. She also serves as a member of the worship team delivering enthusiastic worship experiences.
Becky has lived in Eldon for 30 plus years. She was raised in High Point, MO, and graduated from Eldon High School. Becky has 2 grown boys, Jordan, age 31, and Ashton, age 30. Becky is married to Rodney Lee, of Columbia, MO. Rodney has 2 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren.
Ashton Villareal serves as head of facility presentation at New Life Assembly of God in Barnett and Russellville.
Dale and Bonita Gregory serve as part of the Adult Ministry at New Life. They have been married since August 1988 and began serving in ministry together as youth leaders soon after they were married.
Dale and Bonita have both served in various ministries and positions in the church including children’s ministry, youth ministry, men’s ministry and women’s ministry. Dale has been a licensed credentialed minister for many years. He and Bonita fill in for other pastors and personally were senior pastors at Birds Corner Assembly of God for 6 years. Bonita has worked for the State of Missouri for 17 years and accepted a position at central office in Jefferson City in 2015, after moving to Rocky Mount MO.
Dale also works for a medical transportation company in Jefferson City. They began attending New Life in 2017 and are presently serving as the leaders of SALT ministry which is focused on ministry to those who are 50 years and older.
Coming from a disciplined and strict culture, Elva was invited to a Pentecostal church in Columbia, Missouri. On her third service, she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and it changed her life. Shortly after that phenomenal experience, Elva felt the calling to minister to women.
For eighteen years out of the twenty-four years she attended that church, Elva organized the social events of the church and did women’s ministry as well. Since attending New Life Barnett, she has been become the leader of Ladies Ministry Team. She is both humbled and honored to guide and encourage the ladies to further their passions in working for the kingdom.
Don & Jeani Schutte have been involved in full-time ministry since 1990. Don is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and served as a pastor to several Missouri A/G churches over the course of 30 years. Prior to this, he and Jeani were involved in part-time ministry while both earning bachelor’s degrees from JSBC, with Don completing his degree at CBC Bible College. Jeani went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lincoln University, and has taught at various public and private schools.
Don is currently serving as the Interim Pastor at New Life Russellville Campus.
Don & Jeani have been married 43 years and have been blessed with 3 children, along with their spouses, and one granddaughter, Elliana Joy.
My name is Candic Petershagen. I was raised in Russellville, Missouri and grew up in a church in Jefferson City. There I sought God. When I was 13 years old, I received the gift in speaking in tongues and from there gave my life to Jesus. Later, God had called my family to bigger things and had moved us to many churches until we found New Life Russellville, where I prayed for God to put me where I was needed. There I was offered a position to be in worship. In 2024 I took the lead to be a worship leader, and I have loved it ever since. I am now 18 and still strive every chance I get to help my community in finding and seeking the lord. I plan on going to Missouri State university and pursuing a degree in Pre-med Biology. I can then go to premed school and continue in my faith with the Lord. I love to pray, play sports, and hang out with all my family and friends. I love to share the gospel and walking in faith with my boyfriend, Matthew.
NEED A RIDE? Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings we have our New Life church bus go through the Eldon area picking up children for church services. If you would like to have your child picked up for church services contact our church office.
Contact the church office at:
573-789-4999
