Pastors Tim & Ameka Willard

Ameka is a fourth generation preacher. She and her husband, Tim Willard have served alongside each other as Lead Pastors of NewLife Ministries FCF in Kansas City, Missouri since 2002, both are ordained ministers with the Pentecostal Church of God Fellowship. Prior to her lead pastoral promotion, she and her husband served as the ministries Youth Pastors for nine years. In 2003, Ameka received a B.A., in Pastoral Studies from Heart of America Christian College and Seminary, and is in current pursuit of her Master's degree in Theology.

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Pastor Ameka is a gifted and anointed teacher and preacher. She has the gift to teach God's word in a way that is understandable for newer Christians but also revelatory and challenging to the Body of Christ. Her ability to preach is a gift that compels believers across generations to draw closer to Jesus. Her message is one that propels believers with the desire to want to know Jesus more and live in the Presence of God. Her teaching and preaching gifts provide both practical application and deep insight tin the word of God. 

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Pastor Ameka has been married to her husband Tim for 25+ years and together have one son, Micah, and later adopted their son Dionte, both who serve in full time ministries with their wives. In addition their family is growing and they love and enjoy their four beautiful grandchildren. Pastors Tim & Ameka have a passion for people. They are passionate about helping people make a life changing connection to Jesus, serving their local body, community and reaching the lost and discipling the found!

DIONTE & LACEY UPSHAW
STUDENT & WORSHIP PASTORS

Dionte and Lacey have been married since September of 2019, together they have one child, Phoenix Wonder. Together they firmly believe in the next generation, as well as valuing the wisdom and guidance of those who have gone before them. They are passionate about young people of all ages discovering and growing into their God-given identities, finding purpose, process pain, and thrive into their futures as sons and daughters of Christ. 

Dionte has been attending NewLife since he was 15-years old. He started out as a young "church van kid" who later was adopted into the family of Pastor Tim & Ameka Willard. Dionte has been the Student Pastor of NewLife Ministries FCF since 2013. In addition to Student Pastoring, Dionte serves alongside his wife Lacey on the worship team, assists with media and administrative duties within the church. 

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Lacey has been attending NewLife Ministries since 2012, and became the full time Worship Pastor in October of 2016. Along with her husband Dionte she is passionate about reaching people with the life-transforming message of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Lacey carries the call to declare God's goodness, freedom and healing with contagious passion and love. Whether through worship, writing or speaking, her style wraps words and pictures around what it's like to live honestly, confidently and closely connected to the Father's heart.