What We Believe

Wesleyans believe in one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Savior of all men and women who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe that those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit. We believe in the Bible and seek to establish our faith and actions on its teachings. We believe God wills for people everywhere to know Him and that the purpose of the church is to tell the world about Christ through its worship, witness, and loving deeds.

The Wesleyan Church is an evangelical, Protestant denomination. We offer the good news that faith in Jesus Christ makes possible a wonderful personal relationship with God, a holy life empowered by His Spirit for witness and service, and assurance of eternal life in heaven. Our name is in honor of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, whose emphasis on a life of faith, self-discipline, and perfect love is our example.

To learn more about the Wesleyan Church denomination, check out the Wesleyan Church website.

Staff:

Rev Jim Carder
Senior Pastor

 Pastor Jim has earned two Masters of Arts degrees and completed his Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University in December 2012  (IWU). He has served in church leadership since the age of 13 when he was appointed to serve as church treasurer of a small church plant near his home (ask him about paying the pastor out of a mason jar).  Pastor Jim has been in pulpit ministry since 1981, beginning as an Associate Pastor of a small mission church near ElPaso Texas while serving as a Military Policeman in the U.S. Army. In 2007 he started teaching for the Pastoral Leadership Institute as an online theology and homiletics instructor for individuals seeking ordination in the Missionary Church.  Pastor Jim also teaches online courses in leadership and biblical studies for IWU.

He has been married to his best friend Linda for 25 years. Linda is a Registered Nurse Case Manager and is also a graduate of IWU. They have four children: Phil is beginning his second year at Asbury Theological Seminary; Sam is serving in the Army;  Jill attends Indiana Wesleyan University, in her second year as an Elementary Education major;  David is a member of the high school marching band and plays soccer for the Columbia Raiders! He also enjoys being part of New Life Wesleyan's praise band.

Rev. Steven G. Spaeth,
Associate Pastor

Pastor Steve received his certificate of Ordination on July 31, 2005. He has been serving as Associate Pastor at New Life since 1994, where he shares the work of leading the flock with Pastor Jim. Pastor Steve also serves as Youth Pastor; and has a passion for reaching the youth of New Life and the community with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Steve is married to Susan, and they have two daughters, Tricia and Traci. His hobbies are construction projects, camping, playing guitar, learning how to play base and an occasional game of golf.