Our Team

 
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Pastor Bob Tharp

Lead Pastor

Bob enjoys helping people find a faith in Christ that is personal, powerful, and meaningful by coaching Christians to live their best life for Jesus.

Julie is a graduate of the School of Management at Finley University. Bob received his BA in Pastoral Ministry from Anderson University, and his credits for ordination through Nazarene Bible College. The Tharps moved to Watertown, NY in January 2017.  Prior to that, they lived in Coldwater, Michigan, where Bob served as Lead Pastor for fifteen years.  Bob and Julie also served in Kansas and Indiana as full-time youth/college ministers.

The Tharp's have two grown sons; Cameron and his wife Anna live in Kansas City, and Alex and his wife Sarah live in Waco, Texas.

Julie works as a Physical Therapist Assistant and enjoys reading, exploring, ‘upscaling’, and singing.

Bob enjoys exploring, collecting cameras, playing guitar, and riding his motorcycle.

 

 

Pastor Ron Graeflin

Pastor to Children and Families

Ron loves helping children, their families, and children’s leaders reach their greatest potential in serving Jesus and being an extension of God’s love to the world in which they live.  He believes that God is passionate about empowering all that are willing to be fully devoted followers of God.  He is most grateful for the ongoing victorious relationship God allows us to have with Him that far exceeds any other experience in life.

Ron and his wife Sheryl are graduates of Olivet Nazarene University and both have been ordained in the Church of the Nazarene.  Ron has pastored children and their families for over 40 years.  Sheryl teaches elementary education in the public schools.  Their incredible adult children are Zac and his wife Deb, and Abby.

Ron enjoys laughing and interacting with people of all ages. He enjoys family time especially with games, cooking, movies, hiking and special events.

 



Terri Ward

Worship Leader and Office Manager

Terri works as our Contemporary Worship Director, Worship Leader and Office Manager.  She has served in several capacities in Children's, Youth and Music ministries.  She is married to Ronnie and has two adult children, Paige and Laice-Mae.  Terri enjoys writing, painting and the creative arts.  

 

 

Pastor Michelle Matteson

Associate Pastor

Michelle is also a Science Teacher at the Indian River Middle School.  Michelle is married to Micah and they have five children, Leah, Sadie, Isaac, Olivia, and Charlotte.  Michelle enjoys cake making and spending quality time with her young children.

 

 

Sara Wheaton

Compassionate Ministries Coordinator
and Music Assistant

 

 

Pastor Madison Bechtold

Ministerial Student

Madison is married to her husband, Colton, who is in the Army. Together they have a daughter, Laura. Madison loves connecting with teens, helping them grow in their faith, and has a passion for family discipleship. Madison is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry and a minor in Biblical Language and is pursuing an M.Div. Degree at Wesley Seminary. Madison loves reading, music, martial arts, and spending time with family.

 

 

Pastor Scotty MacPherson

Youth Pastor

Scotty is married to Heather, and they have two children, Wally and Amelia. Scotty serves at Life Church of the Nazarene by leading prayer and worship nights, managing the church's social media presence, and broadcasting worship services live.

Additionally, Scotty and Heather passionately teach children and teens through the youth group and Sunday school. They create engaging and meaningful experiences that nurture spiritual growth and foster a sense of belonging among the youth. By providing a safe and encouraging environment, they help instill foundational Christian values while guiding the younger generation in their faith journey.

Currently, Scotty is pursuing a Master's in Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary, further strengthening his theological foundation and ministry skills. When he is not studying or serving in the church, Scotty enjoys various outdoor activities with his family, such as camping and jet skiing, as well as playing games (video and board).