Leadership

Rebecca (she/her) has been Threads’ pastor since September of 2022, though she began serving as Threads’ interim pastor in winter of 2022. Rebecca’s history with Threads goes back to 2016 when her family began attending Threads, and shortly thereafter Rebecca joined the staff team as the Child and Family Life Developer, serving in that capacity

until 2021.

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Rebecca is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary where she received her M.Div. in 2024. In addition to pastoring, Rebecca is a mom of six,, “bonus mom” to one, Nana to three, spouse to Joel (27 years and counting!), sometimes runner, aspiring gardener, classical pianist, and constant bookworm.

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Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Rebecca was a pastor’s kid who grew up within the conservative evangelical world. Rebecca’s personal journey with theological wrestling and faith deconstruction and reconstruction started in young adulthood and has taken many twists and turns along the way. The one constant has been God’s faithfulness and kindness, and Rebecca looks forward to the future – both her own and that of Threads Church – knowing that the love that is God will continue to pour grace, mercy, and welcome into every circumstance, come what may.

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Email: rbell@threadschurch.org
Rebecca’s phone: 269-569-5931

Brian Newman leads Fuel, along with two other dads of teens: Keith Hewitt and 

Deryl Garland. Brian works closely with Pastor Rebecca in order to develop/ 

utilize resources and materials that help our youth explore life’s big questions in light of Christ’s love. Fuel meets during the Worship Gathering every-other Sunday through the school year.

 

Hi, I’m Brian! I’m husband to Laura and dad to Joey (17). By day, I strive to inspire young minds as an 8th-grade science teacher, where my own enthusiasm for learning and my natural curiosity help me make science accessible and exciting for my students.  I love serving as a leader for Fuel, and I’m passionate about mentoring and encouraging spiritual growth among our teens. I also help with tasks behind the scenes at Threads I and occasionally play electric guitar in the worship band. I’m also in a  local rock 'n' roll band called Sixes and Sevens, where I get to channels his love for rock music. I also own and operate a small engine repair business.

Lauren Manting leads our Kids’ Community program. She writes the curriculum, coordinates and trains teachers and helpers, and helps ensure that Threads is adhering to best practices when it comes to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

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Hi! I'm Miss Lauren! My favorite colors are green and yellow. I love to eat mangoes, and my favorite time of year is summer, although fall is a very close second. Fun fact: I spent one night camping on the Serengeti when I was in college and I speak Spanish and English.