Our Leadership - Newport Church

Our Leaders & Staff

Merle and Cheree Shenk

Lead Pastor, Associate Pastor

Merle & Cheree have over 20 years in cross cultural ministry experience and a passion for evangelism, training and discipleship work. In addition to Merle's role as the lead pastor at Newport Church, Merle is also the international director for DOVE International, a network of 1,000 churches and ministries in five continents. Cheree serves on the pastoral team at Newport Church and is ordained through DOVE International. Together, Merle & Cheree serve on the DOVE International Apostolic Council. Merle is also an author, and has written the book, 'Encountering the Supernatural,' co authored with Larry Kreider and Kevin Kazemi. 'Encountering the Supernatural' will stir your faith with true stories from the authors lives, and practical application from the Word of God on the power of the Holy Spirit available to every believer.

Prior to moving to the USA, the Shenk's planted an inner-city church in Woodstock, South Africa. After living in South Africa for 11 years, they received a clear word of the Lord sending them back to the USA. Knowing that this was an assignment from God, they relocated their family to the USA. Today, the Shenk's continue to serve together in ministry. Personally, Cheree enjoys innovating, reading, and family time. In his down time, Merle is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys time in the woods, hunting, fishing, and grilling meat. The Shenks live in Lititz, PA with their five children.

David Barnett

Associate Pastor

David and his wife Megan reside in Lancaster City, PA. A graduate of Regent University, David received his Bachelors in Business Administration and is currently pursuing his Masters in Organizational Leadership. He is passionate about growing leaders and helping people develop in their calling. David also enjoys coffee, travel, and cooking new recipes for Megan to taste test.

Matt Shenk

Associate Pastor

Matt Shenk started attending Newport Church youth group in 2008. He was a student of the inaugural year of REACH School of Ministry in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a graduate the DOVE/Hopewell Leadership School and spent 6 months on the DOVE Missions Internship in Scotland. Matt is passionate about connecting with people and ministering the love of God.

Shane & Sierra Good

Youth Pastors

Shane and Sierra have been involved in youth ministry at Newport Church since 2014. They started out on the Ignite Junior High leadership team and have now transitioned into the youth pastor role and lead Impact Senior High youth group. They love spending time with youth and they have a heart to see each one experience the presence of God. They are both graduates of the DOVE/Hopewell Leadership School and spent six months on the DOVE Missions Internship in Scotland. Shane works for a family business as a residential designer and Sierra is a Marketing Manager for a local real estate and auction company.

Our Elder Team

Luke and Jesukah Beachy

Luke and Jesukah have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of four daughters. Both Luke and Jes chose to follow Jesus at a young age and have served in various capacities within various DOVE churches, including leading worship and assisting with youth group and as Elders. They are passionate about raising up the next generation of leaders and are committed to discipleship and mentoring. Both attended Elim Bible Institute, where they met. Luke works full-time as the Vice President of Automation for a water transfer company and is also quite entrepreneurial. He enjoys smoking meat, home renovation, 3D printing, driving his tractor, and tinkering in the barn, while Jes is homeschooling their youngest two daughters and managing their Airbnb. She enjoys hiking, gardening, physical fitness, cooking, and baking. Traveling, touring homes and gardens, playing Euchre, or enjoying a board game are some of their favorite pastimes. Above all, they cherish hosting family and friends around their table.

Brian and Janet Sauder

Brian and Janet have over 35 years of experience in leadership of churches, small groups, youth groups, government and business. They currently serve on the International Apostolic Council of DOVE and Brian directs the DOVE International Training Schools. Janet's years of ministry include outreach to children and youth. In addition to serving with Brian and traveling with him, Janet works part time as a surgical technologist.

Brian and Janet have five children and have been married for 32 years. They have discovered that in the busyness of life; a good cup of coffee, a round of golf, a fun movie or a book to read go a long way towards relaxing and refreshing the soul.

Joe and Julia Witmer

Joe and Julia are parents to six children: Josiah, Timothy, Zachary, Sarah, Samuel, and Gabriel. Joe works as an HVAC installer for Home Climates and Julia is a full- time homemaker who volunteers in school and the community. She also works as a home health care aide. As a family, they enjoy playing sports, family movie nights, going for hikes, and playing games. Joe enjoys fishing, reading, and exploring outdoors. Julia enjoys being with family, worship, musicals/theater, reading, and healthy gourmet food.