Pastoral Team - Waterford Mennonite Church

Pastoral Team

Meet our pastoral team.

Neil Amstutz
Pastor

I am energized by the church as an expression of God's people committed to God's work in the world. I also enjoy many sports, singing and playing the guitar, and trying not to forget the Spanish and Arabic languages I learned during my years in Bolivia and in Egypt. Husband of one and father of three, I am a graduate of Hesston College, Goshen College, and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

Tina Schlabach
Pastor of Care

My main ministry is in pastoral care and Christian education for young adults through senior adults. I enjoy preaching every 4-5 weeks and participating in worship planning. Areas in which I have training and special interest are in spiritual direction, ritual, and healing prayer. I am a graduate of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary with an M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling. I am married to Jay Schlabach, and we have three children Laura, Mandy, and Thomas. Things I like to do for fun: reading, going out for coffee with friends, playing piano, soap-making, and doing practical jokes (friendly ones!).

Lyle Miller
Minister to Children

Perhaps it's my background as a coach that helps me see my primary role to be that of encouraging our nearly 60 fifth grade and younger children toward a life of faith formation. I am blessed to work alongside many volunteers that minister to each child in our congregation. I am a graduate of Goshen College and have completed a certificate in theological studies from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, where I continue as a student. Bonnie and I have two sons. I enjoy many sports, with a particular passion for baseball, beginning each season with a plan to see the Minnesota Twins in the World Series that fall. My regular running serves as both as a spiritual and physical discipline.

Loanne Harms
Minister to Youth

Loanne brings to youth ministry her 16 years of experience in education and another 25 years as a parent. She gives leadership to both Junior MYF and MYF, which include grades 6 through 12. Loanne graduated from Indiana State University and IUSB, with a master’s degree in elementary education and elementary art. She was born in Elkhart, Ind., and has always lived in the area with the exception of one year of Voluntary Service in Puerto Rico and one summer spent in Oklahoma while her husband, Len, finished work his master’s degree. She and Len have one son, David, who is working with reconstruction in New Orleans with Helping Hands. She has found youth functions, scrapbooking, reading, and gardening fun and fulfilling activities.

Donald Garber
Office Manager

I feel as though I've been preparing for my position as office manager my whole life working as a public school custodian and on a construction crew, spending more than 25 years as denominational staff person (with Mennonite Board of Education and Mennonite Education Agency), and being actively involved at College Mennonite Church (where I continue as a member). I especially appreciate Waterford's emphasis on the wider Mennonite church and the global Christian church and its support for Mennonite education (I'm a Goshen College graduate in religion and communication). I am married to Connie; we have two adult children and four grandchildren.