Our Team

J.J. is originally from the San Francisco bay area where he grew up in a Church of God pastor's home and was part of the worship team. He attended Lee University where he traveled around the United States doing ministry and singing as a member of Campus Choir. He graduated from Lee in 2003 with a degree in Telecommunications before he went on to complete his Master's of Divinity at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. He married Jeanna Stephens in 2007, and they have three children - Ava (2010) and the twins, Mary & Harrison (2012). J.J. started in ministry when he was 16 and has been in full time ministry since 2008. The Chiaras came to New Life from eastern PA in September of 2019 and have helped the church navigate through many changes during the Covid pandemic and beyond.

Kenneth has been a part of New Life since he was in 4th grade when his dad, Jerry Steele, became the lead pastor. Kenneth graduated from Lee University in 2007 with a degree in Telecommunications and then in 2012 went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at California University of Pennsylvania. He married Heather Rankin in 2011, and they have three children - Savannah (2013), Jackson (2016), and Easton (2017). Kenneth served as a volunteer at New Life for many years before being hired part time (2016) as Children’s Pastor and then full time (2020) as Family Pastor.

Jeanna was raised in Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina in a minister’s home. She completed a bachelor’s degree from Lee University in Human Development with a teacher's license for grades K-8th. She later attended Lincoln Memorial University and received a Masters in Educational Leadership. Jeanna taught in the public school system for 3.5 years before joining her husband in full time ministry. She and her husband have three children, and she stays busy homeschooling, leading the kids ministry at church, and playing piano on the worship team. Jeanna likes walking in the woods with her dogs, reading a good book, and drinking a hot cup of coffee.

Lori grew up in Oxford, New York and was the youngest of seven children. She committed her life to Christ as a teenager. Lori received a bachelors of science degree in Occupational Therapy and went on to work for a few decades, working with the elderly and birth to 3 population. She and her family have moved 11 times due to her husband's career in the military. She and her husband moved to Markleysburg from Dubois, PA and have 4 grown children. Lori has been involved in children's ministry for the last 20 years. She is dedicated to making the Little's and Sprouts classes a fun, Jesus loving, and teaching environment.

Heather's roots are right here in Fayette County, where she was born and raised. She began attending New Life Covenant with her family, as a child, in 1999. Heather graduated from Uniontown Area High School in 2006. She married Kenneth Steele in 2011, and they now have three children - Savannah (2013), Jackson (2016), and Easton (2017). Heather studied at Liberty University Online and earned 24 credits in Elementary Education before discontinuing her studies to focus on a growing family and assist her husband in ministry. Currently, Heather provides administrative support to the small group leaders at New Life Covenant, while also working as the church treasurer.

Rachel grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania where she attended church with her family from a young age. She began her journey in ministry in the fall of 2017 as she enrolled in C.A.M.S. (Calling and Ministry Studies) through the Church of God. She graduated from Easton Area High School in May of 2018, and also graduated from C.A.M.S. at the same time, receiving her Exhorters license. The following fall, Rachel moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to pursue a degree in Ministry from Lee University. During her time at Lee, Rachel came to New Life Covenant to complete her Pastoral Internship, and spent the summer of 2021 learning various aspects of church ministry. Rachel graduated with her bachelors degree in Bi-Vocational Theology and Pastoral Ministry in 2022. She then moved to Markleysburg, and joined the staff of New Life in July of 2022. Rachel married Ben Witt in September of 2023, and they currently live in Markleysburg together. Both Ben and Rachel have a passion for ministry and enjoy their time working with Elevate Youth, as well as leading the Elevate class on Sunday mornings here at New Life.

Linda joined the staff at New Life Covenant Church in 2005 following a 20 year career with West Virginia Career College in Morgantown, West Virginia. There she served as Admissions Representative for both the Morgantown & Uniontown campuses. She has a long and rich history of service in many areas of ministry, both inside and outside of New Life Covenant. Linda is married to Bob Frantz, who has also dedicated himself to ministry service. Linda raised her two children at New Life Covenant. Her daughter, Susan, lives in Roanoke, Virginia where she serves in pastoral ministry with her husband, Sam. Her son Richard and daughter-in-law Gretchen live locally and are successful business owners. Linda is most proud of her three grandkids- Charlie, Tobie and Ellie. In her spare time, Linda enjoys using her creative skills and her favorite hobby is bike riding.

J.J. Chiara

Kenneth Steele

Jeanna Chiara

Lori Fetzer

Heather Steele

Rachel Witt

Linda Frantz