Elders
The primary spiritual leaders and teachers of a congregation are the elders, who are also called “overseers” (1 Timothy 3:1) or “shepherds” (Ephesians 4:11) in the New Testament. As their title suggests, these men are to oversee the local congregation. Elders are to offer biblical instruction to their congregations, encouraging them in sound doctrine and refuting those who oppose it (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9). They are to nurture and care for the church body in the way that a shepherd keeps watch over his sheep (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:3). At Neighborhood Church, we have a team of elders who share the responsibilities of shepherding our church.
Nick Braito
Position & Ministry Description: As an elder and pastor, Nick preaches and teaches before our church family, seeks to care for our church members, and works to promote both local and global outreach. Nick’s Vision: Nick longs to see people of all nations know, worship, and delight in God. Family Information: Nick and his wife Talanta were married in 1994 and have four children. Favorite Quote: Nick has been inspired by the faith of Hudson Taylor as seen in quotes such as these:…
Doug Deese
Position & Ministry Description: Elder, Disciple Maker, Men’s Small Group Leader. Doug’s Vision: “To inspire among all peoples an overflowing joy in GOD through Jesus Christ.” Doug wants everyone to understand that God has designed us to passionately pursue our joy, and it is clear in Scripture that to maximize our joy it must climax in and at God. Therefore Doug cherishes 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether I eat or drink or whatever I do, I do all to the glory of God.”…
Brad Manley
Position & Ministry Description: As a teaching elder, much of Brad’s time is devoted to the study of Scripture in preparation for building up our church family through the Word of God. His other responsibilities include discerning and developing vision, training leadership, and working with other leaders to shepherd our church family. Brad’s Vision: To delight in God ever more deeply so that joy in God overflows in love to others through displaying and declaring His glory in Jesus Christ. Family Information: Brad…
Nat Porter
Position & Ministry Description: Gladly serves on the elder team as a non-vocational elder and also preaches and teaches occasionally. Nat’s Vision: “To be a part of and help develop a local church community in which others experience greater joy in God through an encounter with his power and grace and truth in the person of Jesus Christ.” Family Information: Nat has been married to Brenda since 1991. They have 3 adult children: Wesley, Rianna, and Analise. Favorite Quote: “Delight yourself in the Lord,…
Ryan Wildauer
Position & Ministry Description: Ryan’s duties include preaching and teaching, as well as pastoral oversight of our small groups. Ryan’s Vision: God has given Ryan a vision to invest his life in what will last. On the other side of eternity, Ryan wants to know he spent the time on this side doing what was most worthwhile. In Ryan’s life, people who invested in him for God’s name and God’s glory have changed his view of God and set him on…