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Leader Bio: 

Tyler Carter currently serves as the Director of Mission Advancement for Youth for Christ in Lincoln, NE, where he has been passionately involved for the past eight years. His background in Business and Management provides a solid foundation for his leadership role, enabling him to guide staff and ministry operations effectively across three evangelistic divisions: Campus Life, Parent Life, and Juvenile Justice Ministries. Tyler holds credentials in good standing with the Assemblies of God and is also a Teaching Elder and board member at Elevate, a non-denominational church in Lincoln. His journey in faith began in the Assemblies of God when he entered Teen Challenge in 2006, and he has since committed his life to helping others experience the freedom found in Christ.

In his role at Youth for Christ, Tyler actively engages with local public schools, bringing the message of Christ directly to the youth. Over the past year, his evangelistic efforts have led to 86 teenagers beginning their relationships with Jesus, contributing to a total of 119 individuals who have given their lives to Christ. This outreach is the result of dedicated work by three separate teams, all developed to fulfill the Great Commission in Lincoln, NE. Many of these young people have since connected with local churches, where they are being discipled and growing in their faith.

Tyler is deeply committed to his family, celebrating 15 years of marriage with his wife, Karen, in March 2024. They have three children: Ryan, who is 24 and currently lives in Oklahoma, pursuing her master's degree in the spring; Josiah, 14, who is homeschooled and has a passion for music and soccer; and Annalyse, 9, an outstanding student at Norris Intermediate who is actively involved in music and dance. The Carter family enjoys spending time together on their acreage south of Lincoln, fostering a close-knit family dynamic. In addition to their family activities, they share their home with Stella, a boxer, and two outdoor cats, Callie and Midnight.

With a strong passion for evangelism, Tyler believes in the importance of cultivating a culture of outreach within the church. He is dedicated to equipping believers to share their faith effectively, teaching them how to reach lost and unchurched individuals in their communities. Tyler is inspired by the potential for revival in rural America and is eager to play a significant role in witnessing God's movement. Through training and collaboration with local churches, he aims to empower the body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission and bring more souls into the Kingdom

2025 Calendar Dates: 

2nd Thursday of each month at 12p CST

Special Notes:

This group will explore different strategies of evangelism to help the church ignite the passion that comes from fulfilling the Great Comission.

Leader Bio: 

My name is Kenny Schwarz. I have been a Youth Pastor in Lexington for the past 11 years. Sports and video games are my hobbies. Would love to have you jump on Discord with us and play some games!

2025 Calendar Dates: 

3rd Friday of the Month

Special Notes:

We have a Discord channel. If you would like to be added please text me @ 308-325-3306 or shoot me an email @ kenny@lexag.org

Leader Bio: 

Dorarena Smith and her husband Mark are co-pastors and co-founders of Royal Family Church in North Omaha. She is the founder and CEO of Women of Wisdom, Inc., a non-profit organization that empowers teen girls and women with practical wisdom and confidence. She also, recently started God's Women, an annual women's conference to inspire God’s women. She teaches at Assure Women’s Center and speaks at conferences, workshops, and mentors. She is a graduate and was the 'Reflection Speaker' for the Global University class of 2017. She enjoys praying, fishing, reading, and creating new recipes. She and her husband have nine adult children: seven boys, two girls, and twenty-four grandkids.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Monthly Zoom meeting on the third Tuesday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm CT to challenge and encourage one another to thrive in ministry.

Leader Bio: 

Jeremy Kuehn has served with the Assemblies of God since 2015 and currently leads as a pastor at Christ Place Church. With a heart for young ministers, Jeremy is committed to helping pastors under 40 grow in their leadership and ministry roles. He is married to Dawn, and together they have three children: Judah, James, and Haven.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Round table locations will be selected based on a central location that is convenient for all group members.

Leader Bio: 

Adam Blondo has served 4 years as lead pastor in Auburn Nebraska and has served in ministry for 10 years in various roles such as youth, kids, sound, and worship ministries. He received his Master of Arts in Missional Leadership from Trinity Bible College and loves discussing ministry ideas and theology. Adam is married to Chambre and has 4 kids, Isabell, Ethan, Lucas, and Owen.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

A group that meets and discusses culturally relevant topics to help engage our churches, ministries, and ministers to spread the Gospel in our modern-day society. This group will provide a space for open dialogue for things such as Network updates, articles, and cultural issues facing ministers. Join us as we bounce ideas off of each other to better ourselves to proclaim the Gospel in our society.

Leader Bio: 

Codey Friesen is the Next Gen Pastor / Youth Pastor at Flatland Church. He has been pastoring out of Flatland for 5 years. This year he is celebrating his 10 year wedding anniversary with his wife, Kristen. They have 3 girls named Annabeth, Felicity, and Valerie.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Join us for breakfast at Chick-Fil-A 7575 Dodge St, Omaha Ne 68114 from 9:00am-10:00am

Leader Bio: 

Peggy currently serves as the Pastor of Prayer and Care at Bellevue Christian Center in Bellevue, Nebraska. Peggy also serves in Women in Ministry at her church as well as with the District. Peggy facilitates Prayer Ministry and leads a Life Group with her husband, Walt Dunston. Peggy traveled to Kenya, Africa as part of a missions team in 2004, 2010 and 2012. Peggy has also ministered in Tanzania, Africa in 2014 and 2016. Peggy had the pleasure of traveling to Zambia, Africa in 2024 to minister at a Women's conference and with one of the local Assembly of God churches. Peggy has been ministering the gospel for over 30 years. Peggy is passionate about time spent in prayer.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

I am so excited to have the opportunity to pray with members of our Network, for our Network. I know that we are in a time when we need to pray for our churches and the lost in our communities. Let's also take this time to pray for church growth!

Leader Bio: 

I am the Western Regional Executive Presbyter who oversees Multiplication for the Network. So while Missions is under my portfolio for the Network, it is also a part of my DNA as a minister. From hearing Jerry Spain speak at my church as a young teenager to building a playground in Northern Ireland, and rubbing shoulders with pastors in Cuba, Missions is a part of my DNA as a pastor and a Christian.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

The Second monday of each month at 10am (Central)

Special Notes:

This group will be a great opportunity to connect pastors with other pastors who have a strong heart for missions. We will also strive to keep you updated on Network missions news. And if we have a missionary or two join us, that will be a great bonus!

Leader Bio: 

Rex Adams has been the lead pastor of Calvary Assembly in Lexington since 2010. He is on the state leadership team of Honorbound Motorcycle Ministry and is an A/G chaplain for emergency services and motorcycle ministries. The ministers with motorcycles group is a place for like-minded motorcycle fans to talk motorcycling, ministry, and life.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

This is a group for anyone who enjoys and rides motorcycles; no matter what you ride, we want you to be a part. There will be zoom meetings and a few in-person rides. One will coincide with our Great Plains Rally. It's a group for fellowship, friendship, and encouragement (and a place to talk motorcycles). We will generally meet the third Monday of each month at 6:30pm.

Leader Bio: 

Javin serves as the Next Gen Director for the Nebraska Ministry Network. He and his wife Elise live on a homestead just outside of Lincoln with their two boys, Easton(4) and Rylan (2). Javin loves to golf and fish, Elise is a SAHM and has honed her skills in canning, Easton loves dinosaurs, and Rylan loves getting into everything he shouldn't. As a family, we love camping together and playing outside with the boys. The Kids Leaders Group is for anyone who leads or serves in KidMin at their church. We will talk through different ways to lead effective KidMin and develop great relationships and connections with those around our state. We will meet over Google Meets on the 4th Monday of the month from 7- 8 PM (CST). We will not meet in the summer but will pick up in August.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Will connect via Google Meet 7-8 PM.

Leader Bio: 

Kevin Roach serves as the Nebraska Network Men's/LFTL team leader. Our group will meet every other month on the second Tuesday from 7 - 8 PM (CT). He has served as the pastor of River Hills Church for the past 23 years. He and his wife Eunice have been married for 41 years. They have three children and six grandchildren.

2025 Calendar Dates:  

Special Notes:

Enjoying life together as men!

Leader Bio: 

Dave Scrabeck is a lead pastor from the Omaha area where he has served his church in various roles for over ten years. He and wife Alissa have five (+1) children and still thought getting a second dog was a good idea (it was not). He enjoys reading, fishing, unnecessarily complex board games, and talking over coffee about something he just learned.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Welcome to the Church Tech & Media group! Our goal is to share tips, tools, and best practices to make your job easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Along the way we will learn from individuals with expertise in different tech areas to help us find which programs or equipment best fit our church and budget. We believe that good stewardship of technology enhances worship and helps us in our mission to share the gospel. Join us!

Leader Bio: 

My name is Amy Adams. My husband, Rex has been the Lead Pastor at Calvary Assembly of God, Lexington for 14 years. We have been in full time ministry for 23 years. We have two children, Makayla who attends college at Nelson University in Texas and Josiah is a Senior in High School planning to attend Evangel University next year. I love trying new recipes and hanging out with friends drinking coffee!

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

This group is for any women in our district that are involved in ministry. Either ordained or in a pastor positions themselves or a spouse of a minister. This is a time of sharing wins and prayers with each other. We usually do a short study of some sort and then have time to reflect and refresh.

Leader Bio: 

Sandy and I have served as lead pastors at Victory Rd Assembly of God for over 35 years. It is our first lead pastor role. We have served as volunteer youth/children leaders from the first year of our marriage. We began serving in a church plant in Gulfport, MS while serving in the U.S. Navy. It is our desire to help people develop who they are in Jesus Christ and help them move upward in their journey. We have been privileged to have helped over a dozen people move into career ministry. We have two married adult children and six grandchildren - all are actively involved in their churches.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

We make every effort to meet in person at a different church in our region. Wives/husband are welcome. We meet monthly except during the summer and December. As a group we decided this is vitally important to those in more rural ministries. We currently meet on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch together.

Leader Bio: 

Tom Burkholder has served in bi-vocational ministry for over 35 years, with over 32 years as pastor of two rural churches - 10 years in Southern Missouri District and currently 22 years in Ord, NE. The bi-vocational ministers group is designed to encourage, provide fellowship, and help with the unique issues bi-vocational minsters face.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Every month, 1st Thursday
7:00 pm central
https://zoom.us/j/3083841234

Leader Bio: 

Hello! My name is Mark Hoffman. I am deeply passionate about rural ministry and committed to transforming it for the better. Together, we can uplift our communities and create lasting change in the heart of rural areas. As a dedicated leader with a master’s degree in Rural Ministry, I bring knowledge and experience to the table. I live and have pastored for nine years in Ewing, NE. I understand the unique challenges we face in our communities and am passionate about finding innovative solutions that resonate with our context.
I’m not just a pastor; I’m a hands-on leader who believes in the power of relationships and community engagement. In rural Nebraska, we can see healthy ministers and ministries that multiply, as envisioned by our Network leadership. As we come together in our group, we can lean on each other to make this more possible.

With four grown children and a wife, April, who serves as a Registered Nurse, I know firsthand the importance of family and support systems. I’m committed to creating an inclusive and empowering environment where ministers can thrive, share ideas, and grow together.

I love the outdoors—hunting, fishing, smoking meat, and road cycling—and these passions help me unwind.

Join me in this transformative journey! Let’s work together to equip and inspire rural ministers to impact our communities profoundly. Together, we can foster a supportive network that empowers each other and brings our shared vision of vibrant, thriving rural churches to life.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

All Meetings will be in person. Beginning at 10:00 AM
ZOOM will also be offered

Leader Bio: 

Dillon Bartels is the Youth Pastor at North Shore Church in Hastings and has been there since 2020. He is passionate about student ministry but also about building meaningful relationships with people who are called to reach this next generation as well. He looks forward to working alognside you and encouraging you in your calling to change the lives and eternity of this next generation!

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Every Other Month on Thursday's at Noon

Special Notes:

The lunch meetings will be via zoom or google meet. In addition to these online meetings, it is always nice to meet up and connect in person during all of the district events that take place throughout the year.

Leader Bio: 

JJ is on staff with Flatland Church in Omaha under Lead Pastor Bart Wilkins. He's the Campus Pastor of Flatland 17, which is our jail and prison outreach, located at 17th and Leavenworth. JJ serves in this area alongside his wife of 47 years, Michele

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

Our group meets 6 times each year, typically on the second Monday of the scheduled month, taking summer break during the months June - August. Typical meetings are from 7:00 - 8:00 PM CENTRAL via Zoom. Our goal is to gather in person at least once annually, so we should plan to get together during some otherwise "down-time" during the Multiply Council in April. Advance notice will be provided to our group regarding time and meeting place, once activity schedules have been posted for these events. This in-person gathering may be even more relaxed (if that's possible), and may be as brief or as long as we care to keep it going.

Leader Bio: 

Alvin Koski is a lead pastor in Kimball, where he has been for 4 years. He is married to Keri, where they have been married for 20 years. They have 4 children, Sarah (18), Rachel (16), Rebecca (14), Stephen (13). Alvin also serves at the cook at all the Nebraska District camps.

2025 Calendar Dates: 

Special Notes:

If you have a passion for the outdoors, this is the group for you, whether it is hunting, fishing, shooting guns or bows, frisbee golf, hiking, or mountain climbing. We will mostly meet over zoom, but at least twice we will meet in person. I am planning on a fun weekend outdoors camp in early August around Lexington.

Leader Bio:

Rich Justus has been married to his amazing wife Dixie for 38 years. He started serving at Christ Place in 2008 as the Guest Services Director and in 2022 began full-time ministry leading the Guest Services, Prayer Team, and Pastoral Care at Christ Place. Rich received his first credentialing in 2013 and was ordained in 2021. Rich is the son of a traditional church pastor that was in a rural area where he grew to enjoy doing life with people.

2025 Calendar Dates:

Special Notes:

Christmas Party in Dec
July outing at Riskowski Farm

Leader Bio:

Phil Deakin is a Licensed AG minister who lives in Omaha and serves at Living Hope Assembly in Blair. He was saved out of the New Age 42 years ago, is married to Celeste, and they have four grown children. Phil's passion is God's Word and wants all of us to play team ball to bring many souls to Christ!

2025 Calendar Dates:

Special Notes:

This group is focused on bringing talents together to raise up younger ministers through regular fellowship and topical discussion with seasoned leaders from our network. Each meeting, whether lunch, breakfast, or Zoom has a particular topic of discussion to explore ways to grow God's kingdom here in the Omaha area.  

Leader Bio:

My wife, Michelle and I have been in ministry for nearly 30 years. Ranging from Children Pastors, Youth Pastors, Worship Pastors, Staff Pastors and also Lead Pastors. We have four children and seven grandchildren. We are currently the lead pastors at Calvary Assembly in Alliance.

2025 Calendar Dates:

Special Notes:

The Panhandle group exists to be a source of fellowship, encouragement, accountability and fun for pastors, church leaders and emerging leaders within our area.

Leader Bio:

Hook has been the Metro Section Presbyter for the past 6 years and has served as a network group leader for three years. Shannon has served as the Assistant Sectional Presbyter for 4 years. Both Hook and Shannon serve as Chaplains with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office.

2025 Calendar Dates:

Special Notes:

This group is a relational gathering of credentialed ministers and emerging leaders in the Metro Section. Times for meeting will be announced prior to the meeting. Some meetings will be at lunch and others will be in the evenings.

Leader Bio:

God has blessed me with over 56 years of Ministry! For over 55 years, Karen has been by my side as my 'helpmate''. Even though I left full time ministry 11 years ago, I've still been involved with working with young couples/individuals through Coaching. God also gave me a desire to want to bless our SENIOR RETIRED MINISTERS.

2025 Calendar Dates:

Special Notes:

ZOOM CALLS - We always meet on Fridays at 4 CST. LUNCHEONS: We always meet on Friday at 1 pm. My goal is to call 5 Retired Ministers every week; have bi-monthly ZOOM CALLS (great fellowship, testimonials, discussing a scripture and pray for needs that are presented); have a yearly luncheon in Lincoln, Springfield, Mo. and Grand Island.  

Leader Bio:

Maria serves as the Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Assembly of God in Lexington, NE - a PAC with Calvary Assembly. 

2025 Calendar Dates:

TBD

Special Notes:

This group usually meets at least once every other month, often in person and scattered around the state at our various Hispanic church locations. They also support our Hispanic Family Camp at The Crossing in Lexington, a wonderful event over Labor Day Weekend each year.

 

Leader Bio:

Dean serves as a Pastor on staff at Kearney New Life Church.

2025 Calendar Dates:

TBD

Special Notes:

This group is for all ministers who serve on the Pastoral staffs of our Network churches and ministries.

Leader Bio:

Kelvin Nygren has been a member of the Nebraska Ministry network since 1997. He has pastored in Omaha at Pacific Springs Church and is currently at Flatland Church. He has led the Nebraska Mission Bike Ride for the last several years and helped raise over $200,000 for our missionaries. 

2025 Calendar:

TBD

Special Notes:

Cycling is a great way to make new friends and lead a healthy lifestyle. We will have monthly rides throughout the Spring and Summer and our annual Missions Ride in the fall.

Leader Bio:

Blake serves as the Lead Pastor of Victory Assembly in Gothenburg, NE

2025 Calendar Dates:

• TBD

Special Notes:

This group is for all ministers and emerging leaders in the Republican Valley section and surrounding areas as well

Leader Bio:

After 2 and a half years of being a church planter, I don't know everything, but I have discovered the necessity of both church multiplication and the mutual blessing that comes from staying connected to The Vine and the body! 

2025 Calendar Dates:

TBD

Special Notes:

 In this group we will: 1. Build the vital relational foundation needed for this crazy journey, 2. Learn from each other about best strategies and heart posture, 3. Capture God's heart for church multiplication through His Word and praying together! This group is for anyone interested in, curious about, or currently planting a church or multi-site! 

Leader Bio:

Rick serves as the Lead Pastor of Christ Place church in Lincoln, NE.

2025 Calendar Dates:

TBD

Special Notes: 

This is a group for the Lead Pastors of large churches in our Network. The Assemblies of God defines a 'large church' as one with an average weekly attendance over 200 individuals.

Leader Bio:

I’m Carissa Carter, and my husband and I lead Good News Church, in Omaha. I’ve had the incredible privilege of leading our worship ministry here for the past 15 years, but have been a part of worship ministry for (ehhh, a lot longer than that). I'm originally from the Bronx, NY. I grew up in a pastoral home and spent some time oversees. I graduated from Southeastern University, where I met my husband. By God’s grace, been married 25 years and we have two amazing (young-adult) kids & who still seem to like us. I LOVE all things SEC - especially football. Oh yeah, go CHIEFS! Outside of worship ministry, I am also involved in the lives of our Good News women & young adults. Yep, I drink coffee & wear a lot of black :)

2025 Calendar Dates:

TBD

Special Notes: 

This is a group for all leaders who help with worship ministries in our local churches throughout the Network. I look forward to connecting and supporting you any way I can! Let me know what would be most beneficial for you and your ministry.