Meet the Team
‘Why the kid pictures?’ you may ask… well, that’s because we’re all nostalgic and young at heart.
(and staff meetings pretty much reflect the same characteristics as the Sunday morning preschool classroom…but don’t tell anyone, we like to think we’re actually getting stuff done around here.)
Area of ministry at the OV: Senior pastor & all around good guy
Other occupation: Husband/Father/Mechanic/Miracle Worker/Maintenance Engineer
Why do you like the OV?: It’s a safe place for people to discover who they are and a dangerous place as people begin to see who they are becoming as they follow Jesus.
Unique travel experiences: Fell out of the sky once and died then went to my own funeral…wait…that was dream. How about…traveled around the US on a motorcycle when I was 20.
What are you passionate about? Making Jesus accessible to everyone…helping people come to understand that there really is healing and freedom forever as Jesus redefines who we are in him.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? My granddaughter Sophia. Household projects. Scuba diving if I lived by the ocean. Golf if I had the money. Dessert sampling if it weren’t so unhealthy.
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? Books, anything written by NT Wright. CD, We Shall Not be Shaken
Favorite TV show? The Amazing Race, The Office
What did you want to be when you were growing up? A cowboy, a farmer, a police man, rich.
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? 1 Cor. 2:1,2 Maybe it really is that simple.
A little known /random fact about yourself: Used to be pretty good on the 5-string banjo
Anything else you want to include?: As you can see by the pic I used to be cute.
Area of ministry at the OV: Keeping up with Scott, prayer
Other occupation: small business owner:)
Why do you like the OV?: I love the variety of people and to watch the faithful work of Jesus in people’s lives
Unique travel experiences: Puero Vallarta, Mexico
What are you passionate about? God’s children taking time to know Him and be known by Him.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? Gardening, walking, reading, playing with my grand-baby!
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? “Sacred Rhythms” (Barton) I love this book because it talks about “old tried and true” disciplines that keeps our live in a rhythm that helps us to notice God’s movements in our lives.
Favorite TV show? Amazing Race
What did you want to be when you were growing up? I don’t remember ever thinking about it!
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? “Feed my sheep,” “Tend my sheep,” Feed my sheep.” John 21
A little known /random fact about yourself: I use to show cattle for my dad.
Anything else you want to include? : Favorite all time quote…”Things are SELDOM as they seem.”
Area of ministry at the
OV: Associate Pastor
Other occupation: husband, father, teacher, coach
Why do you like the OV?: Because of the people and the relationships and the fact that you can come as you are and Jesus can meet you right where you’re at.
Unique travel experiences: Lived in New Zealand for 4 months right after getting married and my wife played professional basketball. Visited the former Soviet Republic of Moldova and got a very small glimpse of what it might have been like living under Soviet rule. Traveled to the Philippines with a team from the church to spend time with Jun and Laura and fell in love with the people from the North Hills Vineyard.
What are you passionate about? Seeing how God is moving locally, nationally, and internationally.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? Reading and coaching basketball
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? The DVD series A Story from the Heart with Carl Medearis and Jay Pathak and the book Healing a Wounded Heart by Thom Gardner.
Favorite TV show? Wipeout (in the summer), The Biggest Loser (in the fall)….and about anything on PBS
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Helicopter Pilot
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you but Jesus Christ and him crucified” – 1 Cor. 2:1…..why? Isn’t Jesus enough?
A little known /random fact about yourself: I have a fear of heights….but I still parachuted out of an airplane to impress the woman that’s now my wife.
Anything else you want to include?: I don’t know….maybe the disclaimer that past performance is no indication of future results?
David Ross
Area of ministry at the OV:Worship team
Other occupation:Grounds keeper/ irrigation
Why do you like the OV?: community, everything is not always ‘just peachy,’ we all have real issues but we all work together and love each other through tough stuff. It’s okay to lead worship barefoot and in shorts.
Unique travel experiences:Philippines, Malawi, Thailand, and soon Morocco! I love traveling!
What are you passionate about? Jesus, haha… but seriously. also my wife and daughter
What are some of your interests/hobbies? Music, Art, YouTube, minor carpentry
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? recently, ‘Mark for Everyone’ by NT Wright has been helpful in doing a study on the book of Mark (go figure), “We Shall Not Be Shaken,” the new Matt Redman CD was a breath of fresh air, also his old album “Facedown” was pretty inspiring.
Favorite TV show? between ‘the Office’ and ‘Community’
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Cowboy, Astronaut, Fireman… the usual. The question now is, what am I going to be now that I am grown up? hmmm, now that’s a question.
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrigh teous.” I just think that’s not practiced so well by followers of Jesus today (Including myself). Imagine how much God could do with me if I only loved. It has been a good challenge for me to pray for all those people I am uncomfortable with, friends, leaders, co-workers, etc. This applies globally too.
A little known /random fact about yourself: I was an aviation flight major for one semester and solo’d twice (I got to fly an
airplane by myself) it was pretty Amazing!
Anything else you want to include?: Currently I am studying at UNO for a bachelors in Religious Studies and a Minor in Islamic Studies. I love it, it challenges me a lot.
Cherie Phelps
Area of ministry at the OV: Fearless leader of Student Ministries
Other occupation: Professional Artist/Doodler and Wanna be Photographer
Why do you like the OV?: It’s relaxed and not pretentious, plus the coffee is remarkable. Really- you should try it.
Unique travel experiences: Lived in Panama for almost 3 years. Never really ‘experienced’ Panama, because I was pregnant or had a newborn the entire time I lived there. (My girls are 11 months apart.)
What are you passionate about? Teenagers. Their struggles, their dreams, and their walk with Christ, and teaching proper facebook and texting etiquette.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? Skeet shooting and curling.
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? I never learned to read. I tried in the third grade, but I just never really got into it much. The cool thing now- is that they have books on tape.
Favorite TV show? Okay, I’ll say it – GLEE! There, are you happy? I love Glee! It makes me so, well, gleeful!
What did you want to be when you were growing up? A brain surgeon. For real. But in highschool my grades were so bad, because I was too busy doodling, that they didn’t let me take my SAT’s.
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? Proverbs 31:10-12 and then the music starts and Tammy Wynette starts singing….’Stand by your man!’ … I would tell you my story, but it would take too long.
A little known /random fact about yourself: I’m not really 36. Secretly I was born in the mid 30′s but I have just really taken care of my skin and so I am really like – almost 80.
Anything else you want to include? : Lettuce, pickle, tomato, mayo, and Cholula sauce. Hold the onions.
Sal Cruz
Area of ministry at the OV: 4-18 year olds. I teach in Vineyard Kids and help run the Jr High & High School Vineyard Student Ministry
Other occupation: InfoGroup Account Executive.
Why do you like the OV?: It’s been a refreshing experience. I’ve been in church all my life, and this season at the Vineyard has grown me spiritually. I love it.
Unique travel experiences: I’ve only been off the continent to visit Hawaii. Been to most US states, Canada, Mexico.
What are you passionate about? Equipping people to grow. I have a teachers heart and love to see the ‘aha’ moment.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? X-Box 360 Gaming, Golf, Loud Music & Fast Cars. I’m a boy.
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? I really like Don Millers books. It’s like turning the soil of your soul!
Favorite TV show? I was into Lost, but the last episode was disappointing. The Good Guys is fun to watch.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Firefighter, cartoonist, stunt car driver, actor. Except for the firefighter, I’ve done them all!
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? Habbakuk 2 where God tells you to listen, write down what he tells you, and be ready to run with it.
A little known /random fact about yourself: I was a circus clown for 2 years as a child.
Anything else you want to include?: What are all these questions about?
Nikki McMaster
Area of ministry at the OV: Children’s Ministry and whatever else entitles me to ‘free coffee’ status
Other occupation: mommy, wannabe entrepreneur, personal assistant
Why do you like the OV?: You can truly come as you are and everyone gets to play. We’re just a bunch of genuine ragamuffin people getting loved on by Jesus and learning what it means to love Him and each other.
Unique travel experiences: (Does Council Bluffs count?!?) I went on short term mission trips to Mexico, Spain, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and several other inner cities here in the U.S. while I was in high school/college. Each one has it’s own unique stories to tell! But we’ll save that until I invite you over to hang out in my driveway.
What are you passionate about? Jesus. People. Seeing Jesus pursue people regardless of age, background or social status. I love those moments when I get to see His love meet with their deepest longing a nd they walk away a little more changed and a little more free to be who He’s called them to be.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? wannabe guitar player, writing, gardening, fishing, worm farming
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? Music: Ditto on the new Matt Redman CD… it’s awesome. Pretty much anything else. And, (i know it’s cheesy) but Tedashi… only because my son is so darn cute when he tries to rap with his lisp; I’m also a country fan… (there, I said it… I’m going back into the country closet now.) Books: I’ve recently re-read Wimber’s stuff a few months ago, Power Healing, Power Evangelism, etc. almost 7 years since I read it last and it takes on a whole different perspective for me now. I’m currently reading ‘Interior Castles’ by St. Theresa of (i can’t remember)… it’s taken me a couple months already and I’m still not through it. Nothing overly intriguing about it, although some things did stick out. I’m reading it more out of stubborness.
Favorite TV show? Anything on NBC on Thursday night; House; Scrubs; The Deadliest Catch
What did you want to be when you were growing up? a missionary to famous people, Nobel prize winner, food critic, DJ, photographer for the Xtreme sports tour, writer, barista, masseuse, pro beach volleyball player
A Verse/passage that has impacted you most recently/why? “Jesus wept.” Being in a state of brokenness is ok… even for Jesus. He knew what it was like to give up the things most dear to Him and still love well.
A little known/random fact about yourself: TERRIFIED of heights, public speaking, escalators and those metal lookout towers with the holes in the bottom of the platforms and steps… I think I’m breaking out in hives just thinking about it.
Anything else you want to include? I wish every house had a big front porch. I also wish I had a cool foreign accent and cowboy boots.
Hope Jewell
Area of ministry at the OV: Office Administrator/Event Coordinator/All around Multi-Tasking Extraordinaire
Other occupation: Shooting people! I launched an on-location photography business this past fall – I absolutely love it.
Why do you like the OV?: It’s quaint and inviting. The first time I came to a service I already felt like I was a part of the family. It attracts both unique and amazing individuals with a passion to love God and love people. It seems like our community is utterly dwelling and seeking pure dependence upon God and I love watching people get to that place – He is all that matters in this crazy world.
Unique travel experiences: My relief trip to Gonaives, Haiti shortly after the earthquake was the most unique so far. I love to travel and to go on adventures into the unknown. The Haitian people are so captivating, I feel as if I now live here in the states with part of their heart inside of me.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about people; what they think about, what is important to them, their passions, pursuits, perspectives… Seeing people come alive is amazing. I am passionate about life and the journey that comes along with it. I am passionate about freedom, expression, and justice. I am passionate about family and relationships, and making Christ known.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? I love coffee and hot tea, worshipping anywhere, sushi, attempting to play any acoustic guitar within reach-distance, shooting my rifle, photographs, napping, being in the sun, worship leading, new toothbrushes and socks, loving people on purpose, hiking and camping, Texas, reading, road trips, and laughing.
Current Favorite Books/CDs and why? My current life book, is a devotional by Oswald Chambers called My Utmost for His Highest. I can always find great quotes and astounding inspiration every time I “take a peek” in the morning or in the evening. Books are one of my favorite things in this whole, wide world. mmm, love good books. Anything by Nicholas Sparks, Donald Miller, George Barna, Marita Littauer, or Margaret Feinberg is totally engaging. Current favorite album is Cannons by Phil Wickham – there is something about his music that is so capturing and soothing. It is great driving music.
