elders

The Role of the Elder

This office is one of dignity and usefulness. The man who fills it has various duties. He oversees the flock of Christ, serves as an example to the flock, and governs well the house and Kingdom of Christ, expounds the Word.

The elder is called to watch diligently over the flock committed to his charge, to exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto. (adapted from the PCA Book of Church Order)

John Julien

Senior Pastor
Born and raised a country boy in California. Happily married to Shelly and living in Philadelphia since 1974, now a contented urban guy. Father of four sons: Tim, Jeff, Jeremy (all adults working and living on their own), and Chris (high school student still living at home). Graduate of Stanford University (B.A.) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Church Planter (1983) and now Senior Pastor of New Life Philly. Polio survivor and avid snorkeler. Still amazed by grace after all these years! Contact Pastor John

Súler Acosta

Associate Pastor
Súler serves as a campus minister for the Coalition for Christian Outreach, heads up New Life’s Young Adult Ministry “The Trend”, and serves as the church administrator and Session Moderator. Married to his best friend, Heather Noelle Ramsay-Acosta, he is the honored father of Timothy (Teo) Súler Jay Acosta. The son of Colombian-born Noé Acosta and Puerto-rican Alice Reyes, Súler grew up, was educated, and still live in the same city—Philadelphia. He is learning to live every day knowing the freedom that comes from knowing that “I belong, in body and soul, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ”. He is a self-consciously confessional Christian. Contact Suler

Scott Ashman

Ruling Elder
Scott is from the Philadelphia Area. Married to Jean Ashman since 1985. Three Daughters Bethany, Katie, and Christie. Engineer at Lockheed Martin. Tentmaker Missionary with International Teams. Elder at New Life, clerk of the Session, on After School Program Advisory Board.

Dave Bryan

Ruling Elder
Married to Pam and our son is named Taj. We live in East Oak Lane. I have had a strong desire to see people understand God’s word, and to be set free by Him. I can see God’s hand throughout my life. First He called me as a child, giving me the gospel and believing parents and friends who loved me and prayed for me. As I got older, I saw the power of His word to heal, instruct, and lead me and others to a fuller understanding of his Kingdom and his purposes. As I struggled through the challenges of service and ministry in my first church, I could feel that God might be leading me to a leadership position sometime in the future. I have learned and am still learning to be open to God’s will.

Mike del Vecchio

Ruling Elder
I am a hospital pediatrician at Temple University Children’s Medical
center. I am the Father of a 10 year old son with Autism. I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama. As as Elder I get to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who are rejoicing. (Attending funerals, hospital visits, but also seeing God work in lives)

Godfrey Louie

Ruling Elder

I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the Chinatown section of the city. I knew I was a sinner and I knew Christ shed His blood for me, that day I gave my life over to Jesus for there was no other way to respond. My wife Clara and I have two boys Joshua and Jacob. My heart is inclined towards the pursuit of hospitality along with the assimilation of all members with particular emphasis on ‘the least’ into the lifeblood of the church. Sounds good on paper but I will need to struggle with you all as to how this looks like in real life.

Gene McGee

Ruling Elder
Becky and I have been married for thirty six plus years and have been at New Life Philly since September, 2003. We have five children and one beautiful grandson, Owen. I know God has called me to Christ first and then to others. I know that Christ has called me to serve Him also as a minister to men in my church, workplace and community. I am studying in the LAMP program (Leadership and Ministry Preparation). He has called me and I have answered Him, “You are my Lord and my Life, my Jesus Christ and I am your servant. Use me for your kingdom.”

José Negrón

Ruling Elder

Jose and his wife, Milagros, have lived in Philadelphia most of their lives and have been married for 19 years. They have 3 children, 2 cats and a dog. They have been attending New Life Presbyterian church for the past 16 years, where Jose has served as a Jr. High teacher for 7 years, a deacon for what seems forever and is currently an elder on the session. Jose serves on the evangelism team and has a passion for Christ proclaimed to the inner city.

John Steinruck

Ruling Elder
Born in Philadelphia. Yes I am a native. Graduate of Olney High School. I came to the Lord at the Billy Graham Crusade in Philadelphia in 1962 whereI realized my lost estate and was led to our wonderful loving Saviour. I made a deeper commitment to serve Christ as Lord wherever He would lead. He led me to Bob Jones University where I was introduced to the Reformed understanding of Scripture. It was also there that I decided to attend Westminster Seminary. After graduation I began a very serious relationship with the wonderful, Godly, beautiful, caring May Lauter. We married in December 1969. The delight of our lives has always been our 4 children: Jen, Jon , Cam, and Steve. I came to New Life at its founding under the leadership of Jack Miller. I was installed as an Elder in the church where I have served til this Day. My duties have included teaching, preaching, being the Christian ed director, leading worship, counseling, and visitation. I have another masters degree from Biblical University in Marriage and Family counseling. I have been the ad director at The News gleaner for over 27 years and prior to that was teacher, principal , counselor, coach, and bus driver at Cedar Grove Christian Academy. The 2 delights in my life now are my granddaughters Brittany and Sophia.