Our Church Team

Chris Dillon

Lead Pastor

Chris Dillon

Chris grew up as an MK (missionary kid) in South America, served as a missionary with his wife, Cheryl, in Southeast Asia and later as a pastor of missions and discipleship for nearly 8 years before coming to New Life in 2017. Chris and Cheryl are both graduates of Gardner-Webb University where they met and fell in love. Soon after graduating, they married and moved to Wake Forest, NC where Chris earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Seminary.

Chris is devoted to seeing people learn to passionately love Jesus and others well–here in Asheville and around the globe. He's convinced that the local church is God's chosen vehicle to take the hope-filled and life-giving message of Jesus to our neighborhoods, city and world.

They have three lovely children and enjoy the great outdoors, exotic cuisines, good coffee and SEC football together as a family.

- CONTACT CHRIS DILLON -

Chad Etheridge

Executive Pastor

Chad Etheridge

Chad is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from Golden Gate Seminary, he served churches in Alabama, Florida, and California. His ministry journey has also included roles in Outdoor Adventure Ministry in both California and Israel, as well as leadership positions in marketplace management.

Chad is passionate about collaboration, synergy, culture, and strategy that supports the Church to love and lead people to Jesus. He is married to Leigh, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and together they have two children, Shiloh and Zade. As a family, they enjoy hiking, mountain biking, tennis, and riding dirt bikes—often accompanied by their Chocolate Labrador, Pearl, who’s always up for an adventure!

Rodney Howell

Local & GLobal Outreach Pastor

Rodney Howell

Rodney grew up in Florida and has enjoyed opportunities in business consulting, overseas ministry, and serving the local church. He is married to Keri and they have a son and daughter, Silas and Elise. They joined New Life in 2019 and are excited to join the mission of the church in Asheville and extending around the world!

- CONTACT RODNEY HOWELL -

Mike Watkins

Worship Pastor

Mike Watkins

Mike is married to Angelica and together they have four beautiful children. Prior to joining the team at New Life in 2012, Mike served for seven years as a worship pastor in Las Vegas. Before entering full time ministry, Mike spent 10 years as Music Director for The Second City & worked in theatre as music director for countless musicals/workshops.

- CONTACT MIKE WATKINS -

Edyn Hasskamp

Worship Ministry Assistant/Director of Communications

Edyn Hasskamp

Edyn moved to North Carolina with her family in August of 2018. She became involved in the student ministry as a sophomore in high school and served in the student band ministry. She eventually became a part of the Emerging Leaders Program under the Worship Pastor from 2021-2022. She is so excited to be back on the team! Edyn loves laughing and goofing around with her friends and family and the College Ministry. Edyn is passionate about leading people to experience an awe of Christ and a deepened relationship with Him through worship.

- CONTACT EDYN HASSKAMP -

Allen Ebert

Student Pastor

Allen Ebert

Allen was born and raised in Western North Carolina and has been on staff at New Life since March of 2022. He and his wife Leslie have two wonderful boys, Nixon and Gavyn. He loves spending quality time with his family, golfing, laughing, and meeting new people. He also enjoys good coffee, meaningful conversation, and a steak cooked medium-rare. One of his greatest joys is to walk closely with others in life, helping them discover and trust God’s amazing love for them in Christ.

- CONTACT ALLEN EBERT -

Krysten Blanton

Kids Ministry Assistant

Krysten Blanton

Krysten was born and raised is Western North Carolina. She was in the banking industry for 10 years before transitioning to a full-time stay at home mom in 2021. Krysten has attended New Life since January of 2017. She joins our staff with 12 years of volunteer experience in both preschool and kids ministries.

Krysten has a passion for helping children learn scripture and experience God's love. Krysten is married to Christopher and they have one daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading, crafting, and watching sports (Go Dawgs!).

- CONTACT KRYSTEN BLANTON -

Shannon Culton

Next Generation Administrative Assistant

Shannon Culton

Shannon is a WNC native and is married to her husband, Robert. Together, they have three children and also open their home as foster parents. With 17 years of experience working with children, she has a heart for nurturing and guiding the next generation. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve and to share Christ’s love with the children and families in the church community.

Sheryl Shaff

Administrative Assistant

Sheryl Shaff

Sheryl joined the staff of New Life Community Church in January of 2006. Sheryl brings with her many years of administrative experience. Sheryl and her husband Bryan moved to Asheville from Traverse City, Michigan in 2002 and have been members of New Life Community Church since 2003. They have been married 43 years and have two sons. Scott, Morgen & grandchildren Greyson & Everly live in Denver, CO. Youngest son Keith, Morgan and granddaughter Raegan live in Charleston, SC. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, chasing chickens and spoiling their dog Ansley.

- CONTACT SHERYL SHAFF-

Keri Howell

Women's Ministry Volunteer Leader

Keri Howell

Keri is from Richmond, VA, and is married to Rodney. They have two awesome kids, Silas and Elise, and love spending time together as a family. Keri served overseas in Vienna, Austria, before moving to Dallas/Ft Worth, TX to pursue her masters in Linguistics and TESOL. It was there she met Rodney and the rest is history! She enjoys reading, gardening, crafting, traveling and being outside.

She also won’t pass up a really good cup of coffee. Keri loves serving in the local church, especially equipping and encouraging women. She is passionate about women knowing and loving God’s word, and doing that in community with one another.

- CONTACT KERI HOWELL -