Disciples Fellows
This ongoing group since 1999 has served 200 Disciples pastors. With 30 participants, the leadership team of seven now includes two Bethany Fellows alums. Click the links below to learn more about this group's current leadership team, current fellows, and alumni.
Disciples Leadership Team
Nestor Gomez
Rev. Dr. Néstor Gómez serves as Lead Pastor of The First Congregational Church in Stamford CT. He has served in both Spanish and English-speaking churches, at various times as associate pastor and lead pastor in the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has been active in Regional Church activities working in the New Congregation Nurturing Team. Néstor serves as a Second vice moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), member of the Division of Overseas Ministries Board of Directors and representative of Common Global Ministries Board, and board member of the National Council of Churches. Néstor has a PhD in Religion and Social Change and postgraduate studies at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. He has been an affiliate faculty at Universidad Bautista, Regis University, Columbia College and Claremont School of Theology. Teaching is one of his passions! In his free time, Néstor enjoys reading, walking, traveling and listening to music.
Nina Merkle Nestlerode
Rev. Nina Merkle Nestlerode is Lead Pastor of Good Shepherd Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Madedonia, OH (outside of Cleveland & Akron). Nina is married to a DOC ordained clergy, Rev. Dr. Glenn Nestlerode. Together, they have served as Co-Senior Pastors (sharing a 1.5 full time position) at both First Christian Church of Ponca City, OK and Canton, IL. She was also the Interim Senior Pastor at All Pilgrims Christian Church (DOC/UCC) in Seattle, Washington for two years, after serving in her first call as Associate Pastor at First Christian Church Orange, CA for four years. Nina is the joyful mother of both a middle-school son, Gabriel, and an adult step-daughter, Elizabeth She is also a second career pastor, having worked for Cheveron Corporation in San Francisco for 8 years as Senior Financial Analyst. She holds a degree in Business from University of Oregon and a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion. She is a former board member and alum of both Disciples Seminary Foundation and Bethany Fellows. Nina strongly supports the prayerful community and modeling of Bethany Fellows and has continued to seek retreats with co-alums to nurture this sacred time in her own ministry.
Darren Phelps
Rev. Dr. Darren W. Phelps grew up in Queens, NY. He is well known as a community activist, educator, and a nonprofit senior executive. Darren is a much sought after conference speaker, mentor, lecturer, and preacher. His career spans 30 years. He is ordained clergy in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. Currently, he serves on the boards of the National Convocation, and on the The National Benevolent Association (NBA) where he serves as the Vice Chair. Darren has served churches in Virginia, Washington DC, and Florida. A graduate of Virginia State University and United Theological Seminary. He has two daughters and five grandchildren. Darren spends his free time traveling, watching cartoons, and exploring new foods and customs. He published his first book in 2021 titled: The Misunderstood Journey: A story of staring down trauma, loss, and disappointment to live in health, wholeness, and joy.
David Shirey
Rev. David Shirey is Senior Minister of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lexington, KY. He also served congregations in Tennessee, Missouri, North Carolina, and Indiana. From 2002-2014 he served as founding pastor of Coolwater Christian Church in Scottsdale, AZ. David and Jennie have three children: Will, Betsy, and Laura, a daughter-in-law, Kassie, and two grandchildren, Hayden and Blair. His hobbies include running, hiking, and writing.
Born and raised in Warren, Ohio, David received his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Indiana University and his Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Jenn Simmons
Rev. Jenn Simmons (she/her/hers) serves as the Lead Pastor at National Avenue Christian Church in Springfield, MO. In pastoral work, she serves alongside an incredible staff to curate space for people to experience the sacred and pursue the work of justice. Serving at NACC, she has been called to do anti-racist work and deepen community relationships. She is a Bethany Fellows Alum. National Avenue Christian Church is currently enrolled in the Bethany Fellows Congregational Project. Rev. Simmons and congregation appreciate the work of the Fellows to build and invest in sacred community.
In addition to getting to share in a family with two really great kiddos, Jenn loves being outside, yoga and running.
Melanie Harrell Delany
Rev. Melanie Harrell Delaney now serves as Co-Director/Pastor of Bethany Fellows after 10 years as the Lead Pastor of Good Shepherd Christian Church in Macedonia, Ohio. Melanie is a Bethany Fellows alum, and is grateful to be able to serve the Bethany Fellows which sustained and enriched not only her ministry, but the entire congregation as they grew.
Melanie holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Divinity Degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN (where she is also a proud alum of the Disciples Divinity House.) She was ordained into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2009.
Melanie is married to Rev. Tyler Delaney (a chaplain for the Cleveland Clinic.) They have three school-age children, Olivia, Owen and Clayton, who keep them grounded and joyful.
Kim Gage Ryan
Rev. Kim Gage Ryan serves as Co-Director/Pastor of Bethany Fellows— a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ministry supporting young clergy in their first five years of ministry. Building on 25 years of congregational experience in Indiana and Missouri, she also consults with congregations to help expand their ministries to reach their goals and visions— specifically in the areas of Christian Education, Evangelism, Welcome and Hospitality and Spiritual Gifts Empowerment.
She is an active member at Olivet Christian Church in Columbia, MO.
Born and raised in Amarillo, TX, Kim graduated from Texas Tech University in 1980 and Brite Divinity School in 1984. She has two sons—Gage and Keller and one sweet grandson—Oliver.
Gary Straub
Rev. Dr. Gary Straub brings strong congregational experience to Bethany Fellows. He has pastored three large congregations over 35 yrs and 12 interims since. He currently serves as a Bethany Mentor, Board Member and helps pastors navigate compensation negotiations.
Straub has authored 4 titles for Chalice Press, including “Your Calling as an Elder” and “Tactful Advice on finding your Next Pastor.”
Educated with a BA from Ozark Bible College, a Masters and Doctorate in Pastoral Psychology from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a Masters of Theology from Princeton Seminary, Straub is also certified as a Spiritual Director through work at Shalem Institute and credentialed as a Valwood Leadership Coach.
Married to a Psychiatric Nurse in private practice, Geneva and Gary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They enjoy living in Louisville KY with 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. They are active members of Beargrass Christian Church in St. Matthews.
Current Disciples Fellows
Anna Brewer-Calvert (Waterloo, IA)
Henry Brewer-Calvert (Waterloo, IA)
Evan (Reegie) Bunch (Cleveland, OH)
Rachel Cooley Shawler (San Diego, CA)
Sam Copeland (Fishers, IN)
Wendy Davidson (Ft. Collins, CO)
Stephen Eberhard (Wabash, IN)
Christy Jo Harber (Lexington, KY)
Josh Jackson (Allisonville, IN)
Nathan Kibler (Lebanon, IN)
Wesley King (Nashville, TN)
Kaitlin Koeller (Springfield, MO)
Colton Lott (El Reno, OK)
Sarah McClelland-Brown (Warner Robins, GA)
Shelby Moock (Hastings, NE)
Brandon Proffitt (Evergreen, CO)
Margie Quinn (Nashville, TN)
Seth Rash (Winfield, MO)
Kevin Toth (Crawfordville, IN)
Luther Young (Erie, PA)
Disciples Alumni
Emily Allen
Maggie Archibald
Ryan Arnold
Josh Baird
Dietra Wise Baker
Lara Blackwood Pickrel
Robyn Bles
Fay Blevins
Bryce Bowers
Russ Boyd
Mark Briley
Jonathan Beckham-Brink
Kyle Brown
Matt Broxterman
Amy Cates
Jake Caldwell
Douglas Anne Cartwright
Owen Chandler
William Chaney
AC Churchill
David Clifford
Brian Coats
Jason Paul Channels
Dara Cobb
Doug Collins
Audrey Connor
Kara Courtney
Kevin Cravens-Koch
Rob Crawford
McKinna Daugherty
Jay Deskins
Julian DeShazier
Kelley Dick
Erin Dickey
Regina Erwin
Diane Faires
Laura Fitt-Baird
Trey Flowers
Rachel Frey
Chris Furr
Cara Gilger
Cory Glover
Katie Griffin
Jason Grow
Danny Gulden
Judith Guy
Laura Guy
Jonathan Hall
Laura Hamm Peterson
Scott Hardin-Nieri
Melanie Harrell Delaney
Michelle Harris Gloyer
Jamie Haskins
Amanda Hatfield Moore
Christina Haworth
Amanda Henderson
Diana Hodges-Batzka
Kevin Howe
Anna Hubbard
Megan Huston
Shayanna Hutchinson
Shane Isner
Cherisna Jean-Marie
Laura Jennison Reed
Melinda Kammerer
Stephanie Kendell
Amanda Kerr
Billy Kilgore
KJ Kim
Elizabeth King
Sarah Kingsbery
Kara Kleinschmidt Foster
Jack Knox
Rebekah Krevens
Allison Lanza
Nick Larson
Virzola Law
Michael Lehman
Amy Lignitz Harken
Sarah Lund
Daniel Lyvers
Liz Magill
Aaron Marez
Steve Mason
Kyle McDougall
Brad McDowell
Kassie Smith McKee
Nina Merkle Nestlerode
Janet Mers
Corey Meyer
Corey Miller
David Miller
Peter Mitchell
Suzanne Motter
Ryan Motter
Timothy Murphy
Liz Myer
Sara Nave Fisher
Alison Nicholl
Anna Perry
Laura Phillips
Amy Piatt
Jamie Plunkett
Katherine Raley Alexander
Antonio Redd
Sarah Renfro
Sunny Ridings
Jonathan Rumburg
Hannah Ryan
Will Ryan
Cheryl Russell
Katie Russell
Katie Sexton
Stacy Shelton
Matthew Silvers
Jennifer Simmons
Kevin Snow
Schandra Soltani
Melissa St. Clair
Shauna St. Clair
Ryan Starr
Ryan Steitz
Shanna Steitz
Jennifer Straub
Mark Taylor
Tara Thompson
Jacob Thorne
Heather Patriacca Tolleson
Laura Jean Torgerson
Tim Trussell - Smith
Jessica Vacketta
Shawn Wallace
Whitney Waller-Cole
Erin Wathen
Ayanna Johnson Watkins
Dawn Weaks
Sara Patty Wilcox
Kory Wilcoxson
Tiff Austin Williams
Diane Wilson
Katherine Wright
Selena Wright
In Memory and Love
Brian Adams