Leadership

Adam and Amber Holley and their three children, still at home Kaedance, Kenlee and Xander lead FWD Church, working together with a shared vision to impact Newton Falls.  They have many adult foster kids and grandkids. Their passion extends beyond the church walls, as they are dedicated to passionately guiding the church in its mission of reaching people, restoring hope, realizing purpose, and renewing a community. They are committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience God's love and hope.

With a heart for both teaching and serving, Adam and Amber lead through vision, prayer and hands-on involvement in ministries that make a tangible difference in the lives of families, youth, and the wider community. They believe in equipping and empowering others to discover their purpose and live out their faith in practical, meaningful ways. 

Brandon Lee and his wife Rachel along with their 3 boys, Carson, Landon and Mason lead as an associate pastor and Brandon speaks once a month.  He and his family lead in many different ways with mens ministry, women's ministry and the details that make every Sunday run smoothly. Rachel does our graphic design.

Todd and Bree and their 2 kids Vinny and Evelyn,  lead with vision and compassion to serve the next generation and provide a support system for the foster care system. At Forward Church we believe every young person deserves a place to belong, a voice that matters, and a future filled with hope. Todd and Bree lead this vision by walking alongside students and foster youth with compassion, guidance, and faith.

They lead more than programs-its about students and families. Through youth gatherings, discipleship, mentoring, and community partnerships, They create safe spaces where students can encounter Jesus, build lasting relationships and step into their God given purpose.

For foster youth, they offer consistent love and advocacy, ensuring that every child knows they are seen, valued, and never alone. Whether this is through supporting foster families and kids through Birthday Blessings our program, ensuring every foster child gets a birthday gift or mentorships, practical support or connecting families to resources. They also serve bridging the gap between local mental and behavior health facilities for foster students.

We believe they are helping to raise up a generation who will change the world for Jesus. 

James, Elizabeth and their 5 kids Jaxon, Judah, Ellie, Ezra and Eden lead with vision, compassion and wisdom. They serve as guides, mentors, and encouragers for those walking the road of healing. Their role is to create a safe and welcoming space where individuals can be honest about struggles, find accountability, and experience God's grace in community.

They help people on their recovery journey take practical steps toward freedom from hurts, habits, and hang-ups. They model showing Christ  as the ultimate source of healing, and foster an environment of trust where real transformation can happen.

They run our Celebrate Recovery program-but it is less about a program and more about walking with people. Listening, encouraging, praying and reminding them that their past does not define them. They help people discover recovery is not only possible, but also a powerful testimony of Gods renewing love. 

Valerie leads as our Director of Ministry Operations at Forward Church. She and her husband, Brandon, are parents to two wonderful children, Anderson and Elise, and they also hold dear the memory of their little one, Norah, now with Jesus.

In her role, Valerie helps Forward Church run smoothly behind the scenes so ministry can thrive on the front lines. She oversees the systems, programs, and ministries that keep our church moving forward. Whether coordinating events, supporting leaders and volunteers, or building processes that make ministry simple and effective, her heart is to make sure every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed , cared for, and connected.