Ministry Staff

show/hide bio for Pastor Miller

A little about myself: I am originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee (just outside Nashville) and I came to Nampa via Charlotte, North Carolina and Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to moving to Nampa, I ministered at the Church of the Nazarene International Headquarters, where I served in Pensions and Benefits while attending seminary. While I have worked in the music business, as a computer consultant, conference and event planner, and accounting technician in the past, my passion and calling is to full-time ministry. I thank the Lord for bringing me to the Treasure Valley where I can serve the Lord by ministering to and with the College Church kids and parents.

My education:
Bachelor of Science Music Business, Trevecca Nazarene University, 1993; Master of Arts Christian Education, Nazarene Theological Seminary, 2006

My hobbies: I love spending time with my wife when I'm not working. I also love to play the acoustic, electric, and bass guitar in my spare time. I've played in bands my whole life and most recently played bass guitar in a Christian Rock/Blues band in Kansas City called "Second Mile" (www.secondmileband.com). I enjoy reading and watching movies. I like most sports, but specifically I enjoy bike riding, hiking, camping, and playing golf!

A little about my family: My beautiful wife's name is Melinda and we have been married since December 1, 2001. We met at church in Kansas City where we both had moved to pursue our call to ministry. Prior to relocating to Nampa, Melinda served for seven years in Nazarene Missions International (NMI) at Nazarene International Headquarters. She currently works as the MBA (Master of Business Administration) Program Administrator at Northwest Nazarene University. Melinda loves music, missions and animals! We have a "fur kid," a shelter-rescued dog named "Taco" that we spoil rotten.

show/hide bio for Heidi Curtis

A little about myself:
I have been the Early Childhood Director since May of 2007. I am also an academic administrator at the Idaho Virtual Academy, the largest virtual charter school in Idaho. I have been with IDVA since 2003 acting in many roles as teacher, lead teacher, instructional coordinator and administrator. Before that, I taught middle school English in Caldwell for 10 years. I grew up in Alaska, where I lived until coming to NNU.

My education:
Bachelor’s of Education in English from NNC in 1994. Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from NNU in 2000 with an added Certification in School Administration in 2006.

My hobbies:
What do I do in my spare time? When I am not working or around the Garden, I love to read! I try to read two to three books a week, often late at night after the kids are in bed. We also love playing games and having fun with friends and family.

A little about my family:
A bit about my family: I have been married to Ron since December of 1993. Ron teaches Choir at Vallivue High School in Caldwell. We love singing together and traveling when we get the chance. We have two children, Bradley born in 2000, and Madison, born in 2004.

show/hide bio for Kevin Lambert

Who am I?:
I am passionately in love with God and am reminded daily how blessed I am to be a part of Kidzone Ministries. I have been attending College Church since 2000 and have been involved in Children’s Ministries here since 2002. I began as the teacher of the 4 year olds and am now the Children’s resident. My passion is to see kids fall in love with God through learning about God, worshipping God, and talking to God. And it has been exciting see that happen through this ministry.

My education:
I grew up in Nampa, ID. I attended Nampa Christian High School and hold a degree in Christian Ministries with minors in Youth Ministry and Biblical Languages from Northwest Nazarene University. I plan to further my education with an MDIV and a PHD in New Testament.

What do I enjoy?:
I was a member of a NNUs cross country and track teams where I currently hold three school records in the Indoor 5K, the Cross Country 10K and the Outdoor Track 10K. I absolutely love running and competing. I also enjoy reading and my current favorite books are Henri Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus, Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline and Gary Smith’s Radical Compassion. I also enjoy reading novels whether it be Harry Potter or John Grisham or Charles Dickens.

A little about my family:
I am engaged and will be married on July 12 to an amazing woman named Allison. We met while attending NNU and she is still a student there and will be graduating in May 2009 with a degree in Business Administration. She enjoys reading, learning, playing tennis and spending time with me. Other than that I have two loving parents and two sisters with two great brother-in-laws.

show/hide bio for Heather Miller

A Little About Myself:
I am originally from Kent, WA where I have spent my entire life until coming to Northwest Nazarene University. I will be a senior this coming fall and am anticipating finishing up my schooling. I felt God call me to be a full time Children’s Pastor my junior year of high school on a mission trip to Guatemala. Ever since then, I have been extremely involved in Children’s Ministry. I have attended College Church since coming to NNU in 2005, and feel blessed to be in this position where I get to carry out my passion and love for ministering and teaching the young people of this world day in and out.

My education:
I am currently working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries, with a minor in Children’s Ministry from NNU.

Hobbies:
I love doing anything active, although relaxing with a great book is always good too! Right now, one of my biggest passions is running, where I am training to run a half-marathon in the coming months. I also love playing volleyball, hiking, tennis, biking, and just being in the outdoors.

My Family:
While my family still resides back home in Kent, I have many families here in Nampa that have adopted me as one of their own. My parents are still very active in work and the church, as well as keeping the family organized and where they’re supposed to be. I have two sisters, Colette (24) and Tiffany (9), who was adopted from Kazakhstan in 2000. I feel so blessed to have the support and love of my family that I do.

show/hide bio for Gayellen Smith

A little about myself:
We moved to Nampa from Champaign Urbana, Illinois in August of 1994. I’ve worked at College Church as a secretary for the last 10 years. Prior to that I worked 11 years in Christian retail – eight years at a store in Illinois and three years here.

My education:
I have a BA in English education from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois.

My hobbies:
I enjoy reading and gardening. Recently I’ve been learning to quilt and enjoy it very much.

A little about my family:
Terry and I have been married for 36 years. Terry works at Healthwise in Boise as an information architect. We have one daughter Sarah who is married to Dan and lives in Nampa. My new “kids” are two Ragdoll cats named Tega and Taka. I love talking about them – just ask!