Our Team
Douglas Elsey
Douglas Elsey joined the New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church as the Senior Pastor in January of 2009.
Pastor Elsey graduated from Newbold College in England with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in 1991. After coming to the United States to marry his wife Sherri, whom he met while she was studying at Newbold, he became the Youth Pastor at the Redlands, California, SDA Church in 1992. He and Sherri have three children: Marcus, Lyndsey, and Kayleigh
Pastor Elsey earned his M.Div. degree at Andrews University in 1997 and returned to the Redlands Church for another three years before becoming the senior pastor at the Yucaipa (California) Adventist Church in 2000. From there in 2005, he transitioned to Bozeman, Montana to serve as the Chaplain at Mt. Ellis Academy before moving to New Haven.
Kyle Smith
Kyle was born in the Chicago area and raised in St. Louis. He graduated with his bachelor’s in theology from Union College, and shortly after married his beautiful wife, Annie. Most recently, Kyle has been serving as an Associate Pastor at New Haven, where his focus is teaching pastor of New Haven Commons, a modern expression of worship. Before launching Commons, Kyle served as youth pastor at Kettering Adventist Church. In addition, he has served as a young adult pastor, academy chaplain/Bible teacher and associate university chaplain. He is passionate about starting new things in ministry, and building community where all are safe and welcome. In his free time, he enjoys house projects, time with friends, movies and going on walks with Annie.
Seth Gaskin
December 2014, Seth Gaskin graduated from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska with a Religion Degree, and emphasis in Business. He began working as a district pastor in August 2015 for the cities of Iola, Chanute, Thayer, Independence, and Coffeyville. He spent two wonderful years there getting to know, love, and work with the good people in Southeast Kansas before receiving more education at Andrews University. He graduated December 2019 with his M.Div. and accepted the call to come to New Haven, where he now serves as the Young Adult pastor
Pastor Seth says he and his wife, Mary are so excited to learn and grow as they raise their children, Layla, and Barrett while serving the church and community for Jesus Christ. They have already seen God work in their lives repeatedly and love to see Jesus grow in the lives of young people.
Makenzy Jean
Introducing Makenzy Jean, an engaging and spirited member of our church community. With a passion for sports, Makenzy brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to every game and event. He has an unwavering love for collegiate ministry, dedicating his time and talents to inspiring young minds and nurturing their faith journeys. Makenzy's vibrant personality shines when he is surrounded by people, radiating warmth and compassion to all. We are delighted to share that he is engaged to Sasha, a wonderful partner who complements his adventurous spirit. Makenzy's love for exploration extends beyond the bounds of our community, as he has traversed the United States, gaining valuable experiences and insights along the way. We are blessed to have Makenzy as part of our church family, bringing joy, camaraderie, and a strong commitment to God's work.
Karen Furst
Karen Furst joined the New Haven staff in September of 2008 as the Church Office Manager. Before working at New Haven, Karen worked at Vanguard Airlines for 9 years as a flight attendant and worked with the Chief Pilot to recruit pilots for the airlines. When Karen first moved to Kansas City, she worked at Advent Health (Shawnee Mission Med Center) for 13 years in the Emergency Admitting department. She has worked in the “people” oriented workforce most of her life and has loved every minute of being with individuals, helping them in any way possible.
Karen and her husband, Joseph, of 44 years have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. She has seen God’s hand work miracles in caring for her family over the years. This experience has molded her to try and take care of her pastors, church family, and others. An important part of her job is to let people know how much we as a church love them and want them to be a part of our New Haven family. Karen feels God has a purpose for her here at New Haven and prays every day for His guidance in doing the best she can for her church.
Pam DeCamp
Pam has been a member of New Haven SDA Church since 1994 and has served in various roles here. She has been involved in music most of this time. During COVID she started the role as Worship Director. A time when we started livestream and an unfamiliar style of worship. What she loves most about New Haven church is the diversity and strives to include all cultures in the worship service. In her spare time, she loves being with family, her animals, traveling, and sewing,
Christina Svoboda
Christina has been a member of New Haven since her baptism in 1983. She has served as an Elder at New Haven since 2017. She helps coordinate different ministries and volunteers in church events such as member care, the Junior and Earliteens Sabbath schools, and more.
Christina has a passion for Jesus and shares His love with everyone. She works at KU as an RN. Her hobbies include baking and cooking, which she is famous for using in her ministries, and spending time with her family and friends.
Schedule a visit
Our Pastors are passionate about people, and care about your needs! You can schedule a visit with any of our pastors, and they will be happy to meet with you!
