Meet Our Staff

Barry Braun, Senior Pastor

“Let it in; let it out.”

Barry has been ordained in the Christian Missionary Alliance since 1986. He has served churches in Minnesota and here in Oregon, as well as beginning his ministry with Youth for Christ in 1978. He has been married to his wife, Wendy, for 38 years and they have four adult children, all married, with three grandchildren, so far. As the Senior Pastor of the church, he uses his gifts of teaching, shepherding, and leadership to express the vision of our church with the goal of reaping a harvest for God. He has served the church as the Lead Pastor for over 14 years.

Email: barry@newharvestch.org

Steve Entz, Associate Pastor

Steve grew up in Sao Paulo Brazil as a missionary’s kid. He and his wife married in 1980 and have raised three children and currently have five grandchildren. Due to hereditary eye disease, Steve is legally blind. “A perfect month for me would include meeting new people over a cup of coffee, listening to 3-4 books, and leading some meaningful Small Group meetings”. His main role at the church is helping newcomers to the church get connected to a small group or a place to volunteer.

Email: steve@newharvestch.org

Tyler Braun – Associate Pastor of Worship and Family Ministries

“God wants more than our belief in Him. He wants our obedience.”

Tyler Braun is a writer, musician, and pastor. He grew up in Keizer, Oregon before attending George Fox University and then Multnomah Seminary. While growing up Tyler wanted so badly to leave Salem behind, but he now embraces Salem as his home, knowing God has great things in mind for Oregon’s capitol. He loves serving in the church, while raising his two children Judah and Adelynne with his wife Rose, but he also enjoys golfing and running. You can connect with him on his blog (http://manofdepravity.com), Twitter, or Facebook.

Email: tyler@newharvestch.org

Celeste Walberg – Associate Worship Director

“Only in the act of praise and worship can a person learn to believe in the goodness and greatness of God.” – C.S. Lewis

Celeste began life in Nevada, spent most of her childhood in Montana, and moved to Oregon in 2007 where she’s been living ever since. She is the youngest of three girls, and is a pastor’s kid. Her passion for worship began in 8th grade, and helped to lead her in the direction of attending Corban University, and graduating in 2020 with a degree in Worship Arts. Celeste loves to knit, crochet, ride bikes, play piano and sing, and enjoy a good cup of coffee!

Email: celeste@newharvestch.org

Karen Offield – Children’s Pastor

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45

Karen responded to the grace of God and received His salvation when she was in the sixth grade but it wasn’t until her freshman year of high school that she realized God’s desire to have a personal relationship with her. On May 1st, 2005 she wholly surrendered her life to Christ and has been living for and growing in Him since. In 2008, Karen left Montana and moved to Oregon to pursue her call to ministry at Corban University. She holds her degree in Student & Family Ministry and Psychology. Karen is blessed by God with her husband Kevin, her stepson Liam, and sons Beckham and Atticus. Karen has a passion for helping children build a spiritual foundation through which they can come to know Jesus Christ personally and grow in their relationship with Him. She is excited and blessed to live out that passion at New Harvest.

Email: karen@newharvestch.org

Meredith Mooney – Youth Director

Meredith wholeheartedly loves the ministries God has led her into, and desires to see His kingdom grow. She was born and raised in the Salem/Keizer area and has lived here most of her life. She has been working with children and youth for over 30 years. She loves to explore God’s creation with them through science and nature and play and watch them meet Jesus and fall in love with him. Middle School and High School students have a special place in her heart. Their crazy energy, awkwardness and struggle to be who God created them to be are the perfect playground for exploring who Jesus is and who they are because of Him.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” ‭‭Philippians ‭1:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

‬‬Email: meredith@newharvestch.org

Carol Nesmith – Mentor to Women

Carol is a native Oregonian who loves the Lord. She has had life experiences that have made her realize her total dependency on Him. Her life verse is Proverbs 3:4-5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” Carol has two adult daughters, one who is home with the Lord. She has been an elementary school teacher for 34 years. Carol has spent the last 13 years with Prison Fellowship Ministry, teaching Bible studies at Marion County Jail. Her desire is to allow the Holy Spirit to speak into women’s lives setting them free, so they can live out the life God has purposed for them. She feels her calling is to listen to and love the broken. Carol sees herself as the broken whom Jesus holds together.

Email: carol@newharvestch.org

Connie Hawes, Office Manager

“A cup of tea, a good book, and friends.”

Connie started out life on the move, going to ten schools, in 30 houses, in 19 cities, in 6 states, until she and her husband, Kevin moved to Salem in 1985. They have two adult sons and one granddaughter. She worked for Oregon DMV for 15 years. She left her state job on December 1, 2000, to work for her church, first as Barry’s assistant, then as the Office Manager of New Harvest.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Email: connie@newharvestch.org