Penn and Heather Clark
Founding Pastor/General Oversight
Penn and Heather have been the founding pastors of WellSpring in Penn
Yan since 2009. Recently, they have stepped back from their day-to-day
pastoral duties to focus on overseeing the church plants that have emerged
from WellSpring, as well as those associated with the Word of Grace
Network. Penn has traveled extensively, bringing an apostolic grace to
strengthen churches, train leaders, and promote a Spirit-filled life. His books
have been a blessing to those seeking relevant revelation. They enjoy
spending time with their three grown children and nine grandchildren.
Yan since 2009. Recently, they have stepped back from their day-to-day
pastoral duties to focus on overseeing the church plants that have emerged
from WellSpring, as well as those associated with the Word of Grace
Network. Penn has traveled extensively, bringing an apostolic grace to
strengthen churches, train leaders, and promote a Spirit-filled life. His books
have been a blessing to those seeking relevant revelation. They enjoy
spending time with their three grown children and nine grandchildren.
Nelson and Amy Miller
Preaching Pastor and Pastoral Team Members
Nelson and Amy Miller moved from Pennsylvania to participate in our
Discipleship Program and, soon after, were invited to join our pastoral team.
They provided pastoral care and oversight for our Care Group ministry
which helped our church grow. In 2024, they were called to become the
pastors of a church in Geneva, called Faith Community Church, which was
placed under WellSpring’s care. We sent a number of committed and gifted
families to come alongside the Millers as they are restarting this church and
trying reaching the city. Nelson and Amy are passionate about seeing
people restored and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They are currently
enjoying this season of raising their five children.
Discipleship Program and, soon after, were invited to join our pastoral team.
They provided pastoral care and oversight for our Care Group ministry
which helped our church grow. In 2024, they were called to become the
pastors of a church in Geneva, called Faith Community Church, which was
placed under WellSpring’s care. We sent a number of committed and gifted
families to come alongside the Millers as they are restarting this church and
trying reaching the city. Nelson and Amy are passionate about seeing
people restored and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They are currently
enjoying this season of raising their five children.
Phil and LaReta Riehl
Pastoral Team Leader/Business Pastor and Treasurer
Phil and LaReta, along with their four young children, were the first family at
WellSpring, partnering with the Clarks to establish a life-giving church in the
Finger Lakes. Phil provides the primary pastoral care for the church while
also managing the business aspects of the ministry. LaReta oversees the
finances and serves the families of the church in numerous ways. They do
this all while growing a large family business in the area. Each member of
the Riehl family has stepped up to serve the church in various capacities at
various times, helping to create a safe environment where people feel loved,
cared for, and encouraged to embrace new beginnings. In this season of
life, Phil and LaReta also enjoy spending time with their adult children and
their families.
WellSpring, partnering with the Clarks to establish a life-giving church in the
Finger Lakes. Phil provides the primary pastoral care for the church while
also managing the business aspects of the ministry. LaReta oversees the
finances and serves the families of the church in numerous ways. They do
this all while growing a large family business in the area. Each member of
the Riehl family has stepped up to serve the church in various capacities at
various times, helping to create a safe environment where people feel loved,
cared for, and encouraged to embrace new beginnings. In this season of
life, Phil and LaReta also enjoy spending time with their adult children and
their families.
Austin and Stephanie Lapp
Worship Pastor
Austin and Stephanie are dedicated to serving the community through
leading worship and providing leadership for the overall life of the church.
They have a deep love for this region and its people. Austin has had growing
influence in the business sector of our community as a Real Estate Broker.
They both enjoy helping people reach their potential and have built several
strong worship teams. He and Stephanie cherish their two adorable
daughters.
leading worship and providing leadership for the overall life of the church.
They have a deep love for this region and its people. Austin has had growing
influence in the business sector of our community as a Real Estate Broker.
They both enjoy helping people reach their potential and have built several
strong worship teams. He and Stephanie cherish their two adorable
daughters.
Jesse and Keren Lapp
Youth Pastor
Both born and raised in the Finger Lakes, Jesse and Keren are rooted in this region and love to see youth encounter God and live life to the fullest. They live in Penn Yan, and operate several businesses. You can often find them paddleboarding or taking walks together. Jesse enjoys any outdoor adventure such as hunting and camping, and Keren loves spending quality time with friends and family. They have a deep desire to lead their community and youth into furthering God's Kingdom. Also, fun fact: Jesse and Austin(Worship Pastor) are brothers!
Jeff and Karen Martello
Pastor
WellSpring Hammondsport
WellSpring Hammondsport
Jeff and Karen moved to us from Colorado, following the Lord's leading to
dedicate themselves to full-time ministry. For Jeff, this transition eventually
meant leaving his job as a school teacher to pursue his passion for helping
people discover the joy of being part of a local church family.
After a year of prayer and hosting a Care Group in their home, a church
building in the village of Hammondsport became available, signaling that it
was time to launch a new church in the area. We released several wonderful
families to join this effort, and they are enjoying a sweet time of fellowship
together. Their goal is to encourage and equip others to live in the fullness
that Jesus brings, as well as to help raise up a generation whose lives have
been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
dedicate themselves to full-time ministry. For Jeff, this transition eventually
meant leaving his job as a school teacher to pursue his passion for helping
people discover the joy of being part of a local church family.
After a year of prayer and hosting a Care Group in their home, a church
building in the village of Hammondsport became available, signaling that it
was time to launch a new church in the area. We released several wonderful
families to join this effort, and they are enjoying a sweet time of fellowship
together. Their goal is to encourage and equip others to live in the fullness
that Jesus brings, as well as to help raise up a generation whose lives have
been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jared and Hannah Wigden
Pastoral Team
Church Administrator
Church Administrator
Jared and Hannah , along with their three children, are also native to the
area. One of their greatest joys is being able to raise their three children in a
life-giving community. Jared left his life as a school teacher in order to
begin pursuing the ministry. They help the church in a number of ways using
their wide range of gifts to make everything run smoothly. Meaningful
connection over a good cup of coffee is one of their favorite ways to open
up their home to others. Jared is one of the best local coffee entrepreneurs
we have in our region.
area. One of their greatest joys is being able to raise their three children in a
life-giving community. Jared left his life as a school teacher in order to
begin pursuing the ministry. They help the church in a number of ways using
their wide range of gifts to make everything run smoothly. Meaningful
connection over a good cup of coffee is one of their favorite ways to open
up their home to others. Jared is one of the best local coffee entrepreneurs
we have in our region.
Heidi and Nate Esh
Church Connections
Heidi Riehl was once the only member of the youth group at WellSpring!
Having been with us from the beginning, she has seen the church grow and
develop from a seed to becoming a life-giving church spawning other
churches. Heidi married Nate Esh, who also carries a strong desire to see
people transformed by the life of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit.
Heidi leads worship and manages The Current, which is our weekly digital
magazine that helps us communicate with our members. Together, they
love to travel, enjoy the sunsets over the Finger Lakes, and spend quality
time with their two children.
Having been with us from the beginning, she has seen the church grow and
develop from a seed to becoming a life-giving church spawning other
churches. Heidi married Nate Esh, who also carries a strong desire to see
people transformed by the life of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit.
Heidi leads worship and manages The Current, which is our weekly digital
magazine that helps us communicate with our members. Together, they
love to travel, enjoy the sunsets over the Finger Lakes, and spend quality
time with their two children.
Anthony & Sheila Riehl
Children's Pastor/Personal Assistant
Anthony and Sheila Riehl were both raised in Penn Yan. They carry a strong
sense of responsibility to minister to the whole family, primarily focused on
the children of our church. They both play an integral part in the spiritual life
of the church, often leading worship and challenging us with their passion.
Sheila pastors the children of Wellspring while Anthony assists the pastors
in a variety of practical ways. They have a deep love for the local church and
work at making sure the next generation is as committed as they are to
what God is doing in our midst. Their young daughter is a little worshipper
who brings life wherever she goes.
sense of responsibility to minister to the whole family, primarily focused on
the children of our church. They both play an integral part in the spiritual life
of the church, often leading worship and challenging us with their passion.
Sheila pastors the children of Wellspring while Anthony assists the pastors
in a variety of practical ways. They have a deep love for the local church and
work at making sure the next generation is as committed as they are to
what God is doing in our midst. Their young daughter is a little worshipper
who brings life wherever she goes.
