Oakes
Church of the Nazarene
MEET THE TEAM
Lead Pastor
Kelley Lovelace
Pastor Kelley became the Lead Pastor at Oakes Church of the Nazarene in 2013. He and his wife, Rhonda, have 4 kids, 3 of whom are married and 2 grandchildren. Pastor Kelley has a bachelors degree in Religion with a minor in History. He has been a licensed pastor with the Church of the Nazarene for 33 years (1991). In 1997 Pastor Kelley received his first full time assignment and served as a Youth & Family Pastor in Olathe, KS. He was ordained on the Kansas City District in 2001. He received a call in 2007 to become the Lead Pastor at the Nazarene Church in Spearfish, SD where served for 6 years. Since moving to Oakes, Pastor Kelley has taken on more roles than just the Lead Pastor, he is currently the Chaplain for the Oakes Police and Fire Departments. Pastor Kelley desires for people to know Jesus and through that relationship to develop a healthy lifestyle spiritually, mentally, and relationally.
Youth Pastor
Kyle Haafke
Pastor Kyle has been serving in youth ministry since graduating from MNU with a Youth and Family Degree in 2010. In 2013 he was ordained within the Church of the Nazarene. He and his wife, Kalyn moved to Oakes in 2015, where they have been actively involved in the community. Kalyn is a high school teacher, and together they have one son, Sawyer. They are passionate about helping teens encounter Jesus in a real and personal way, and they are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and faith among the youth here in Oakes.
Office Administrator & Children's Director
Rhonda Lovelace
Rhonda, Pastor Kelley, and their family moved to Oakes in 2013 to serve Oakes Church of the Nazarene. She has been the Church Administrator since 2016, but has many years of experience in office management. Rhonda also has been the Children's Director since 2021. Rhonda is passionate about helping people realize they matter and that God has a purpose for them.
Celebrate Recovery & Discipleship Coordinator
Kevin Wertz
Kevin is a life long member of Oakes Church of the Nazarene, serving in many capacities over the years. He has been married to Shelli since May of 1992. Together they have two daughters, both recently married. He believes in the resurrecting power of Christ. Christ is our example. Kevin is a child of the King and believe God desires relationship with all of His creation. True freedom is found in that relationship first and foremost.
Worship Leader
Joel Ptacek
Joel is a longtime resident of Oakes and graduated from Oakes Public School in 2005. He studied music at MidAmerica Nazarene University and studied classical guitar. He also played bass in the university jazz band. Joel also enjoys woodworking and being outdoors. He is passionate about helping others experience the restoring power of Christ and building Christian culture.