Our mission is to know Christ and to make him known.
Rob Parker
Rob is the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Plant Church. For the past 28 years, he has served in vocational ministry across both church and para-church settings. His theological training includes a Master of Arts in New Testament from Alliance Theological Seminary, as well as a Doctorate in Semiotics and Future Studies from George Fox University. Rob has been married to his wife Sue for 28 years. Since the day they met, they have partnered together in life and ministry. Among his greatest joys are being a husband, father, and proud grandparent aka ``Pops``.
Sue Parker
Sue Parker serves as the Director of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation at The Plant Church. She has been part of The Plant from the very beginning, sharing the church’s vision and mission alongside her husband, Rob. Before stepping into full-time ministry, Sue worked as a nurse for 26 years, spending half of that time as a school nurse in the Mahwah school district. In this new season, she embraces her calling with a deep passion to see people come to Christ, grow in their faith, and live on mission together. Sue and Rob have shared 28 wonderful years of marriage together. They are the proud parents of four grown children and three precious grandchildren.
Kerri Niebles
Kerri is Director of Children’s Ministries here at The Plant Church. She is a born and bread Jersey girl who knows how pump her own gas, thanks to her days working at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She and her husband, Omar, cherish family time with their beautiful 4 girls. In the summer you can find them at the Jersey shore. During the year you’ll find them coaching or cheering on the sidelines at softball and soccer games and enjoying school musicals. But every Sunday you’re sure to find them at The Plant Church- stop by and say hi!
Karly Weiss
Karly serves as the Ministry Assistant to Pastor Rob and fills the role of Administrative Coordinator. An active member of the Plant Church nearly since its inception, she enjoys singing on the worship team and truly means it when she says ``Plant Family!`` each week. Outside of church, she can be found on the Peloton leaderboard, cheering on local sporting events, or relaxing on Long Beach Island. She has been married to her husband Aaron since 2007, and they have two beautiful daughters, Madelyn and Molly.
Steve Nieves
Steve Nieves serves as the Music and Production Director at The Plant Church. Steve has been in this role since April 2022 and has been in worship ministry for over 10 years. Steve studied music therapy at Montclair State University and worked in hospice as a music therapist for 5 years. After getting married in 2022, he moved to the audiovisual and tech field, working on church AVL systems with Somerset Media Group. Steve is passionate about God, and desires to see the church honor Jesus with genuine faith and learn to live out his teachings. Steve is happily married to his partner in life and ministry, Soli Nieves, and they are expecting a baby boy in December 2025!
Scott and Elisa Ruel
Scott and Elisa Ruel have been married for six years and are passionate about serving. They have been part of our Montana Missions for 3 years and have a heart for discipleship and authentic relationships. They enjoy many outdoor activities. They are excited to see where God will lead them.