Melanie Forsythe-Lee
Lead Pastor
Melanie Forsythe-Lee is the Lead Pastor of LIFE Vineyard Church, a vibrant faith community in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. She came to faith in the post-Christian landscape of Australia. There, Melanie was a youth Pastor before relocating to America alongside her now late husband and Co-founder of LIFE Vineyard. Melanie’s deepest desire is to cultivate a church environment that invites people into a lifelong relationship with Jesus. She believes that the local church should be a sheltering tree of faith, encouraging people to find rest, healing, purpose and mission. Melanie is married to Andrew, and is the mother of three incredible young adults, Zachary, Tobias and Evangeline.
Nick Bradley
Executive Pastor
Originally from Anchorage Alaska, Nick is a semi-retired outdoorsman who answered a call to Ministry when he joined the LIFE vineyard church plant 14 years ago. Nick was the original drummer at LIFE, but quickly found his true gifting as the Executive Pastor. Nick is a regular preacher at LIFE, handles all things financial and oversees men’s ministry. He loves leading trips to the family style orphan homes that the church sponsors in Asia and is a major part of shaping and executing the vision of LIFE. Nick is a husband to Rebecca and father to sons Whittaker and Hawkins.
David Carey
Senior Associate Pastor
David is an Indiana boy that always seems to find his way back to the midwest! He has a biblical studies degree from Liberty University and has been with the church for 11 years. He has been married to his lovely wife Amanda for 14 years and they have 3 kids: Isaiah (7), Eden (5), and Julian (1). David loves fishing, making music, cherry coke, and ice cream. He has a passion to see the church engage in the word of God and worship Him with sincerity. He also has broken ties with Ye, following Balenciaga and Adidas.
Angie Auman
Spiritual Formation Pastor
Angie lives in Granville with her husband AJ and her two teenage sons, Jake and Noah. She loves having fun, watching sports and traveling, especially to Life’s Asia’s Hope India home and to the beach. She is passionate about the health and growth of leaders, caring for people through spiritual direction and mentoring, as well as teaching others how to engage with God in practical and meaningful ways.
James Truslow
Creative Director
James is married to his wife Abbey and they have two beautiful little girls. He has been a touring artist, producer, and worship leader for 17 years. His heart is to unify and empower creatives in the city of Columbus.
Lorrie Sturm
Women's Ministry Director
Lorrie is a native of Ohio and helped with the start of our church plant. She loves the mountains but not as much as her grandchildren. At the church Lorrie helps with practical side of ministry, keeping everyone's feet on the ground.
Courtney Maestri
Children's Director
Courtney Maestri is a pastor's daughter from Eastern Ohio. She has the amazing privilege of working with volunteers to introduce the Gospel to the kids who attend LIFE, and teach them they are fully loved by God. When not at church, Courtney, her husband Devon, and their four kids are probably at a playground, making fairy houses, or planning their next adventure.
Aaron Ellington
Student Director
Aaron is from Sandusky Ohio, and is the son of a missionary Mother. He also is a sneaker head that loves him some Boston sports. He came to know Jesus in a real way in college and is passionate about social justice and seeing the youth engaged and active in their community and in the church.
Jeff Clendenin
Associate Pastor
Jeff is a longtime IT manager who joined the Life Church pastoral team in 2021, where he and his wife Robin have been partners since 2010. He also has degrees in religious studies from Anderson University and in ministry from Vineyard Leadership Institute (VLI), where he both taught and developed curriculum for 6 years. At church he enjoys helping people learn to use the Word of God to guide their lives, as well as helping people redeem the trauma in their lives. Outside church, he and Robin stay busy with 3 adult children and a granddaughter, and they enjoy weekend getaways to quiet destinations. He also enjoys golfing, curling, and introducing people to exquisite and unusual chocolates from around the world.