NPD Board of Directors

Steven Meckle (Chariman)

Steven Meckle has been the pastor at Mott Evangelical Community Church since August 2017.  He studied at Grace University and has received a Bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry as well as a Master’s degree in Christian ministry with an emphasis in rural church ministry.  Steven has been married to his wife Kayleen for 6 years and they have a 3-year-old son, Caleb.  Steven has a passion for rural communities and rural churches and loves to see them come together to strengthen each other.

Brad Prothero (Treasurer)

Brad grew up attending a Lutheran church in the Western suburbs of Minneapolis. After graduating from NDSU, he spent 15 years working in IT for a Fargo life insurance company. While there, he attended Bethel Evangelical Free and was involved in Worship and Children’s ministries. After serving in churches in KY and IA, Brad works at the ND Secretary of State office and attends GracePoint Church in Bismarck, ND where he serves in the men’s ministry and Awana. He is married to Wanda and they have 2 adult children. He loves sports (NDSU, MN Vikings, MN Twins, US Soccer), cooking and puzzles.

Steve Dockter

Steve and his wife Renae live in Rugby, ND and have been married for 43 years. Steve has been active at Calvary EFC in Rugby since its founding in 1984, serving in several capacities. He has also served the NPD in past years beginning with the AdHoc Committee which led to the organization of the NPD with George Walker as the first Superintendent and later again while Daryl Thompson was the District Superintendent. He also served on the Cooperstown Bible Camp Board for a time. Steve’s entire work career was in the ag industry and included being a producer, ag lender and managing an ag supply cooperative. Steve retired three years ago and is enjoying more time with his wife, kids and grandkids as well as numerous opportunities for volunteer work

Michael Wallenmeyer

Michael is the Senior Pastor at New Life EFC in Watertown, SD. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. While at Moody he met his wonderful wife, Marcie, and they have been married for 25 years. Marcie and Michael have three energetic children, Justice (20), Audra (18) and Noah (15). Michael's passions include centering everything the church does in the gospel, building a strong sense of community, making disciples and reaching out to others with the love of Jesus Christ.

Jeff Bridell

Jeff is shepherding Pembina Evangelical Free Church. He has been married to his wife Becky since 2006, and they have four children together DJ (14), Josiah (12), Gideon (10) and Luella (8). Jeff homeschools his children along with his wife Becky. Jeff is originally from Andover, Minnesota, but has been living in the Northland for going on six years now and moved to North Dakota in 2018 which he is proud to call home. He is a graduate of Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, with bachelor’s degrees in Christian Studies & Youth Ministry. Jeff has been ministering in various capacities in the local church since 1997. Jeff has a passion for impacting people’s lives for Jesus and helping believers to share life, love & Jesus with those around them.

Wade Faul

Wade was born and raised in Goodrich, ND. I attended the Harvey Mennonite Brethren Church where I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and was baptized during my teenage years. I graduated from Goodrich High School in 1965. I went on to attend Valley City State College and graduated in 1969. I married my wife Margery in 1970 and we had three children. In 1971, I joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1975. From 1969 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1979 I taught school in Carrington, ND. I have worked as a school administrator from 1979 until I retired in 2013. I have been a member of the Cornerstone Community Church in Cooperstown, joining in 1993. I have held numerous leadership positions while attending. I also have taught adult Sunday School classes for many years. I am presently the chairman of the Church and am a member of our church search committee.

Philippians 4:13, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Karen Davis

Karen was born in Chicago, raised in the Lutheran faith as a child, but made her decision to follow Jesus Christ while attending a Christian camp in her early teens. After high school, she attended Moody Bible Institute as a Jewish Studies Major. Karen served at The Moody Church in Chicago in various capacities as a deaconess. Additionally, she assisted with baptisms, served as a “Moody Ambassador” at the Pacific Garden Mission, and was on the prayer partner team. In 2016, Karen retired, ending her culinary career in the Foodservice Department of Moody Bible Institute after serving there for sixteen years. In 2017, she and her husband Tom answered God’s call to North Dakota, where Tom serves as pastor of Grace Evangelical Free Church in Hettinger, and Karen uses her gifts to bless their Church family and community.

Ben Tacoma

Ben Tacoma was born and raised near Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Grace Christian University, where he met his wife Hananiah, and then pursued his Masters degree at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He was a youth pastor for five years which is when he joined the EFCA. He is currently the Senior Pastor at Riverside EFCA in Mayville, ND. Ben is passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the local church, nurturing and encouraging faithfulness to Christ in all things. He loves rich coffee, thick books, and a large garden! Ben and Hananiah have two children, Oliver (7) and Scarlett (5).

Matthew Dehnert (Secretary)

Matthew Dehnert is the pastor at CrossRoads EFC in Casselton, ND. He graduated from Oak Hills Christian College with a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries and Biblical studies, and then earned his master’s degree in Christian ministries at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Matthew and his wife, Susie, met at Oak Hills and have been married for 17 years and have two daughters. Matthew’s family likes to camp, hike, and organize community activities that share the love and truth of Jesus Christ.