MEET THE STAFF

  • Chris Opiela

    Lead Pastor/Elder

    I’m Chris and I’m honored to lead both our staff and elder teams at Frontline. I came to Germany in 2017 as a pastoral resident (think internship), and grew into my current role. I grew up in Moscow, PA, USA; that’s middle of the Poconos. Prior to moving overseas, I completed degrees at Bucknell University and Dallas Theological Seminary, but I never want to stop learning. My wife Kelly and I have lived overseas since 2014. We enjoy life as a family in Germany with three daughters and one son. We are passionate about books, making special memories, and telling people about Jesus. If you attend Frontline, I look forward to meeting you and hearing how God has been at work in your life.


    I'm reachable at: copiela@frontlinecommunity.org.

  • Office Staff:

    Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section.

  • Dondria Wallace

    Operations Manager

    I joined Frontline in 2015 and served as the Women's Ministry Director from July 2018-early 2025. Now, I'm thrilled to provide greater operational support overseeing our administrative team and organizational processes. I’m originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where I met my husband of 30 years, Lloyd Malone. We have four young adult children who keep us on our toes and on our knees! Our family is a “nerdy” bunch with a passion for all things related to science and technology. I’m a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of Texas A&M, where I majored in Engineering Technology. As a breast cancer survivor, I enjoy sharing my personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness throughout my ten-year journey. In my down time, I’m energized by DIY hobbies like 3-D printing and jewelry making. These creative outlets allow me to bless the people around me with the work of my hands.


    Contact me here: ops@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Jana Blount

    Administrative Assistant

    I am very excited to serve as Frontline’s Administrative Assistant. I am originally from Heilbronn, Germany. My husband David and I love studying the Word and worshiping together. We have two wonderful children on earth and twins in heaven. Being a trained journalist I enjoy writing, talking, and listening to people. I am currently working on a second Master’s degree in communications and public relations. In my free time I play volleyball and drums.


    You can get in touch with me at: admin@frontlinecommunity.org.

  • Vanessa Cruz

    Human Resources and Facilities Manager

    I am excited to be a part of the Frontline Admin team and specialist in human resources with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee wellbeing. With a background in Paralegal and administration, I am supporting the team with research, translation and German legal forms etc.. .I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy singing and soaking in worship, baking, cooking, exploring nature with my kids and our dog.


    If you need anything, reach out: HR@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Vanessa Williams

    Graphic Designer

    I'm Vanessa, originally from Northern California with my husband Jesse and two girls. We feel very blessed to currently have the experience of living here in Germany.  I have a passion for design and I am excited to serve through my creativity. In addition to graphic design I love photography and enjoy documenting all our family travels!


    I'm available by email: Graphics@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Jordon Bridgman

    Bookkeeper

    I am from Ohio and have lived in San Antonio, TX for the past five years. I served seven years in the Air Force, with my last duty station at Ramstein, where I met my wife, Chantal, and we have been together for seven years. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, spending time with my family, grilling, watching sports, and listening to podcasts. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. 

    Get in touch with me at:      jbridgman@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Life Groups & Bible Studies Staff:

    Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section.

  • Chris Arbona

    Associate Pastor/Elder

    I am honored to serve as an Associate Pastor at Frontline Community Church. Originally from New York City, I moved to Southern California at the age of 10. At 18, I joined the United States Air Force, gaining invaluable experiences that shaped my character and values. Now retired, I enjoy life as an empty-nester with my wife, Lourdes, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and volunteers alongside me in ministry. Together, we are deeply passionate about faith, family, and community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and am currently completing a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling. My journey in faith has been enriched by my experiences, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Lourdes and I enjoy laughing, traveling, and helping others in any way we can.


    Feel free to reach out: carbona@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Latrell Gordon
    Women's Ministry Director

    I joined Frontline in 2017, this ministry has been an immense help in my spiritual growth. It is a blessing to join a team that truly keeps God first and love the local community. It is an Honor to serve as Frontline Women’s Ministry Director with a community of women who want to connect with one another and grow in the grace and knowledge of God. I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, I come from a large family of good cooks.  I retired from the United States Air Force in 2016, in the great state of Texas. I graduated from Bellevue University in Nebraska with a bachelor's degree in Heathcare Management.  I am passionate about serving the Lord and studying the word of God.  I love people and I am a huge fan of traveling the world.

    You can email me at: women@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Sunday Worship Service Staff:

    Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section.

  • William Nockles

    Associate Pastor/Elder

    I moved to Germany with my wife Annie in 2018. We love our church community as well as our neighbors and this unique opportunity to live on mission and raise our 3 boys in a diverse multicultural environment. At Frontline I currently oversee our Worship team and online ministry (website & social media). I’m also grateful to be a part of our preaching team. Prior to joining Frontline’s pastoral staff, I served as worship leader of a church plant in Portland, OR (where I grew up). Though a difficult season, that time along with my training at Boise Bible College helped foster a love for God’s people and prepare me for pastoral ministry. Along with music I enjoy hiking, bicycling, playing board games, and sipping coffee over a conversation.


    Contact me at: wnockles@frontlinecommunity.org.

  • David Blount

    Worship Assistant

    Originally from the DMV area, David spent several years studying voice and music production at Berklee College of Music and then ventured into a 13 year career in the IT field. That career brought him to Germany in 2015. David found his church home with Frontline in 2017 and has felt blessed to use his voice to the glory of God through serving on the worship team ever since. Other than spending time with his favorite person, his wife Jana, and their beautiful kids, David enjoys watching biblical documentaries, reading, building Legos, and can always be found singing and/or listening to worship music.


    My email address is: worshipadmin@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Peter Mesaeel

    Audio Technician

    My family and I have been a part of Frontline for 12 years since we moved to Germany and we love serving the Lord, whenever and however we can. When I am not mixing sound at Frontline, you can find me recording and producing worship songs at my studio. I love playing any instrument but especially I am passionate on the drums. I am certified Audio engineer from Hofa College of Audio Engineering and Music production. Bedside my passion for music I also love to dive deep in the word of God, so I started seminary from Explore Nations Bible College.


    You can email me at: audio@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Youth & Kid's Ministry Staff:

    Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section.

  • Neil Malone

    Youth Director

    I have a passion for working with teens. I’m originally from Athens, Alabama, and I’ve been in Germany since 2019, but I moved to the KMC in June of 2022. I hold a bachelor’s degree in operations management from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and am now pursuing dual masters degrees in teaching and divinity. I believe my calling is to disciple teens, whether that’s through classroom instruction, coaching, or direct ministry. I’m married to Ashli since 2018 and have one child. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exercising.

    Get in touch with me at: 

  • Jessica González

    Children's Ministry Director

    I’m excited to be part of Frontline’s Kids Ministry since May 2021. I started working as the Nursery Coordinator and then transitioned to the director role in April 2023. I have been blessed to travel the world along side my husband and 3 wonderful children. I have experienced many cultures and met so many amazing people. No matter where I have lived, I love serving and growing in the Biblical knowledge. Spending time with my family, reading, traveling, gardening and quiet time with the Lord are my priority.


    Reach out to me at: kidsmindirector@frontlinecommunity.org


  • Stephanie Abel

    Frontline Kids Curriculum Coordinator

    I joined the Frontline team in January of 2020! Even though my family and I have lived overseas since 2011, Mississippi is home, and I miss it so much! My family is my rock, and I couldn’t survive without them. I’m married to my best friend, Tamas, and we have two wonderful children—a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2017. I have a huge heart and feel most fulfilled when I’m helping others.


    You can reach me here: curriculumcoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Julia Rolston

    Frontline School Age Coordinator

    I married my husband, Cody, in August 2018, had my daughter, Sophia, in May 2022, and moved to Germany in August 2022. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family, including my two dogs, exploring new places, watching sports, and being outside as much as possible. I have worked in kids ministry since I was a teenager and love to watch them grow in their love for Christ. 

  • David Martinez Jimenez

    Frontline School Age Coordinator

    My family and I have been part of the Frontline community since 2021. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, I’ve been involved in various roles within the children’s ministry teams since 2013. I truly enjoy sharing my experiences with God and adapting to new challenges. I’ve been happily married to Nichole since 2009, and we’re blessed with two wonderful kids. We cherish our family time together and love hosting Life Group, game nights, and go on outings.


    My email address is:  930amschoolagecoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Erin Coleman

    Frontline Nursery Coordinator

    Erin has a background in hospitality and culinary arts. She feels that sharing a meal with other Christians is a great way to build community and grow in the Lord. As a mother of two rambunctiously beautiful children, she loves being around kids of all ages and serving the Lord through them. Erin has been a volunteer for Children's Ministry since September 2023, and she is excited for the growth the Lord has planned for her personally, as well as His plan to use her to advance His kingdom as she steps into her role as a nursery coordinator. In her free time she loves trying out new recipes, hiking and being in God's creation, traveling, and exploring new places, as well as beating escape rooms with her wonderful husband. 

    You can get ahold of me here:     930amnurserycoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Hannah Sprague

    Frontline Nursery Coordinator

    Hello! I am pleased to serve frontline and the Ramstien community as the 11:30 service nursery coordinator.I am an east coast girl, born and raised in Rhode Island and now a Florida resident. I live here in Germany with my husband and two out of three of our children. Our oldest is back stateside attending college. While we’re here we are loving to travel and taking in all the sights. Only thing Germany is missing is the ocean!I’m truly grateful to be part of this ministry team and excited to see God work in the lives of our young children. 

    Here's my address:     1130amnurserycoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

Elders

Frontline is an “Elder-led” church. This means decisions are not passed down from a denominational hierarchy, nor are they voted upon by members of the congregation, rather governance and decision-making is carried out by a selected and approved team of men who:

  • Meet the biblical qualifications laid out in First Timothy chapter three and Titus chapter one
  • Have been an active participant at Frontline for at least one year. 
  • Have been selected, interviewed, and trained by the team of current elders and
  • Have been publicly presented and approved by the congregation.

All of our vocational “pastors” are voting elders. The term “pastor” is primarily used to designate our vocational overseers, whereas “elder” refers to our non-vocational (volunteer) overseers. Although roles vary, this leadership team ultimately oversees big picture matters: the church mission, bylaws, staffing, budget, and pastoral care for members. To contact our leadership team you can write to: elder@frontlinecommunity.org


  • Pete Morello

    Frontline Elder

    Pete Morello, one of Frontline’s elders, is originally from Worcester MA, and grew up in a Catholic home. In his mid 30’s he surrendered his life to Jesus. Shortly after, Pete met his wife Heidi in Boise ID, and they have been married over 24 years. They have one daughter, Sophia, who lives with them here in Germany attending Sickingen-Gymnasium in Landstuhl. Pete and his family have lived here for the past 17 years, of which the majority of that time was spent attending Frontline. They have all participated and served in some capacity supporting the church over the years. Pete retired from active duty in 2007 and then also retired from civil service in 2019, following 38+ years with the Air Force. Pete and Heidi lead one of Frontline’s Life Groups, and also participate in Officer’s Christian Fellowship (OCF) on Ramstein Air Base.

  • Corbin Gerald

    Frontline Elder

    Corbin started attending Frontline in Oct 2021. He is originally from Sacramento CA, where he grew up attending Murph Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal church. Service has always been a part of Corbin's life from an early age; he started service as a member of the choir and the YPD (Young People's Division). Corbin also served as an acolyte and as a member of the
    audio team. He joined the Air Force in 2001, which is where he met his beautiful wife, Frances; with whom they have two amazing daughters Ava and Leila. Corbin has served as a deacon as well as a minister during his time attending the Temple of Praise Ministries in San Antonio TX. There he served on the praise team as well as a Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader
    and Marriage Ministry leader. Corbin has a bachelor's in business administration and an Executive Master of Business Administration. He has worked for the Federal government since he was 19 years old and is currently the team lead for his section at the Baumholder Network Enterprise Center. Corbin is currently one of the leaders of the men's Tuesday night bible study and loves serving the body of Christ in any way he can. He enjoys traveling, singing, all things tech related and is a huge movie aficionado.

  • Dave Thompson

    Frontline Elder

    Dave Thompson grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri where he was first invited to an outreach event as a freshman in high school and after the faithful prayers of friends and three years of bible studies, surrendered his life to Jesus.Shortly thereafter, he moved away from home to join the Air Force, and four years later, he met his wife Julia in a singles bible study.  They were truly just friends for nearly three years, went on a date, and talked about getting married… then did a month later!17 years, 9 assignments, and 4 kids later, they are still becoming better friends and seeking ways to serve the body of Christ as the Lord leads.

  • Dave Miller

    Frontline Elder

    Dave Miller grew up in Indiana as a pastor’s kid living in various cities over his childhood. His father, Mark Miller, served as a pastor for the United Methodist Church for 36 years. In 1995 Dave joined the U.S. Army and is still serving today as a Warrant Officer here in Kaiserslautern. He entered the ministry supporting Military Chaplains in 2006 serving in various capacities in both peace time and war, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea. He married his wife Heather in 2009 who serves Frontline in various arts and decorations capacities, and they have two boys.  He has served as a Deacon and Elder in previous Baptist and Non-Denominational Churches since 2011. He started attending Frontline with his family in 2023 and has served as an Audio Technician, Life Group Leader and now as an Elder since the summer of 2024. He has a passion for small group studies, praise and worship support, and advising Pastor’s and leadership teams. He enjoys online gaming, traveling, boating, and computer system design and networking. He believes that we can use every gift and talent to serve God to bring to light the Gospel of Jesus Christ.