Lead Pastor
Ryan & Melanie Neer
Meet Lead Pastor Ryan Neer and his wife, Melanie Neer, a dynamic duo and unending source of inspiration and encouragement. Their journey began within the church and has flourished into a beautiful family of five. After a decade of evangelizing across the country, God called them to Pastor in Colorado. As our Lead Pastor, they have ignited transformation and innovation. Sister Neer also serves as Music Director. Together, they cultivate an atmosphere of growth and unity within our church family.
Care Pastor
Afton Bradley
Pastor Afton Bradley was licensed as a local minister in June 2000 and he and his wife are the compassionate pillars of our church community. Elected Colorado District Sunday School Director in 2010, he has shown steadfast commitment to guiding and supporting others. Since mid-2024, he has served as Care Pastor, nurturing the well-being of members, offering support, and creating a welcoming space that reflects their lifelong dedication to faithful service.
Creative Pastor
Kevin & Jesalyn Castro
Pastor Kevin Castro was licensed in ministry at just 17 years old and has been committed to serving the Kingdom of God from an early age. Sister Jesalyn Castro has been involved in music ministry since she was young. Together, they have faithfully served as youth pastors and in various ministry roles wherever needed, sharing a deep passion for loving God, serving His people, and building His Church. They began serving in their current role in April 2025 and, outside of ministry, enjoy spending time outdoors-especially hiking, camping, and exploring together whenever they can.
Connections Pastor
Nic & Danicia Bates
Pastor Nic and Sister Danicia Bates established Purpose Youth in 2021 and have since transitioned to Connections Ministry in 2025. They enjoy teaching and helping others grow in their faith. Nic received his local ministry license in 2024 and serves as the Section Four Children's Ministry Director. Danicia is currently pursuing her counseling and ministry licenses. They recently welcomed their first child.
Student Pastor
Joshua & Kyla Aguirre
Pastor Joshua and Sister Kyla Aguirre have been married since December 2016 and are the proud parents of four children. They are grateful to call Colorado home and share a passion for ministry and helping others discover their God-given gifts. Pastor Joshua is a licensed minister with an associate degree from Texas Bible College. They began serving as Connections Pastor in June 2023 and transitioned to Student Pastor in December 2025, with a heart to show others that serving the Lord is both meaningful and joyful.
Administrative Assistant
Winnie Stepisnik
Winnie Stepisnik serves as Gateway Pentecostal's Administrative Assistant. A lifelong member of the church, Winnie spent two years at Indiana Bible College, where she continued to grow in her faith and ministry experience. In 2021, she established Upper Room Kids. Since stepping into her administrative role in 2024, she has faithfully served by connecting the church with the community, assisting with events, and helping ensure operations run smoothly with care and dedication. Winnie is also currently leading Merge, a ministry group dedicated to seeing young adults living empowered by the Holy Ghost.
Children's Ministry Leaders
Patrick & Bianca Redifer
Patrick and Bianca Redifer began leading Upper Room Kids in June 2025. They moved to Colorado Springs from San Jose, California six years ago and are blessed with two wonderful children. Upper Room Kids exists to create disciples of all children by providing an environment where they can worship, learn, serve, and grow together. Through biblical instruction and modeling a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and others, their ministry is committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of every child.
Ladies Ministry Director
Mary Frazer
Mary Frazer has been serving as Ladies Ministry Leader since January 2025 and is currently pursuing her ministry license. A first-generation Apostolic who has been part of the church since 2001, she has a deep passion for worship, discipleship, and encouraging spiritual growth. She serves as a praise singer and has taught preteen classes. She faithfully invests in women and the church through her commitment to ministry and prayer.
Men's Ministry Director
Roy Carbajal
Serving as Men's Director since 2022, Roy Carbajal is currently pursuing his minister's license and has had the opportunity to baptize, teach, lead a small group, and serve as a musician. Married for 45 years-united by the church's founding Pastor-he brings a wealth of life experience and a dedication to mentoring men in their spiritual growth.
Recovery Ministry Leaders
Naji & Candyce Foster
Naji and Candyce Foster lead a Christ-centered Celebrate Recovery ministry that provides a safe, grace-filled environment for healing from life's hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Having walked the road of recovery themselves, they have seen God transform their marriage and lives. Naji is also currently pursuing his ministry license. Married for ten years and blessed with two children, they launched Gateway to Recovery in January 2026, with a heart to help others find hope, healing, and lasting change in Christ.