Below is a list of our church leadership and staff, including the elders who establish church policy and govern the church, and the deacons who minister to the congregation. Feel free to contact any of the people below for more information on Northern Lakes Community Church.
Our Pastor
Rev. Robert Miller grew up in Traverse City and returned home in 2025 after nineteen years of ministry on the East Coast, most recently twelve years at Old Paramus Reformed Church in Ridgewood, NJ. He currently serves as a full-time chaplain at Munson Medical Center here in Traverse City.
Ordained in the Reformed Church in America for twenty-seven years, Rob holds degrees from Hope College and Western Theological Seminary. His ministry has also included a return trip to Traverse City early in his career, serving as Associate Pastor at Community of Joy, along with pastoral roles in New York and California. Before being installed as NLCC’s pastor, he served as guest pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs in the fall of 2025.
Rob and his wife, Danielle, are glad to be back home in Traverse City. Welcome, Pastor Rob!
Our Elders
- Joe Schmidt, Property – joe.schmidt@cbgreatlakes.com, Class of 2028 second term
- Jeff Burton, Building and Grounds – Class of 2028
- Diane Tatar, Clerk of Session – Class of 2028
- Pat Thompson, Administration, Communications & IT – patriciathompson0808@gmail.com, Class of 2028 second term
- Penny Schmidt, Personnel – schmidt.penny.mi@gmail.com, Class of 2028
- Ron Tennant, Preschool furnace and Mission Coordination – Class of 2028
- Rev. Robert Miller, Moderator
Our Deacons
- Kathy Gauthier – dkgauthier@yahoo.com, Class of 2028 second term
- Chris Bush – cbush330@gmail.com, Class of 2027
- Amy Elliott – amysue432@yahoo.com, Class of 2028 second term
- Brenda Lewis – bsla4ma@gmail.com, Class of 2028 second term
- Rachel Justin – racheljus23@gmail.com, Class of 2027
- Melynn Jenner – Liaison from Session for Congregational Care, Class of 2028