Philip Coleman
Lead Pastor
Philip was born and raised in Texas. At seven years old, he confessed Jesus as his savior and believed that Jesus saved him from his sin. Like many children raised in Christian homes, Philip was very involved in church activities through his elementary, middle, and high school years. Although his knowledge and understanding of the ways and stories of God grew, it wasn’t until college that his faith came alive.
After a personal encounter with Jesus in his freshman year of college, God began to draw Philip into a life lived wholly for Jesus’ name. Opportunities to lead small groups turned into large scale speaking and leadership. As God continued to grow Philip, he also required Philip to lay down more of his own goals and hopes in exchange for the better plans of Jesus.
Philip and his wife Andi spent a few years teaching children, high school students, and college students in Texas before God led them to Kentucky in order to pursue further training in church leadership.
Four years later, God moved Philip and Andi to Anchorage to lead True North Church. As Lead Pastor of True North, Philip is responsible to share leadership and oversight with the other Elders, and to instruct and give vision to the church by teaching and preaching the Scriptures.
As True North Church embraces the members of Muldoon Road Baptist Church in 2022, Philip is eager to build new relationships in East Anchorage so that Jesus’ name would be magnified in our community.
Jesus promised to build His church until His return and Philip’s greatest joy is getting to be a part of that at True North.
Ian Johannes
Elder
Ian is a life long Alaskan who was born and raised in Wasilla. Although he grew up in church, Ian became serious about his relationship with Jesus in 2010 when he was 22 years old, and followed in obedience by being baptized alongside his soon to be wife Aja. Ian and Aja have been part of True North Church since the church first began meeting in 2010. They have since grown to lead a Life Group in their home and serve in church leadership.
Ian’s relationship with the Lord is best described by Jesus’ words in Mathew 9:12 "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Ian is passionate about living out the gospel with other sinners in community.
Currently Ian and Aja have 4 children: Alton, Ivy, Sloane, and Amel. Ian works as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, and when he is not working you can often find him hiking, biking, hunting, and enjoying other outdoor activities.
Mike Ottenweller
Elder
Mike was born and raised in West Michigan. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior during High School. After college, Mike joined the Air Force as a Meteorologist. He moved to Alaska in 2004 to serve at JBER as his first duty station. He married his wife Karen in 2007 and after a few other assignments, they felt God calling them back to Alaska in 2013. Mike and Karen have 3 sons: Jack, Noah, and Grant.
Mike’s faith is rooted in how unbelievable God’s grace is and how much He loves us that He would send His only son to die for us. Paul’s words resonate deeply within his heart:
“For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Mike is passionate about creating deep relationships centered on Christ and for His glory.
Mike and Karen joined True North Church in 2014 and fell in love with the authentic community. They appreciate how the church has always honored that it truly is “All About Jesus.” They love the people of True North and have been amazed at the work that God has done with the church over the years. They are excited and humbled to serve the congregation and see what God is going to do next.
Michael Schmidt
Executive Pastor
Michael was born in Georgia. His father was in the Army, so Michael spent his early years traveling around the world. At twelve years old, Michael confessed Jesus as his Lord and personal savior. He went to the University of Missouri, Rolla, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Michael started his federal career at Ft. Lewis, Washington. In 1983, Michael was baptized and started deepening his love relationship with Christ. He was married to his wife Brenda in 1985 and began serving at the first of many local churches. Michael was ordained as a deacon in 1990 and was ordained as an elder in 1996. He has been a deacon in five different churches, and an elder in two. He has started and led small group programs and prayer ministries and has a passion for discipleship.
Michael and Brenda moved to Alaska in 2003 with their four children. Michael works as the Deputy Base Civil Engineer on JBER. They enjoy spending time with their adult children and grandchildren. They started attending True North in January of 2021. Michael currently serves as the Life Group Coordinator and shares his passion to help True North deepen its ministry to the community.
Michael will assist the Elder team to meet the vision of helping the congregation: Belonging to Jesus, Beholding Jesus, and Becoming like Jesus. His passion for discipleship will help the members stay connected to Jesus so that they can abide in and grow to become more like Jesus. Michael will help strengthen and multiply Life Groups, ensure prayer is at the core of everything we do, and constantly emphasize that we are outwardly focused to lead the lost world to Christ.
Russ Mabry
Elder
Russel accepted Christ in his 5th grade Sunday school class at Temple Baptist Church in La Habra, California. Later, Russ was baptised at First Baptist Church in La Habra. He married Karen Lynn Kleckner in February of 1962 in San Diego and they have been together for over 60 years. Russ and Karen have two children: John and Tiffany. John and his wife Lisa reside in New York. Tiffany resides in Florida with Russ and Karen's four grandsons.
Russ and Karen began married life in La Habra, California and from there Russ' employer moved them to East St. Louis, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California and Anchorage, Alaska, where they retired in 1995.
Russ and Karen began attending Muldoon Road Baptist Church in 1989 where Russ was ordained as a deacon in 1991. He and Karen have faithfully served MRBC since that time. In addition to Russ and Karen's service to the local church, Russ was a key leader in the merger between MRBC and TNC in 2021.
Jim was born and raised in Southern California. He accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was seven years old while attending Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Yucaipa, CA and was later baptized at the same church.
Jim lived in Chicago for eight years while attending dental school and residency and he met his wife Ros at the Christian Medical and Dental Society meeting at Northwestern University.
Jim and Ros joined the public health service and, after graduation, worked for three years on a Navajo reservation. in 1988, they moved to Alaska and have worked at the Native Medical Center since then. Ros and Jim have taught 5-8th grade Sunday School, hosted high school and young adult groups, provided premarital counseling, and been on multiple medical/ dental mission trips.
Jim has served both as a deacon and on the missions committee at a previous church. Jim is passionate about children and introducing them to Jesus. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven" and "whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "
Jim and Ros were attracted to True North for many reasons: biblical teaching, opportunities to serve, and a community of believers that they have rapidly come to know and love.