MEET THE STAFF

  • Office Staff:

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  • Chris Opiela

    Lead Pastor/Elder

    Chris started at Frontline in July 2017. He and his wife Kelly met in grade school in Pennsylvania. They served together as missionaries for three years in East Asia prior to coming to Germany. Chris has a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. They love books, making memories through travel, and talking about Jesus with people who’ve never heard of Him. They have three daughters and one son.


    Get in touch with Chris at copiela@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. and love studying. I am currently working on a second Master’s degree in communications and public relations. In my free time I play volleyball and drums.


    Get in touch with Jana 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.


    Get in touch with Vanessa at 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!


    Get in touch with Vanessa at 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:

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  • Chris Arbona

    Associate Pastor/Elder

    Chris feels honored to serve as the Ministry Pastor. He is originally from NYC, but moved to Southern California by age 10. He joined the United States Air Force at age 18, and is now retired and an empty-nester with his wife Lourdes. They love God, family, and community. Their youngest is currently in college with the oldest two starting their families. The Arbona’s will be welcoming their first grandchild summer 2022! Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling. He joined Frontline in 2018 and has been an Elder since 2021. Overall, he and his wife enjoy laughing, traveling, and helping others.


    Get in touch with Chris at carbona@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Dondria Wallace

    Women's Ministry Director

    Although I joined Frontline in 2015, it’s been my great privilege to serve as Frontline’s Women’s Ministry Director since June 2018. 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.


    Get in touch with Dondria at women@frontlinecommunity.org.

  • Sunday Worship Service Staff:

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  • William Nockles

    Associate Pastor/Elder

    Will came to Frontline in May of 2018 after serving at a church plant in his home-town of Portland, Oregon for five years. He and his wife Annie met as high schoolers on a mission trip to Haiti. They love hiking, traveling, hosting people, and singing with their three little boys. Though Will's time in ministry has been primarily as a worship leader, he majored in preaching at Boise Bible College. He loves communicating whether that be in writing, from the stage, or his favorite, one-on-one conversations over coffee.


    Get in touch with Will 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.


    Get in touch with David at worshipadmin@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Peter Mesaeel

    Audio Technician

    Peter and his family have been a part of Frontline for 7 years. They moved to Germany from Egypt, and they love serving the Lord, whenever and however they can. When he’s not mixing sound at the church, or helping his dad in their tech shop, you can find him recording worship songs at his small home studio. He loves playing any instrument but is especially passionate on the drums. He has been studying music production courses online from Berklee College of Music. Peter’s dream is to become a music producer. 


    Get in touch with Peter at audio@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Youth & Kid's Ministry Staff:

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  • 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 Neil 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.


    Get in touch with Jessica at kidsmindirector@frontlinecommunity.org


  • Stephanie Abel

    Frontline Kids Curriculum Coordinator

    It is with great excitement that Stephanie joins the Frontline team. Although Stephanie and her family have lived overseas since 2011, Stephanie calls Mississippi home and misses home so much! Stephanie's family is her rock, and she couldn't survive without them. Stephanie is married to her best friend, Tamas, and they have two children, a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2017. Stephanie says she has a huge heart and is most happy when she is helping others. 


    Get in touch with Stephanie at sabel@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.


    Get in touch with David at  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. 

     930amnurserycoordinator@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


  • Claude Armstrong

    Frontline Elder

    Claude started at Frontline in Sep 2020 with his wife Denise. Originally from Dover DE and Kingston Jamaica, they met on a divine appointment in Newark NJ and after many letters and phone calls they were married in 1991. They have served together as deacons, small group leaders, discussion facilitators and lead Bible Study with Claude serving as an Elder in a previous Church plant. Claude has a Bachelors of Architecture from Hampton University and Masters of Urban & Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. He’s worked at three Army Garrisons since 1989 and is currently a Facilities Planner for the Army Garrison at Rheinland-Pfalz. They are empty-nesters with three children, a daughter and two sons, spread along the east coast from Connecticut to Virginia to Florida. They love the Body of Christ and service to His church and enjoy reading, walks together, writing, and board games.

  • 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.