Assistant Pastor and New Life Director: Rendell L. Smith and wife Christine

Rendell L. Smith, Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He joined the Air Force in 1977 and met Christine in England who also was in the Air Force at the time. They were married July 15, 1981. He was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery in 1994 and shortly thereafter was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost after Pastor Mitchell taught him a Bible study. After serving over 25 years in the Air Force, he retired in 2002.

God called Bro. Smith to the ministry and he received his ministerial license in 2005. He received a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management in 1997 and completed his Masters degree in Elementary Education in 2004.

Sunday School Superintendent: Mark Ewell and wife Sabrina

Mark Ewell was born and grew up in Lake Charles, LA. After moving to Montgomery, AL at the age of twelve he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on his mother’s knee in their living room. Having felt a call to the ministry he attended Jackson College of Ministry where he studied Theology and Christian Education.

After taking the position of youth pastor at New Testament Christian Center he met his wife Sabrina, who was studying Biology and Hebrew at Faulkner University in Montgomery. They were married on March 10, 2003. In 2006 the Ewell’s welcomed their first child Abigail into the world.

After many years of working with and designing air conditioning systems he decided to start his own business and in 2007 1st Class Comfort Heating and Air was created. Bro. Ewell holds 15 different HVAC certifications in the state of Alabama and is a certified Master Comfort Specialist. Bro. Ewell has served as the Sunday School Superintendent for the last year, as well as the head of the NTCC puppet team, and a service leader.

Church Administrator: Steven M. Bender and wife Sharla

Steven M. Bender was born and raised in Farmington, MI. Following his love of theatre he enrolled at the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN where he received a bachelor’s degree in theatre design and technology in 2004. While vacationing in Memphis, TN he received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Grey Road Church of the Lord Jesus Christ pastored by Bro. Don Johnson. A few months later he was baptized at Life Apostolic Tabernacle church in Evansville. After graduation, Bro. Bender followed God’s command and enrolled at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for graduate school. He graduated from UA with a Master’s degree in Theatre Design and Technology in 2007. While he was still in school he met his wife, Sharla. They were married on July 14, 2007. He is currently serving as the church’s administrator as well as the head of the sound department.

Sharla A. Bender was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. Being raised in the church gave her a lot of exposure to music. Since the age of eight she has had an interest in church choral and solo music. That love has translated into a Bachelor’s degree in music from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, a Master’s degree in Piano performance from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and she is currently working on her Doctorate in Piano Performance. In addition, she has performed as a violinist with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra as well as wedding and other special events. In 2001 she opened Sharla Bender (formerly Mitchell) Studios at New Testament Christian Center. The studio teaches voice, violin, and piano to a range of students from 3 years old to adult. Her studio has since moved to her home. She currently serves as the assistant music director, youth band and choir leader, hostess, and mime team member.