Rev. Mat Shea has been married to his wife Dawn since 1992.   They have four children: Jared, Allison, Tyler, and Elizabeth.  Mat has been in full time ministry since 1993.   His years of ministry have been as a Youth Pastor at three different churches (Caro Church of the Nazarene, East Flint Church of the Nazarene, Midland Community Church of the Nazarene.   God began calling Mat to a new ministry in the summer of 2001.   Following the Lord's leading, and looking for confirmation, he and his wife attended an Assessment Center in Albuquerque New Mexico, in November 2002; and shortly after received approval to proceed with planting a church in Freeland.

Chuck Jacobson - Associate Pastor

Chuck and Phyllis were married in 1981, during their senior year at Spring Arbor College.  Chuck enjoyed a successful 19 year career in leadership with Meijer, Inc.  Chuck was the Store Director of the Gratiot Rd. / Saginaw MI. store from 1990 – 2000.  He sensed God calling him to commit his life to serving God’s kingdom during the funeral of Rev. Marselle Moore – a childhood through college friend and team mate.  Chuck immediately obeyed God’s call on his life – leaving Meijer and starting his ministerial studies.  Prior to his partnership with Mat to start New Heart, Chuck was the Young Adult Pastor at Midland Community Church of the Nazarene.

Phyllis has been teaching in the Bullock Creek School District of Midland since 1998.  She taught Kindergarten for most of that time, and has recently chosen to teach Second Grade (2008-09).

Chuck and Phyl have three adult children.  Their son, Erik met Lindsey as they were both attending Spring Arbor University. They were married on 06-21-2008.  They reside in Jackson, MI where Erik teaches chemistry, science and math at Vandercook Lake High School.  Lindsey is an Exercise Specialist at Eaton Rapids Medical Center.  Chuck & Phyl’s son, Danny, is completing his degree work in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI.   Their daughter, Amy, is pursuing her college education at Ferris State University and is preparing for a career in the field of dentistry.

Chuck is an avid Detroit Redwings and Tigers fan.  He also enjoys a variety of outdoor activities: including camping, fishing and waterfowl hunting.  His most recent venture is pursuing a long time ambition to become a breeder and trainer of Labrador Retrievers.  His female black lab, “Amazing Gracie’s Heart Tugger” (AKC & UKC), whelped her first litter of 7 puppies in August of 2008.