Bringing New Life To The Family
Lead Pastor
Jimmy Patillo
Pastor Jimmy Patillo has faithfully served at New Life Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, for 24 years, including the past six years as Lead Pastor. With a distinguished background in ministry, leadership, and business, he brings a rare blend of spiritual insight, strategic vision, and organizational excellence to every area of his leadership.
The son of a pastor and denominational leader, Pastor Jimmy was raised with a deep reverence for the local church and a lifelong commitment to servant leadership. Throughout his ministry, he has dedicated himself to mentoring pastors, church leaders, and business executives, empowering others through intentional leadership development and Christ-centered mentorship. His ministry philosophy is anchored in the belief that leadership is best expressed through humility, service, and collaboration.
Pastor Jimmy has served in numerous ministerial and denominational leadership roles throughout his career. He currently serves as the Global Men’s Ministry Director for the Pentecostal Church of God, where he provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for men’s ministries worldwide. In addition, he has held multiple local, state, and regional leadership positions within his denomination, consistently demonstrating excellence in administration and pastoral care.
In 2024, Pastor Jimmy founded The Equipping Church Network, a ministry alliance dedicated to advancing the Kingdom of God through Spirit-empowered mentorship, ministerial development, and Kingdom mobilization at the local, national, and global levels.
Academically, Pastor Jimmy holds a Master’s Degree in Theology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Biblical Studies. His professional background also includes extensive experience in the business sector. He earned an OMMBA from the University at Buffalo, a GRI (Graduate of the Realtor Institute) designation in real estate, and has completed twenty-four professional certifications in business, management, accounting, and computer applications. A graduate of Moore Norman Technology Center’s Accounting Program in the Oklahoma City metro area, Pastor Jimmy finished first in his class and later returned as an adjunct instructor, teaching Microsoft Excel to business professionals.
Pastor Jimmy and his wife, Pastor Melissa Patillo, have been happily married for 33 years. Together, they lead New Life Church with integrity, vision, and compassion—equipping others to grow in faith, leadership, and purpose, and inspiring the next generation to pursue their God-given calling with excellence.
Pastors Emeritus
Bishop Gene & First Lady Phyllis Roberts
Bishop Gene Roberts faithfully served as Pastor of New Life Church for 46 years, leaving behind a powerful legacy of faith, leadership, and love for people. Deeply respected by all who know him, Bishop Roberts has been a spiritual father, mentor, and steadfast leader within both the local church and the Pentecostal Church of God fellowship.
Born on July 19, 1939, Bishop Roberts dedicated his life to Christ at an early age, receiving salvation on March 14, 1951, and being filled with the Holy Spirit on October 8, 1957. A 1958 graduate of Russell High School in Russell, Kentucky, he went on to pursue his ministerial training at Pentecostal Bible College in Gilroy, California, and Southern Bible College in Houston, Texas, where he served as President of the Graduating Class of 1961 and earned a three-year ministry certificate.
Bishop Roberts received his Exhorter’s License with the Pentecostal Church of God in 1959, his Ministerial License in 1961, and was ordained in 1962. His early ministry included evangelistic work across Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, and Oklahoma, where he preached numerous revivals and youth gatherings.
A visionary leader, Bishop Roberts played an instrumental role in developing youth ministry in Kentucky, serving as President of the Kentucky District’s Pentecostal Young People’s Association (PYPA) for multiple terms (1962–1969, 1972) and organizing the first youth camps for the Pentecostal Church of God in Kentucky in 1963.
Over the years, he pastored several churches across Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Arkansas before being elected Pastor of The First Pentecostal Church of Godin Frankfort, Kentucky, on June 10, 1973—the church now known as New Life Church. Under his leadership, the congregation flourished spiritually and numerically, culminating in the construction of a new facility at 770 Ridgeview Drive in 1984.
Bishop Roberts has also served the Pentecostal Church of God in a wide range of leadership roles for more than four decades, including District Bishop (two terms), District Secretary and Treasurer (two terms), and District Youth President (two terms). He served faithfully on the Board of Regents for Messenger Bible College in Joplin, Missouri, and in 2003 was honored as a Lifetime Honorary Member of both the Kentucky District Board and the General Board of the Pentecostal Church of God.
In recognition of his decades of ministry, Bishop Roberts received his 50-Year Ordination Pin in 2013. Continuing his pursuit of lifelong learning, he earned both his Bachelor’s (2015) and Master’s (2016) Degrees in Theology.
Bishop Gene and First Lady Phyllis Roberts were married on June 25, 1969, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Throughout their years of ministry, they have served side by side with grace, humility, and unwavering dedication to God’s call. Together, they have touched countless lives, faithfully shepherding generations of believers and leaving an enduring spiritual legacy for New Life Church and beyond.
Co-Pastor & Worship Pastor
Melissa Patillo
Pastor Melissa Patillo serves as Co-Pastor of New Life Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, and as Vice President of the Patillo Leadership Group. A gifted communicator and worship leader, Pastor Melissa is known for her passion for God’s presence, her commitment to excellence, and her heart to equip others for Kingdom service.
Her ministry extends across the United States, where she frequently ministers at revivals, camp meetings, and conferences, inspiring congregations with her dynamic preaching and Spirit-led leadership. Pastor Melissa has also served in several leadership capacities, including as State Director for Kentucky within an international ministerial fellowship.
In addition to her pastoral and ministerial work, Pastor Melissa is a successful entrepreneur and the owner of Serenity Salon of Frankfort, LLC, where she demonstrates her strong leadership and business acumen.
An accomplished musician and vocalist, Pastor Melissa has led worship in both national and international settings, including state and global denominational gatherings. She recently served on the writing and editorial team for the Pentecostal Church of God’s Global Empowered Women’s Ministries annual devotional series—resources that are being translated into multiple languages and impacting women around the world.
Pastor Melissa graduated with high distinction from Trinity College and Seminary, and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Biblical Theology.
She and her husband, Pastor Jimmy Patillo, have been happily married for 33 years. Together, they are devoted to leading New Life Church with vision, compassion, and a shared desire to help others grow in faith, leadership, and purpose.
Executive Assistant for Business & Administration
Sandy Harp
Sandy has been a member of New Life Church since 1989 when she moved to Frankfort after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with honors and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Computer Information Systems. She retired in 2022 after 33 years at the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She served as the Executive Director of the Office of Technology Services for the Education & Workforce Development Cabinet, where she oversaw multimillion dollar systems and projects as well as managed teams of staff in day-to-day operations of services provided throughout the Commonwealth to the citizens. Currently, Sandy works part-time as a substitute teacher for the Franklin County School District, focusing on elementary age children.
In addition to serving as the Executive Administrative Assistant at NLC for 35 years, Sandy serves as the Media Coordinator, overseeing media in services, live streaming and Zoom meetings. She has fulfilled this position for 9 years. She taught Sunday School for 28 years and continues to fill in when teaching needs arise. She is the mother of two sons, Patrick, who resides in Georgetown, Ky with his wife Lexie, and Logan, who resides in Berea, Ky and is a drummer at New Life Church. She is anxiously awaiting the birth of her first grandchild, Layton, in December 2025.
Teens United Pastors
Dustin & Danielle Otto
Pastors Dustin and Danielle have been youth pastors at New Life Church since June 2016. Having both experienced the brokenness of the world and the restoration only God can bring, they have a call of God to reach the brokenhearted and give them hope. They have three beautiful children; two boys, Abram and Sawyer, and a daughter, Isabella.
Pastor Dustin graduated from Russell High School in 2000. At the age of 18, he had the distinct honor to be awarded the Eagle Scout designation. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Only four percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank after a lengthy review process. As a teenager, Dustin received the call to the ministry at a youth camp held by Jimmy and Melissa Patillo. In 2006, he became the youth pastor at Flatwoods Pentecostal Church of God and served in that capacity for ten years. During this time, he had a dynamic youth ministry and reached many teens for the Lord. Dustin is also a musician and has played on worship teams since the age of twelve. He has a heart for worship and helping usher in the presence of God. He believes in a relational youth ministry and building as many relationships as possible within the Body of Christ. He has a passion to raise godly men and women while training them to be leaders in the church, even in their youth.
Pastor Danielle graduated from Cornerstone Christian Academy in 2002. Afterward, she graduated in 2003 from cosmetology school to pursue a career as a beautician. Knowing as a teenager that she was called into the ministry, she attended Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated with a degree in Pastoral Care in 2005. She has served in some capacity of ministry for over fifteen years. From 2007-2011 she served as Co-Youth Pastor at New Life Church. During this time she also served as one of the twelve GAB (Girlfriend’s Advisory Board) members for Girlfriend’s Unlimited, and sang on the worship team. In 2011, she accepted a staff position at First Assembly of God in Frankfort and served on the worship team and was over the prayer/altar ministry team where she led prayer for special meetings and coordinated the altar ministry. She also sat on the board of the Assemblies of God Women’s Ministry for the state of Kentucky. She has traveled many places for ministry, including Brussels, Belgium, and was involved with the sex slavery ministry Breaking Chains. She has a heart to speak to people of all ages. She wants to impart hope to the hopeless and brokenhearted and see them rise out of the ashes and walk in freedom. She desires for people to know their purpose and destiny, who they are in Christ, and how to praise their way out of the pit.
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Children's Pastor
Ashley Sharp
Ashley Sharp serves as the Ministry Director for Kids United, the vibrant children’s ministry of New Life Church in Frankfort, Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for ministering to children, Ashley began serving in children’s ministry at just 13 years old and has continued to dedicate her life to helping the next generation grow in their faith and relationship with God.
In addition to leading Kids United, Ashley also serves as Coordinator for the Ruach Dance and Drama Team, where she combines creativity and ministry through the performing arts. Her choreography has received multiple state-level awards, reflecting both her excellence and her heart for worship expression through dance.
Ashley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and is a licensed ministerthrough the Equipping Church Network. Alongside her ministry work, she is a licensed cosmetologist and successful entrepreneur, operating her own business in the beauty industry.
A passionate leader and mentor, Ashley’s heart is to equip and empower children for ministry. She uses her weekly gatherings to train young believers in worship, service, and spiritual growth—teaching them how to experience and host the presence of God in their lives. Her vision is to see an army of children rise up to passionately pursue God with all their hearts, setting a firm spiritual foundation that will guide them for a lifetime.
Outside of ministry, Ashley enjoys interpretive dance, vacationing, and shopping. She proudly calls Frankfort, Kentucky, her home.