Leadership Team
Nick Westfall
Lead Minister
I was born and raised in Marysville, OH. My desire to know more about God and His Word drove me to obtain my Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies at Cincinnati Christian University in 2010. My hunger to learn more took me all the way through my Master’s of Divinity in Theological Studies from Cincinnati Bible Seminary in 2013. It was during those college years that God confirmed my desire and role to be a Minister of His Word making things official with my ordination in 2014. It was also during those college years when I met one of God’s best gifts He’s ever given to me – my beautiful bride, Hannah. We married in 2012 and since then God has blessed us immensely with our 4 children (Addie, Molly, Jude and 1 on the way). Over the course of 11 years I’ve served in churches as a Youth Minister and Associate Minister working with kids, teens and adults of all ages. In August of 2024 my family and I followed God’s leading where I gratefully accepted the role as Lead Minister at Northampton Christian Church.
During football and basketball season you’ll find me rooting on my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes (don’t worry, team Jesus is still most important!) I love competition and followed that love by playing several sports from a young age through college. I still enjoy them today while finding new ones to conquer (like disc golf). Hannah and I love to travel, explore new places, seek out new adventures, and taste all kinds of new and interesting foods. Our pride, joy, and main reason for exhaustion all come from our wonderful kiddos. We love being parents, being married (most of the time) and we love teaching and discipling people for Jesus. One of my greatest joys in life is to talk with people about the things that matter most – life, eternity, Jesus and His Word. And I find it a great joy and honor to teach and preach the Truth – the way things really are, as we seek to live for Jesus and His Kingdom. As His servant, I look forward to all that Jesus is doing and will do here at Northampton as we build on a solid foundation with a loving church family. I invite you to come worship with us!
Feel free to email me at nick@northamptonfamily.com
Jim Caldwell
Elder
Jim Caldwell and his wife, Sharon have been members of Northampton Christian Church and serving since 1992.
They visited Northampton and became members because of the sound Biblical doctrine and the love shown by the church family for people and their love of missions.
They have 7 children and many grandchildren. Their hobbies include going to the gym and watching sports.
Chris Hosman
Elder
Chris Hosman has been with Northampton since the summer of 1995. Chris is married to Dana, and they have seven adult children and fourteen grandchildren, most of which live in the local area. They came to the area from Iceland where Chris was serving with the US Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 2001 but continues to work for them as a civilian. Chris leads our tech team to make sure worship services have the technology resources needed, but he also helps with technology in all other areas of the church. Chris has been an elder for over ten years and was a deacon prior to assuming that role.
Charles Thompson
Elder
Charles started attending Northampton 1978. Charles has served as an Elder for over 20 years. Charles and his wife Roni have been married 54 years and have two sons and two grandchildren. Charles is retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He enjoys gardening, woodworking and helping others.
Jim Thornton
Elder
Jim Thornton was baptized at Northampton in 1997. He has been a member with his wife, Donna, ever since. He has a daughter, Ragan, and two beautiful granddaughters, Tatum and Henley. He enjoys landscaping, digging and filling holes with his John Deere tractor, and fixing things that are broken. He loves the Lord, and works hard at being a nice guy.
Tracy Merritt
Worship Leader and Ministry Coordinator
I’m grateful to serve as the Worship Leader and Ministry Coordinator here at Northampton Christian Church. I’ve had a long history with this church family, and it feels like I’ve come home. I love this community — the friendships, the worship, the laughter, and the way God is at work. It’s a joy to serve with people who love Jesus and love each other.
I was raised in Michigan, which means I’m genetically wired to enjoy snow! Besides music and ministry, I love teaching and studying the Bible with others, and I’m always learning something new myself.
Relationships are important to me, so if you ever need a conversation, I’m usually quick to say yes to coffee, breakfast, or lunch. I enjoy getting to know people and hearing their stories — especially if there’s good coffee or good food involved! I’m also a big reader, so there’s usually a stack of books somewhere nearby.
God has blessed with two adult children and three grandchildren (and one on the way!), who keep life sweet and full of laughter.
I’m excited about what God has in store for Northampton Christian Church — the future looks bright, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey as we love God and love people, growing as disciples who make disciples for the glory of God!
Ross Gambill
Deacon
Ross lives in Newport News with his wife Debbie. They have been married 41 years. Ross retired from HII-Newport News Shipbuilding in 2023 after serving there 41-1/2 years. He has been a member of Northampton since 2018. He serves as the lead for the missions team as well as being a member of the tech team. He is also responsible for the church’s web page.
Richard Nelson
Deacon