New Life pastor

New Life Church is led by Pastor Dave Gritters and his wife Cindy.  Dave and Cindy have been part of New Life for many years in coming into the Newton Correctional Facility to bring music to the worship services and Dave has also served as an elder on the New Life Council. Since Rick and Rose Admiraal left Pella in December of 2023, Dave and Cindy have taken on the leadership roll as Dave took charge of weekly worship and Cindy, who often accompanies Dave, has taken on the administrative work.

Dave and Cindy are lifelong residents of Pella, IA and lifelong members of the Christian Reformed Church of which New Life is an organized congregation. Dave and Cindy hold their “outside membership” at Calvary CRC of Pella, where Cindy is also on staff as Worship Coordinator.

Dave and Cindy have been involved with prison ministry for many years. Serving as small group and worship leaders with Interchange Freedom Initiative (IFI) before that program ended, serving with Crossroads Fellowship for several years in the past, and serving with New Life since it’s beginning.

Dave and Cindy have 3 adult children living in Denver, Oklahoma City and Pella. They have 4 grandchildren who they love watching grow. The Gritters love the outdoors and may be found enjoying a beautiful summer sunset from their boat on the lake, taking a walk or simply enjoying their back yard.

Dave has a true heart for serving God and serves as workplace Chaplain to two local manufacturing companies.

In 2025 Dave completed his theological education with Coram Deo Association of Churches, completing the CRC Commissioned Pastor program after 4 years of study. Dave and Cindy have a heart for the incarcerated, a love of bringing God’s word to them, and the joy of being able to worship our God with our brothers in Christ in Newton!