Pastor Billy Simar / Senior Pastor
Each of our lives tells a story that’s unique, and powerful; when Jesus invades our hearts, the stories of our lives begin to take on new, significant meaning, in light of His great love and work in us. Billy’s life story is one of redemption; it is the story of an amazing turnaround, a story of God’s ability to take a young soldier, addicted and broken, and mold him into a man of compassion, humility, and authenticity. The story of a man having an encounter with God that re-routed & re-purposed his life. Pastor Billy’s life story guides his leadership as pastor of Manhattan First. He is passionate about investing in people, loves teaching from Scripture, and is driven to see Manhattan First invest in what God is doing around the world through missions. He believes the church is fulfilling its purpose when we are seeking to bring Jesus, the Source of real life, to broken people in our community.
Pastor Billy was elected the Lead Pastor of Manhattan First in June of 2014. He has served in pastoral ministry roles for over twenty years and holds a degree in Theology from Central Bible College. Pastor Billy and his wife Blythe have eight children.
Pastor Megan Allen / Youth & Children
Pastor Megan leads all ministry to Newborn to 12th grade. She is a team-builder and loves to encourage children to realize who God has made them to be, and what He is calling them to do. Being led by Jesus, and having them follow her on that journey, is what drives the ministries she leads.
She was born and raised in Manhattan and was part of The Hinge as a high school student. Pastor Megan holds a degree in Intercultural Studies from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She joined the Manhattan First pastoral team in November 2014.
Support Staff
Bonnie Hull / Financial Administrator
Bonnie Hull fills the role as our Financial Administrator. Her attention to detail and work ethic serve her role as she runs the business side of our church. Her willingness to help with any project makes Bonnie an asset to our team.
Chesalai Simar / Administrative Assistant
Chesalai Simar is the personal Administrative Assistant for the Lead Pastor, Billy Simar. She’s been working at Manhattan First since 2018. Chesalai is a team player, hardworking, and loves getting to serve her church in many different ways through this job. Because of Chesalai’s young age, she brings a fresh new perspective to the matters of the church.
Liz Bratcher / Volunteer Coordinator
Liz Bratcher serves in the role of volunteer and connections coordinator. She is passionate about seeing people serving in the right places and connecting with each other. Her experience in college ministry and US missions gives her a unique perspective on discipleship and connecting to the church.