Meet Our Team Family

Roland Hearn

Janet’s Introduction:

Given that Roland has introduced everyone else, I want to introduce my dear friend. Roland offered insight, counsel, and grace upon grace to me after a very difficult season. I’ve come to discover that this is who he is – a man who truly lives out the grace and love he articulates so well. Sure, he’s not perfect – he prefers cricket to American football after all – but I am a better human and Christ-follower because of his friendship and love, and I’m positive you will discover the same. Roland brings vision, enthusiasm, leadership, and grace to Worldview; we are here together because of him.

BIO:

Roland was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in the early 60’s. He married Emmy Hearn in November 1985. Their marriage has been the primary arena for Roland’s wrestling with what love truly means, and he eagerly declares Emmy to be the most wonderful person on the planet. They have four adult children of whom they are deeply proud – Kaylah, Jon, Braden, and Tylah. Roland, Emmy, Tylah, Jarod (Tylah’s partner), 15 horses, 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 20 chickens, live on 20 acres, minutes from the Pumicestone Passage outlet to the Pacific Ocean, on Australia’s east coast just north of Brisbane. At 64 Roland has indicated that he feels like life has never been more wonderful.

Since 1987, Roland has served as a pastor and denominational leader, and in 1990 he was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He has pastored four churches ranging from rural Queensland to the Dallas metroplex, and started two of these: NewStart Frisco in Dallas, Texas, and NewStart Rivercity in Brisbane, Australia. He is excited about NewStart Rivercity’s transition into a fully online church. Roland has also served as registrar at Nazarene Theological College in Brisbane; District Superintendent of the Australia North and West District; and Field Strategy Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene in Australia and New Zealand.

At age twenty, Roland was involved in a fatal car accident in which his girlfriend and her sister were killed. That tragedy led to a lifelong struggle to understand the true nature of God and the power of love to overcome profound loss and human pain. His passion is to share what he has since discovered of God’s love, which brings joy, peace, and hope. He often says, “I wouldn’t be dead for quids.”

Janet Dean

Roland’s introduction:

I’ve had the pleasure of calling Janet my friend for about four years. Together, we’ve explored how a sound psychological perspective can enrich our spiritual lives. Janet is clever, articulate, and academically gifted—with statistical skills that make me wonder if she’s even human. She’s also caring, empathetic, and gracious, bringing real depth and warmth to our team. As Worldview stretches to become all it can be Janet’s contribution will be among the most substantial. Her roles as a professor of psychology and counsellor keep her way busier than one would assume given the volume of contribution she makes to our journey. We are so grateful for that contribution.

BIO:

Janet grew up in Akron, Ohio, where her family moved from Appalachia. After college, she moved south to Kentucky to study at Asbury Theological Seminary. It was here that she would meet and later marry Kevin (September 1994). They’ve been through multiple degrees, multiple moves, multiple pets, and multiple adventures together, trusting each other and God in the process. They now live in the same town where they met and married, the small iconic town of Wilmore, Kentucky – a town of about 6000 other people, two traffic lights, two educational institutions, and a small park where Janet walks next to cows. They have two adult sons, Jonathan and Rowan, both of whom have studied theology and ministry at the same seminary. (One is still there.)

Janet is now Professor of Pastoral Counseling at that same seminary! As a licensed clinical psychologist and an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, she is passionate about integrating psychology and theology in a way that meets people in the deepest places of their suffering to bring healing and wholeness in Christ. She studied psychology at the University of Akron (Ohio), then counseling and divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary, and finally earned another master’s and a doctorate in clinical psychology at The Ohio State University. (Yes, she is an avid football fan – Go Buckeyes!)

In Janet’s own healing journey with depression and life’s difficulties, she found that voice of shame to be so loud that it drowned out other voices. Even as she grew in knowing in her head what was true about God’s love, she found it hard to believe that in her heart. Yet, it was in loving, grace-filled relationships with friends that God’s love broke through and brought clarity to God’s voice, freedom, and joy.

Kevin Dean

Roland’s introduction:

I met Kevin through my friendship with Janet. He sees the world much as I do—so he’s probably right. Our conversations are always rich; Kevin challenges and encourages me in equal measure. He cares deeply that people feel loved and valued, yet he always speaks the truth as he sees it. Steady, perceptive, and fair, Kevin is someone you can rely on. Maybe it’s his military background, but if I’m ever in trouble, I want Kevin by my side. Kevin adds a level of pastoral care, reflective of his equipping as a military chaplain, that is much needed as we embark on this project together . We are grateful for his presence in our journey.

BIO:

Kevin was born in New London, Connecticut (USA), into a U.S. Navy family. Growing up meant moving around a lot, but he eventually settled in Kentucky to attend Asbury College and later Asbury Theological Seminary. He met his future wife, Janet, during their orientation chapel service at Asbury Seminary, and they married two years later. Together they have raised two now-grown sons.

After pastoring in a few Free Methodist churches, Kevin was commissioned as a Chaplain in the U.S. Navy, where he served for more than 22 years. He has also held civilian roles across Christian, corporate, and academic settings, and currently works at Asbury University as the Assistant to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Kevin was ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 2006 and has since served in a range of military and local church ministries.

Kevin’s greatest passions are studying and teaching God’s Word, building community, equipping strong and compassionate church leaders, and fostering meaningful discipleship practices. While he may come across as a bit direct at times (a trace of his military background), those who know him well recognise his genuine love for people and his warm, welcoming heart.

John Comstock

Roland’s introduction:

John and I became friends in 2017, and much of what’s reflected on this website has grown out of our ongoing conversations. He is loving, deeply thoughtful, and passionate about helping others find freedom and hope. John has a gift for storytelling. He makes connections that ring true to real life. Though his current circumstances prevent him from being formally involved in the Worldview project, he is an ever-present, and faithful consultant. His insight and influence are felt throughout our videos, writings, and shared journey. I love him deeply. I value our friendship profoundly. What Worldview becomes will have the fingerprints of John Comstock all over it.

The truth is that without John, NewStart Worldview wouldn’t exist. I spent many years trying to express the ideas at the heart of who we are. I was ready to simply enjoy them for myself and those closest to me. I had almost decided I would find a quiet place to finish out my working life. I have always valued the opportunity to walk with as many people as possible through these ideas, but I had grown tired of the developmental task alone.

I prayed for a friend who would choose to walk this journey with me and help open doors to share these ideas with others. John was the answer to that prayer. Since then, we’ve spent countless hours talking, writing, planning, and sharing. The result of that journey is NewStart Worldview.

Jeff Rushlow

Roland’s introduction:

Jeff and Diana came into my life about three years ago, and from the start, they felt like family. Jeff believes deeply that anything is possible with enough love. He inspires and encourages me with his words of grace and hope. Musically gifted, well read, and deeply caring, he’s always generous with himself. Even in hardship, the warmth of his smile shines through. Though our friendship has only ever been across a screen, I look forward to the day I can embrace him in person and tell him how much he means to our team. What began without expectation has become essential—Jeff and Diana’s musical passion and giftedness are now woven into the very heart of Worldview.

Diana Rushlow

Roland’s Introduction:

From the moment I first met Jeff and Diana, Diana’s heart has filled my life with joy. Diana is deeply caring, perceptive, encouraging, and always a delight. Every time she speaks, my world feels brighter. Her musical talent is exceptional, and the warmth she brings to relationships is reflected in the way she plays. Together, Jeff and Diana are a creative gift to the Worldview journey, and wherever this leads, their contribution will remain essential.

Our Leadership Team

(Institutionally known as “the board”)

Roland Hearn
Kevin Dean
Brett Crowther
Steve Steen
Kammy Crowther

Our Leadership Team is vital to our future. Elected annually from the official membership of NewStart RiverCity, this board serves to provide vision and oversight to the mission of NewStart Worldview.

Brett Crowther

Roland’s introduction:

Brett is my nephew, and one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you will ever meet.
He has a sharp mind for business, technology, and finance, and is an incredible asset to our team. Brett is the kind of person who prefers action over words. He is analytical, focused, and committed to excellence in everything he does.

Whether as a businessman, father, husband, church leadership team and operational consultant Brett gives his all to whatever he takes on. He is my constant, trusted, and valued advisor, guiding the processes behind the scenes of all that we do. At the same time, he is deeply engaged in the personal journey of becoming a truer expression of love.

I am deeply proud of him and grateful for all that he brings to this shared journey.

BIO:

Brett grew up the eldest of 7 kids and learnt responsibility for others at an early age. He loves his squash and at one stage was playing 7 times per week, but was forced to put it on hold after a debilitating shoulder injury. At 44 he still plays volleyball, albeit with a backhand spike (the shoulder never recovered). Building a better life for his wife and 2 kids is his daily motivation.

As an introvert, Brett imagined his dream job to be something that involved sitting in front of a computer and not having to talk to anyone, which led him to studying both IT and Accounting after high school. The dream played out nicely for about a year after graduating while working in his father’s business, but more responsibilities were passed Brett’s way and staying hidden in the corner would not help the family business to grow. When Brett’s dad retired, there was no option but to step up, overcome fears and learn a lot!

Recent years have taught Brett a lot about leadership, motivating and managing a team, how to let go of doing everything himself and to trust others even if the outcome looks slightly different to how he would have done it himself. All of these lessons are still ongoing! Brett is also excited to explore the crossover between business learnings and how they can apply to helping a modern church become an even more complete expression of God’s love in the world.

Steve Steen

Roland’s Introduction:

Steve has been one of my closest friends since we met in 1999. One of life’s great joys for me has been how naturally our friendship formed. Steve is a true friend—honest, thoughtful, and caring. He challenges my thinking, speaks truth when needed, and has stood by me in difficult times.

If I had to spend a month on a deserted island with just one person, I would choose Steve. His humour and company would make the time pass quickly.

A gifted counselor with a direct approach, Steve combines compassion with honesty. Those who work with him know they are valued and that he will speak truthfully. He has been instrumental in shaping our paradigm so that it can be understood by those both within and beyond a faith context. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to the creation of several care-based enterprises, and he continues to bring insight and depth to our team.

BIO:

Steve is a 61-year-old counselor based in Allen, Texas. He and his wife, Julie, have been married for more than 25 years, having celebrated their wedding at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Y2K—a moment that symbolized their shared belief that nothing could derail their journey together. They enjoy hiking and living life to the fullest. Steve is a proud father of four sons—twins Bryce and Tyler, Cameron, and Elvis, who is completing his senior year of college and competing in collegiate golf. His other sons have pursued elite-level hockey across the United States, and Steve counts it a privilege to have watched their growth into adulthood.

Steve began his professional journey with a degree in psychology from Lake Forest College in Illinois. After an initial period in the business world, he discovered his true vocation in counseling, particularly with adolescents and young adults. His career has taken him from Chicago’s Black communities to the affluent suburbs of Lake Forest, experiences that broadened his understanding of human resilience and diversity. Further studies at Texas A&M–Commerce, Masters of Science – Counseling, refined his counseling philosophy, guided by a mentor’s advice to “be your authentic self.”

Today, Steve specializes in supporting individuals aged 13–30 through a distinctive, relational approach that fosters healing, growth, and thriving. He is the founder of The Process, a sports counseling initiative that helps athletes cultivate identity, forgiveness, and self-worth beyond performance. Rooted in Christian values, the program reflects Steve’s conviction that shame is a choice and that every person is wonderfully and perfectly made.

Through his work and his role with New Start, Steve seeks to promote a worldview of love, grace, and honor—helping people overcome brokenness and live with courage, authenticity, and joy.

Kammy Crowther

Roland’s introduction:

Kammy is my older sister. Like many siblings, we had our share of childhood rivalry. Kammy was always the outgoing, bubbly, and fun one—full of life and adventure. She was also the attractive and confident one, and I often found myself in her shadow.

As adults, her love and support have meant more to me than I can ever fully express. She has an incredible ability to take on tasks that need to be done—especially those that make people feel welcomed and comfortable—and she does them without fuss or complaint. Whatever she takes on will be done, and it will be done exceptionally well.

Kammy’s presence on our leadership team brings stability and a caring focus that always puts people first.

BIO:

Kammy is first and foremost a mum to seven and a grandmother to eight. At 66, she and her self-confessed “great husband,” Kevin, live on a beautiful four-acre (1.6-hectare) property in the Samford Valley, west of Brisbane. Sharing their home are two of their children, a daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, and Kammy’s parents. They all live in Kevin’s master piece of a purpose-built accommodation. This much-loved home has witnessed the birth of four of their children and four grandchildren, as well as the steady coming and going of visitors and pets. Beginning humbly in a caravan, then a shed completed just before the arrival of their fourth child and first daughter, the Crowther home has grown steadily over time. It has been the setting for Kammy’s greatest joys as a mother and remains a place marked by love, welcome, and generosity.

After completing high school, Kammy trained as a dental nurse and worked in this role through her late teenage years until the birth of her first children. She then chose to devote herself fully to creating a loving, stable, and nurturing home. Throughout this season, she has been a gifted mother, homemaker, and wife, consistently giving of herself so others might feel safe, supported, and able to flourish. Her care has been practical, intentional, and deeply sacrificial, expressed faithfully through each stage of family life.

Kammy feels most fulfilled when caring for others in ways that help them know they truly matter. Of the many ways she communicates love, her hospitality — particularly her beautiful meals — is often what people remember most. This passion for nurturing others shapes her leadership. On the board, Kammy is a steady voice for compassion, safety, and warmth, helping ensure that people are never overlooked. Her presence and perspective are vital to cultivating an actively caring and deeply relational church community.

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