Andrew Atwell

Andrew Atwell co-founded Next Step Ministries in 2007 after he was inspired to abandon his dreams of Hollywood for the sweat and tears of the mission field. A writer and filmmaker by trade, Andrew graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in English and History and studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. While living in Los Angeles, God helped Andrew reevaluate his life and realize what it really meant to live for Jesus Christ. Currently Andrew is finishing his law degree at Marquette University Law School and is thrilled to put his education to use running the operation side of Next Step Ministries. In addition, Andrew is the driving force behind the design of Next Step Ministries, using his film production and media development background to create the marketing material, promotional videos and website. Missions have been a huge factor of Andrew’s life for over 12 years, and he can’t be more excited to live out God’s calling for him through Next Step Ministries.

Nick Cocalis

If you decide to give us a call at Next Step Ministries, and we definitely encourage that, Nick Cocalis is the friendly voice you will hear on the other end of the phone. Thrilled about a growing ministry, Nick leads the Next Step Ministries marketing and fundraising teams. With a bachelor's degree in Broadcasting from Marquette University and pursuing a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Nick's experience, leadership and out-going personality allow him to connect with and inspire almost everyone he meets. When Nick isn't on his cell phone or in the office figuring out how to get a bio-diesel fuel bus from Mississippi to Wisconsin, which is more difficult than it sounds, he is swinging golf clubs at a nearby course. With over six years experience leading mission trips, Nick simply can't stop telling people how blessed he feels for having the opportunity to serve God with Next Step Ministries.

Todd Gehrmann

Todd Gehrmann is the spiritual leader of Next Step Ministries with a real heart for the mission field. Todd has over 13 years of active experience and education working within the pastoral field of student ministries. He received his bachelor’s degree in Theology from Bethel University and continued to receive his Masters of Theology from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Over the last 6 years, Todd has acted as the Student Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison, Wisconsin, helping to reach hundreds of students with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Todd has worked with a denominationally diverse array of congregations stemming from nondenominational, Union, Evangelical, Lutheran, Baptist General Conference, and United Methodist. He has an imaginative heart for God and is aggressive, yet lovingly tactful, at proclaiming the good news of the gospel in word and practice. When Todd is not working with students or locked away in his office creating the programming curriculum and devotional materials for Next Step Ministries, he is spending time with his wife Tabitha and their two amazing children, Christian and Trinity.