Meet High School Theology Teacher Pastor Billy Newell

Sioux Falls Lutheran School is pleased to welcome Pastor Billy Newell to our growing high school Theology team during the 2025-26 school year. 

In addition to serving in his role as an SFLS Association Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Pastor Newell became an even more familiar face on campus in 2024 when he joined our cross country coaching staff. He and his wife, Dr. Kristen Newell, are proud parents of four SFLS students, making their family deeply connected to the life of our school. With a heart for discipleship and a passion for helping young people grow in faith, Pastor Newell brings a wealth of pastoral experience, a love for the outdoors, and a joyful spirit to our growing high school Theology team.

Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Pastor Newell and what he looks forward to about teaching at SFLS.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your family.
I am originally from Houston, Texas. While I didn’t grow up as a Christian, Jesus found a way to draw me in through a simple invitation. Someone said, “Come and see what this Christian community is all about.” This began a journey of redemption, restoration, and renewal. God continues to shape me today as I strive to be a faithful follower of Jesus, husband, dad, and pastor. The journey hasn’t been a straight line, but it has been filled with God’s handiwork every step of the way.

I was baptized in December 2000. I studied Business Administration at Concordia University, Nebraska, where I also picked up Biblical languages. Concordia is also where I met my wife, Dr. Kristen Newell. We were married in 2007 right here in Sioux Falls. I completed my Master of Divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and was ordained in August 2011. 

Today, Dr. Newell and I are raising four wonderful kids and striving to show them what it looks like to follow Jesus wherever they live, work, learn, and play. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, doing triathlons, coaching cross country, and spending time with my family. Every step of the way, I strive to share the never ending, steadfast love of Jesus with all people.

Over the years, God has continued to shape me through a variety of leadership and discipleship training experiences, including multiple programs through the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI), as well as coaching and training roles with both PLI and Clarity House. My curiosity and thirst for adventure keep me learning new things all of the time. 

How did you decide to become a pastor?
During a time when life was especially challenging, God provided a way for me to experience a community of people that loved each other, served others, divided each other’s burdens, and multiplied each other’s celebrations. As followers of Jesus, they showed me a new life in Christ that brought me a clear sense of identity and purpose in life. As my high school years came to an end, I knew God was calling me to give away what He had given to me. Whatever the role would be, I would bring the light of Christ to people who needed it as badly as I did. Since then, this desire has only deepened and expanded in scope as I gain more variety in life experience.

What do you look forward to about teaching high school students?
I look forward to creating space for our students to share faith conversations and more fully discover the unique passions and gifts God has given to each of them. They are more capable of making a difference in the world right now than they realize, and it will be so much fun to see them discover the possibilities!

Tell me a bit about your teaching style.
As an extrovert, my teaching style is highly conversational. I strive to answer questions with a good question that leads to discovery and understanding. I expect to learn from the students as they ask challenging questions and share their insights along the way.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
As a Pastor, I have been accused of claiming every passage as “a favorite.” In reality, God has provided key passages that have carried me through seasons. During this season, Jesus continues to highlight John 14:12: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

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About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.