We’re excited to announce the launch of the New Life Network of Churches (NLNC), a community where pastors are seen, supported, known, guided, and loved. An expansion of the previous Essential Church Learning Community, this network welcomes local-church pastors looking for honest and earnest community, ongoing custom coaching, and time-tested inspiration for their sometimes-weary souls.
Always challenging, often lonely–that‘s how ministry can feel. Healthy, long-term local-church leadership is impossible apart from the empowerment of the Spirit and the presence of good friends, which is why a relationship-first approach is what we’re after. So, while we place a high value on shared wisdom, practical insights, and thoughtful strategies, the heartbeat of this network goes deeper still: authentic community, mutual encouragement, and a passionate commitment to growing together in faith.
Sometimes, what pastors need most is someone to call at the end of a brutal and bewildering day. Too few of them know who to reach out to. That’s what the NLNC is all about: immediate access to genuine, mature, God-directed counsel.
We’re not just forming a network; we’re forming family,
a movement of churches linked by sacred trust, shared
mission, and a deep love for Jesus and his people.
Hundreds of pastors will see their ministry strengthened—if not saved—by virtue of being an NLNC member. Why? Because we need each other. We need coaching when problems outweigh solutions. We need support when crisis hits. We need a safe ear when a secret enslaves us. We need encouragement when our arms and legs hang limp.
Through virtual check-ins and in-person regional gatherings, we come alongside other pastors to ask the right questions, dig for the real answers, say nothing less than what’s true, and love one another as Christ loved us, which is of course how the world will know that we belong to him.
Become a Member Today
Join the New Life Network of Churches to establish community and a sense of belonging, both with our coaching team and with other pastors who want to thrive. You will benefit from layers of support, spiritual growth, and mutual encouragement as we all strengthen our relationship with God and grow in faith through shared experiences. NLNC offers a platform for building long-lasting friendships and emotional support, especially during life’s challenging times.
Additionally, NLNC provides plentiful opportunities for personal development, leadership training, and mentorship. Together, we’ll collaborate in ministry, relationship, and service, enabling churches such as yours to make a positive impact in local communities and around the world.
“One of the most beneficial parts of being in this network is having access to leaders who have already walked this path and who will invest their wisdom in the season of ministry I’m currently in.”
Johnny Hunt
Celebration Church
What is the New Life Network?
The New Life Network of Churches is an extension of New Life Church and a reflection of its leadership culture, heart, and health. This network is not about control or oversight; it is about relational support and empowerment. We partner with senior pastors, helping them navigate the complexities of church leadership while staying true to their God-given vision. When churches win, the network wins.
What Membership Offers
Membership in the New Life Network is $6,000 annually and provides access to a wealth of relational, strategic, and developmental resources, including:
- Mentoring & Coaching | Monthly coaching calls to help senior/lead pastors navigate leadership complexities, strategic planning, and problem solving. This is not only a time for practical wisdom but also for personal investment into the pastor’s spiritual and emotional health.
- On-Site Support | Once a year, each church will receive an on-site visit from an NLNC coach or leader to provide customized consultation, encouragement, and greater personal connection with NLNC.
- Peer-to-Peer Engagement | Each member will be invited to regional roundtable discussions and team-oriented learning communities for shared wisdom and encouragement.
- Leadership & Staff Development | Each member will be invited to training opportunities for church staff, elders, and leadership teams as they are offered throughout the year.
- Annual Conference | Each member will receive admission for two people to the New Life Network of Churches fall conference each year.
When churches are strong, the kingdom of God
advances. Our mission is to equip churches with the
support, wisdom, and skills they need to thrive.
David Vestal
Executive Director | NLNC
David has more than twenty-five years’ experience developing coaching skills for senior leaders. After twelve years in law enforcement and dignitary protection, he was recruited by a local church to serve as a strategist for growth. David was then asked both to plant a church in Prosper, Texas, that grew exponentially from its original twelve members, and to serve more than 100 churches as part of the Fellowship of Connected Churches. | In 2015 David was invited to help start a new network for one of the largest churches in the U.S., his ministry home for eight years. | After the network had grown to more than 150 churches, he was asked to serve as the executive director of New Life Network of Churches. David and Dana have been married since 1986 and have three grown children: Carisa, Caitlyn and Michael.
Brady Boyd
President | NLNC
Brady Boyd has served as senior pastor of New Life Church for seventeen years, and under his leadership, the church has both grown to seven congregations and seen its unique team-teaching method become a model for churches around the world. | Brady is the cohost of the Essential Church podcast and hosts conferences including the Essential Church Learning Community, Desperation, and Gathering. His commitment to tangibly care for the people of Colorado Springs has birthed Dream Centers and Mary’s Home. | Author of ten books, Brady earned his degree in Journalism from Louisiana Tech where he also was the sports editor for his college newspaper. His love for sports led to his announcing career for professional baseball and basketball teams prior to his years of ministry. Brady lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Pam, and their two adult children.
A Network for Thriving Churches
NLNC improves the health of churches and their pastors by providing relational connection, leadership development, ministry and organizational consulting, and advanced training for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. To become a member, begin the process by clicking the link below.
Upon our receipt of your application, our team will contact you to schedule an initial call to answer any of your questions or concerns, and to learn more about you and your church. Once your application is approved, we will connect you with your NLNC coach to begin the first year of relationship in what we hope will be many more years to come.
Please email us at nlnc@newlifechurch.org with any questions.
There’s Room for You at the Table
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work,
it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
EPHESIANS 4:16 | NLT