Leadership That Lasts

Pastor Rick has faithfully led the NLCC family as Senior Pastor since its founding in 2000. For the last few years, he and the elders have been prayerfully working on a gradual transition into retirement. Together they have taken intentional steps to build a strong leadership team, delegate responsibilities, and prepare New Life Community Church its next Lead Pastor.

In January 2026, leadership will begin a formal transition process for the Lead Pastor role, as our church family continues the work Pastor Rick started — making a kingdom impact for generations to come. This is a significant season in the life of our church, and we want you to be informed along the way.

After prayerful consideration, the elders have named Pastor Lucas Motley to become NLCC's next Lead Pastor. Lucas has served as the Discipleship Pastor for more than 10 years, impacting the spiritual life of our church through his Biblical teaching and oversight of Hospitality, Assimilation, and Spiritual Formation. We believe that Pastor Lucas is the right choice to lead the next chapter of New Life Community Church.

On this page, you’ll find a simplified outline and that will include updates from our leadership team about the process,
what’s happening behind the scenes, and how you can participate through prayer, serving, and giving.
We’re committed to transparency, unity, and listening to God together as a church family.
Check back regularly to stay informed.

FAQs

Why Transition Now?

We view the next generation of leaders as reinforcements, not replacements. It is very important to the leadership of New Life Community Church that it remains a congregation that lasts for generations. As Pastor Rick approaches retirement we want to make sure we have a smooth transition, not a sudden one. We believe this plan is not rushed nor is it too long.

FAQs

What will Pastor Rick be doing differently?

Pastor Rick's role will remain largely unchanged in terms of what the congregation experiences until the final steps. He will still be ministering to people and teaching on Sundays. During the early stages he will be apprenticing Pastor Lucas: trusting him with more leadership involving the staff, vision and planning, and other behind-the-scenes roles. The congregation will mostly notice a slow transition from Pastor Rick being the primary teacher on Sundays to Pastor Lucas and the other teachers on the teaching team.

FAQs

Who do I speak with if I have questions?

Stay tuned to this page for updates. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask any of the elders. This includes Pastors Rick, Kevin, and Lucas. You can contact them by visiting our Leadership Team.

FAQs

Why Pastor Lucas?

The elders spent time in prayer and consideration asking the Holy Spirit, "Who will lead the next phase?" They came back with the answer that Pastor Lucas was the best person to lead NLCC. Pastor Lucas and his family have served faithfully for more than 10 years. He has the right foundation and a commitment to our values. We are confident he can continue the mission and vision of New Life, carrying our culture forward with new and fresh strategies.

FAQs

What will Pastor Lucas be doing?

Pastor Lucas will spend the first two years securing and shoring up the foundations of discipleship ministry. We will be looking to hire staff members to help him transition out of his role and he will be helping the new staff learn our culture and vision. After that Lucas will join the executive team in a role that is a temporary. Here he will take on more responsibilities behind the scenes and teach more on Sundays. His final destination as the Lead Pastor will be similar to Pastor Rick's current role will slight variations. Pastor Rick is irreplaceable so there will be subtle differences in leadership styles.

FAQs

What is going to change at New Life?

Our mission and values will remain the same. New Life Community Church exists to Love God and Love People. We want to teach people to have a personal relationship with God and to love others by spreading the Gospel. NLCC continues to grow and it will experience normal changes. Staff might change and our methodology will adapt to the growing needs of our congregation, but overall our mission and commitment to teaching the whole truth of God will not change.

FAQs

When will the transition be complete?

Pastor Lucas will take the lead on most things in 2030 with Pastor Rick continuing as the Founding Pastor to help advise and guide. In a relay race, this is the moment when the new runner is taking the baton and the previous runner is running side by side, handing it off. That will officially be complete late in 2032. At that time Pastor Rick may continue on staff in a new role.

Joining in the Next Chapter of Our Story

As we walk this season of leadership transition together, here’s how every member of New Life can play a part — in building a church that impacts generations.

PRAY: Lift up our church family.

Pray for God's wisdom and clarity for our elders and Pastor Lucas as they lead. Ask God to guide decisions and protect unity in our church family.
Pray for Pastor Rick and his family — give thanks for his faithful years of service and ask God's blessings on his next chapter.
Pray for your hearts and others' to be open to God's plan — that together we will embrace this transition with hope, faith, and trust in God's leading.
Pray for spiritual health and protection for our congregation — that fear, division, or uncertainty will not disrupt the mission God has for NLCC and the community we serve.

SERVE: Be a part of our mission and ministry.

The Mission remains the same. Although the staff is in transition, you can help.
1. Volunteer in ministries where help is needed.
Your service will play a vital role in helping the church thrive currently, in transition, and under new leadership.
2. Be flexible, gracious, and supportive as we adapt.
Transitions can involve changes in rhythm, teaching schedule, and staff responsibilities.
3. Serve with love and patience.
It makes a big difference.
Follow this link to find out more about how you can serve at New Life.

GIVE: Invest in our future and long-term vision.

NLCC is a "legacy church" that will serve families and communities for decades to come.
Your giving covers current operating costs, and is an investment in the next generation. Consider tithing or giving (reoccurring or one-time) to support our church’s future: adding new staff, ministry expansion, community outreach, and the ongoing work of the Gospel.
NLCC is committed to impacting our community, children, and grandchildren. To have the greatest influence we all need to invest financially to ensure operating costs are covered, debt is reduced and money is invested for the future.

STAY ENGAGED & STAY INFORMED

Great ready as we walk in unity, serve with love, give with generous hearts, and trust God’s leading for a bright and meaningful future. Check this “Leadership That Lasts” page for updates from the elders and staff. You will see new posts, next steps, and ways you can be involved. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to talk with an elder or a staff member. Your voice and input are valued. We believe that God is writing the next chapter of New Life — and that includes you.