Who We Are
WE BOAST IN THE CROSS
We are not perfect, and don’t claim to be. Although we are growing in holiness, we still have a long way to go. We instead boast in the perfections of Jesus rather than our own "good behavior". We admit our flaws and point to the grace of Jesus as the reason for our salvation. He is the HERO of our lives.
WE DECREASE, SO HE CAN INCREASE
We have no desire to make a name for ourselves, we aren’t striving to be “different” and we definitely aren’t trying to be “famous.” Instead we prefer to fade into the background and make His NAME known and to make HIM famous.
WE ARE ALWAYS GROWING
We don’t have it all figured out. We aren’t afraid to ask questions. We allow the answer to sometimes be “I dont know.” Rather than prop ourselves up as “experts” who have all of life’s mysteries figured out, we prefer the posture of a child; always curious, always asking, always seeking.
We are not perfect, and don’t claim to be. Although we are growing in holiness, we still have a long way to go. We instead boast in the perfections of Jesus rather than our own "good behavior". We admit our flaws and point to the grace of Jesus as the reason for our salvation. He is the HERO of our lives.
WE DECREASE, SO HE CAN INCREASE
We have no desire to make a name for ourselves, we aren’t striving to be “different” and we definitely aren’t trying to be “famous.” Instead we prefer to fade into the background and make His NAME known and to make HIM famous.
WE ARE ALWAYS GROWING
We don’t have it all figured out. We aren’t afraid to ask questions. We allow the answer to sometimes be “I dont know.” Rather than prop ourselves up as “experts” who have all of life’s mysteries figured out, we prefer the posture of a child; always curious, always asking, always seeking.
Our Commitments
WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING DISCIPLES
Jesus instructed us to “make disciples of all nations” and we take that call seriously. We train, equip, and empower our members to passionately fulfill this calling. We believe “Discipleship” is key to revival and the Gospel advancing.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO BEING A FAMILY
We commit to intimately knowing each other and establishing relationships with one another that go beyond the surface. New Life is not a place where you can “slip in and slip out” unnoticed. It is not a place for you to “consume”, but rather a family where you contribute. The Bible says we are “brothers and sisters in Christ” and it is our desire to step into that reality, carry each other’s burdens and establish deep bonds with each other.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO SERVING TUSTIN
We believe we have been divinely commissioned to love Tustin and therefore we want to serve, empower, and bless the city. We want to follow the example of Jesus by ministering to the spiritual needs of our community, but also meeting the physical needs of our neighbors as well.
Our Story
If you have ever felt that your “past” is complex and filled with unexpected turns, you are not alone... New Life’s journey has been anything but predictable.
Our Leaders
Matt Hemphill
Lead Pastor
Matt is the Lead Pastor at New Life. Him and his wife Erin, have been married for twelve years and have three children. They love to ride bikes, host game nights, and are always down for an adventure. They both have a burning passion to tell people about the Gospel of Jesus.
Steven Anderson
Worship Pastor
Steven was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Southern California in 2011. He enjoys playing any and all sports every chance he gets, and is always up for fun activities. He has a huge heart for worship, and loves seeing people come alive in their response to the Lord through music.
Joyce O'Brien
Early Childhood Associate
Joyce is passionate about teaching the next generation about the love of Jesus! She is blessed with three daughters and thirteen grandchildren. Joyce was a teacher for over 20 years before recently retiring. She now spends her time gardening, reading, traveling with her husband and playing with her grand babies.
Elders
Mike Ring
Elder
Mike has a desire to wash the feet of those around him. No job is too messy and no person is beneath him. He blesses New Life with his servant like heart. He is happily married with two kids.
Steve Jillson
Elder
Steve enjoys hiking, playing basketball and volleyball, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Steve currently works as a CFP at LPL Financial.
Blake Boyd
Elder
Blake has a passion for prayer, revival and discipleship. He longs to see a church on fire. He has been married to Jenn for over ten years now and they are always looking for the next adventure.
Brian McElfresh
Elder
Brian McElfresh is married to his high school sweetheart, Serena, and together they have three kids. He is passionate about discipleship, family and board games.
Jenn Boyd
Prayer Team Leader
Jenn resides in Tustin, CA. Where she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She loves going on hikes and taking in the beauty & peacefulness of the outdoors. Jenn works as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and has a private practice located in Tustin.
Sandy Lopez
Hospitality Coordinator
Sandy Lopez was born in Santa Monica and lives in Orange. She loves to travel, play games, hang out with friends and family. She currently oversees small groups, women’s ministry and hospitality/events.