Lead Pastor
Gary Piercy, Ph.D.

Gary and Sharla Piercy founded New Life Church in January 2005. Gary and Sharla were married in 1982 and have four children, Aletheia, Nathan, Jeremiah, and Joel. The Piercy family brings many years of ministry, management, and business experience to NLC having served over 20-years as a Senior Pastor and 8-years as an entrepreneur.

Pastor Gary is a Pastor and Teacher who cares genuinely for people and who passionately teaches God’s Word. Pastor Gary earned a Ph.D. Applied Management & Decision Sciences from Walden University, a M.A. from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Pastor Gary also has several graduate hours from Southern Seminary.

Pastor Gary also teaches online Bible, ministry, and business courses for Grand Canyon University and is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Lone Star College. Pastor Gary travels overseas to teach various seminars in colleges and seminaries. Pastor Gary is an ordained Assemblies of God minister. Click here for Pastor Gary's downloadable materials.

Sharla is a caring Pastor’s wife who believes her primary job is to love God, love her husband and children, and to serve the Lord faithfully by her husband’s side. As the daughter of a Pastor, Sharla learned first-hand the requirements and responsibilities of being a Pastor’s wife. Together, Pastor Gary and Sharla are a great team with a genuine servant’s heart to serve the Lord by serving you.

Education Pastor
Grace Scheufler, Ph.D.

Scott and Grace Scheufler came to NLC in July 2007. The Scheufler’s were married in 1990 and have three sons, Daniel, Joshua, and Samuel. Scott and Grace have served in church leadership and ministry for most of their married life. Together, with their sons, the Scheufler’s add a wide range of experience, expertise, and energy to the NLC family.

Pastor Grace earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston. Additionally, she received a M.Ed. from the University of Houston and a B.A. from Rice University. Pastor Grace has taught for over 16 years at several universities and colleges including the University of Houston and Houston Baptist University at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Pastor Grace also serves in the area of Faculty Development at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Pastor Grace’s passion is to teach God’s people how to incorporate God’s Word into their lives in a practical way on a daily basis. This passion stems from the words of the Prophet Hosea who wrote, “My people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge (4:6). NLC values sound biblical teaching and a well-rounded education and Pastor Grace represents that value as she guides the educational efforts at NLC. Pastor Grace is an ordained minister.

Assistant Pastor
Reverend Paul Ward

Paul and Lisa Ward came to New Life Church in November 2006. Paul and Lisa were married in 1986 and have two daughters, Vicky and Becky. The Ward family brings many years of management and ministry experience to NLC.

Pastor Paul demonstrates the heart of a servant as he embraces all tasks in order to further the Kingdom of God and ministry of NLC. Pastor Paul attended Sam Houston State University and completed biblical studies at the Berean School of the Bible. Pastor Paul and Lisa have many years of ministry leadership experience including pastoral ministry, men’s leadership, missions’ trips, and many other ministry efforts.

Pastor Paul is passionate about the ministry and Bible study. He leads Bible study groups and enjoys sharing his faith with those he meets. Pastor Paul is employed by ExxonMobil and enjoys running, reading, and sports.