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THE BEGINNING
Church of New Life Christian Ministries was started as an invitational bible study at the home of Apostle Sam and Shirley Nero, founders/senior Pastors. As a result of the vision God placed in their hearts an unpaid group of staff was organized and immediately began to work on bringing the vision to life. On February 6, 1989, Church of New Life was formally organized under the law of the state of Minnesota. As a result of the vision brought to life, the first service was held on Tuesday, February 8, 1989 at Finely Place with thirteen people in attendance. Today New Life has grown in attendance and size all while celebrating our Lord and Savior in not only our hearts and homes, but the community as well.
SAM NERO
Apostle, Church of New Life
Apostle Sam Nero is a native of Clinton, Louisiana where he grew up in the community of Springville. He attended local public schools and is a graduate of East High School. He went on to pursue a college education at Southern University and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Although employment took him away from his home town it did not take him away from his desire to work for the Lord. He and his wife relocated to St. Louis Park, Minnesota soon found themselves worshipping at New Hope Baptist Church. During his tenure at New Hope Sam was ordained as a deacon.
Following years of preparation, God released Apostle Nero to follow the vision that had been placed upon his heart and embark upon his own ministry. He was licensed and ordained by Living Word Christian Center and founded New Life Christian Ministry in 1989. His vision for New Life Christian Ministry is to be a multi-ethnic worshipping community, alive with the love of Jesus, praying fervently and working heartily to serve the Twin Cities.
He is supported in his ministry by his wife, Shirley, their 5 children and 8 grandchildren. His ultimate desire is to minister the love of Christ as indicated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 to the unsaved and unchurched in south Minneapolis.
To-date, he remains active in the Twin Cities working with prayer ministries and praying for the city.
SHIRLEY NERO
Pastor, Church of New Life
Pastor Shirley Nero was born and raised in Clinton, Louisiana. She attended East High School and Southern University and graduated from New Life Bible College.
Pastor Shirley loves the Word of God and has been deeply committed to the Lord since she was seven years old. She was raised up in and served at Galilee Baptist Church (Wilson, LA). She relocated to Minnesota with her husband, Apostle Sam Nero, and worked alongside her husband at New Hope Baptist Church in St. Paul, MN. When the Lord gave her husband the call to begin a ministry she stepped out on faith and worked with him in 1989 to found New Life Christian Ministry located in Richfield, MN.
In 1996, the Lord gave her a vision to create Zoe Child Care Center/Zoe Academy. Zoe was created to meet the needs of the children in the community. At Zoe, academics is met in a loving Christian environment.
Pastor Shirley is committed to stirring up the gifts God gives to individuals to help guide them towards filling the Lord’s destiny. She is a leader and role model for Women of Warfare (W.O.W.), where worship and prayer can overcome anything the enemy brings.
Pastor Shirley is married to Apostle Sam Nero, New Life Christian Ministry, and is the mother of five children and eight grandchildren. She considers herself a “servant” of God, dedicated and ready to serve His people in any function possible.
