Our Mission
Life Church exists to
Make disciples
Multiply churches
Among all peoples
For the glory of God
Our vision
We envision a movement of disciple-making disciples locally and globally.
The Story of our Church
Life Church in Charlotte, NC is a community shaped by faith and calling. From the first steps of planting to where we are today, this timeline highlights the moments God used to form our story.
May 2017 — A Heart for Charlotte
A small team moved to Charlotte with a shared calling to love the city well and plant a Christian church in Charlotte, NC rooted in community, faith, and presence.
April–July 2018 — A Shared VisioN
As Life Church prepared to launch, conversations began with Southside Baptist Church, a 96-year-old congregation prayerfully discerning its next chapter.
July 2018 — A unanimous Faithful Step
Southside Baptist voted unanimously to dissolve, entrust their building to Life Church, and join a new community shaped by shared mission and vision.
September 9, 2018 — Life Church Launches
Life Church officially launched as a non-denominational church in South End Charlotte, NC, formed by new faces and longtime members stepping into a new season together.
Our Values
Biblical Authority
We submit to the Scriptures as authoritative for all of life, practice and doctrine.
Prayerful Dependence
We are marked by prayer, reflecting our dependence on Christ for every part of life.
Committed Community
We believe life change happens through real relationships with Jesus and each other.
Radical Generosity
We structure our lives in order to faithfully steward our money, time, and talents to serve God’s kingdom purposes.
Strategic Sending
We are shaped by gospel urgency, praying, giving, and going so others may know.
At Life Church, our beliefs shape how we live, love, and gather. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a church in Charlotte NC, we invite you to learn more by reading our statement of faith.
Our Beliefs
Church Leadership
Pastors / elders
Christopher Chesser
Daniel Coggins
Jonathan Perez Bernal
Doug Joyner
On Sabbatical
Chad Pyke
Drew Tucker
Deacons
Andrew Bojanowski
Deacon of Prayer & Fasting
Ashley Chesser
Deacon of Media
Holly Coggins
Deacon of Design
Micah Long
Deacon of Care
Kelly Perez
Deacon of Worship
Tori Pyke
Deacon of Care
Jonathan & Vicky Salo
Deacons of Premarital Coaching
John Tamburrino
Deacon of Kids
Merry Thurber
Deacon of Kids
Joseph Wang
Deacon of Finance
Staff
Jonathan Perez Bernal
Pastor of Discipleship
Contact Jonathan
Drew Tucker
Pastor of Preaching & Vision
Contact Drew
Hazel Cea
Director of Ministry Support
Contact Hazel
Ashlyn Benson
Missions Resident
Lauren Fairburn
Discipleship Associate
Kelly Perez
Worship Leader
Seth Tipton
Facilities Manager
Jessi Tucker
Director of Women’s Discipleship
Ministry partnerships
We believe following Jesus means loving our city and the world in tangible ways. That’s why we partner with trusted organizations who are doing meaningful work across Charlotte and beyond. Through these relationships, we support work that brings hope, restoration, and dignity to individuals and families. These partnerships reflect our heart to live on mission by serving others, standing in the gap, and showing the love of Christ in practical, life-giving ways.
frequently asked questions
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We hold to the historic Christian faith. We believe in one God who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ; that the Bible is God’s Word and guides our lives; and that the Church is called to love God, love others, and live on mission in the world. To know more about what guides us, visit our Beliefs page.
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Life Church began with a small team who felt called to plant a church in Charlotte with a heart for the city. In 2018, that calling grew through a unique partnership with Southside Baptist Church, a long-standing congregation that chose to step into a new chapter together. Life Church officially launched on September 9, 2018, formed by both new faces and longtime members united around a shared mission.
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At Life Church, our church community is led by a Board of Elders who oversee our vision, teaching, and day-to-day operations. Supporting them is a team of Deacons, who serve as model servants by taking care of tangible needs and protecting the unity of our church. We also have a dedicated Ministry Staff who work under the elders' leadership to help carry out the mission and values of Life Church every day.
Dive Deeper
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Visit
Your first Sunday doesn’t have to feel uncertain. We’ve gathered everything you need to know, including service times, parking, and what to expect, so you can arrive ready to worship.
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Connect
Connection at Life Church Charlotte is about belonging, building real relationships, and living out faith together through groups that meet all over the city, baptism, membership, and church events in South End Charlotte.
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Life Kids
Our Kids Ministry is a fun, safe place where children can learn about Jesus and build friendships. Our team creates an engaging, age-appropriate environment where kids can laugh, play, and grow in faith.