Leadership

Tyler Jones

Lead Pastor

Tyler joined Gospel Life Church as Lead Pastor in May 2017, bringing with him over a decade of ministry experience. Since beginning full-time ministry in 2004, he has served in a variety of roles—including adults, small groups, youth, and campus pastor.  He earned his Master of Divinity in Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2012. Tyler and his wife, Kathryn, are the proud parents of two daughters, Elsie and Clara.

Jesse Valdez

Pastor

Jesse has been part of Gospel Life Church since its early days as a church plant. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2005, he worked in the non-profit sector before joining the Gospel Life staff full-time in 2013.  He served faithfully as Executive Pastor from December 2017 until this year, when he stepped into a new season to launch his own illustration and design business. Jesse is married to Marie, and together they have two children, Ella and Ethan.

Matt Oakes

Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Liturgy 

Matt serves Gospel Life Church by shepherding our Gospel Communities, Discipleship Groups, theological equipping, and music ministry. He’s married to Joanie, and they have three children, Bella, Imogen, and Noah. Matt is passionate about cultivating and equipping the church to be disciple makers: followers of Jesus who invite those around them to embrace the good news of Jesus in all of life. The gospel really is good news for every part of our lives and Matt loves helping the church explore and grow in the freedom and goodness of life in Christ.  As a New Braunfels native Matt and his family enjoy all the opportunities for outdoor adventure, you’ll often find them camping, at the river, or biking. But honestly they’re big nerds too, so there’s a good chance you’ll find them playing games, or reading at a coffee shop. Matt received his B.S in Worship Arts from Corban University and his M.Div from Redeemer Seminary.

Jonathon Bradford

Pastor

Jonathon has been a part of Gospel Life Church since its founding. He began serving as a Lay Pastor in 2013 and works full-time as an I.T. professional in San Antonio. Jonathon is married to Gaby, and together they have six children and host the Marion Gospel Community. 

Joshua Niles

Pastor

Joshua’s journey of faith began in Bulverde, where he grew up and started attending Gospel Life Church in 2010. He heard the gospel, responded in faith, and was baptized in the Guadalupe River in March of 2011.  He earned his degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and currently serves as a Lay Pastor at Gospel Life. During the week, he works full-time as a Capital Project Manager for the City of New Braunfels, where he also met his wife, Amy. Together, they’re raising five wonderful children—two sons, Zach and Wyatt, and three daughters, Lydia, Julia, and Amelia.

Mona Chandler

Director of Operations

Mona, along with her husband Eric, is the proud mother of two daughters, Abbigail and Charlotte. Mona graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, OK in 2007.  She has been attending Gospel Life Church since 2016 and joined the staff in February 2021 as the Children's Ministry Director. In January 2025, Mona transitioned into her current role as Director of Operations. With a deep passion for serving the children and families of Gospel Life Church, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new position.

Callianne Deschner 

Children's Ministry

Callianne grew up in Wimberley and married her high school sweetheart, Mark. They have been members of Gospel Life Church since 2022, and are so grateful to be raising their two boys, Hays and Parks, in the wonderful community God has provided there. Graduating from Texas A&M in 2014 (whoop!), Callianne taught elementary school in Frisco, TX and Brentwood, TN before moving on to work in children's ministry at their church in Tennessee. Callianne is passionate about encouraging and equipping the next generation of believers, and absolutely loves serving alongside her faithful volunteer team!

Clint and Aubrey Butler

Directors of Men's/Women's Discipleship Groups

Clint and Aubry Butler serve as the Director of Men's/Women's Discipleship Groups at Gospel Life Church. With a deep passion for spiritual growth and community, Clint and Aubry have dedicated many years to fostering meaningful connections and guiding individuals in their faith journeys. They have been members of Gospel Life Church for 7 years and have led a small group for 5 years. At Gospel Life Church, they oversee the development and leadership of discipleship groups, empowering men and women to deepen their relationship with Christ through study, prayer, and fellowship. Clint and Aubry live in Stockdale with their three children, and enjoy taking care of their many farm animals in their spare time.

Nicole Speck

Director of Guest Services

Nicole is a proud New Braunfels native, where she lives with her husband, Josh, and their two children, Mia and Everett. A dedicated member of Gospel Life since January 2015, Nicole works as a dental hygienist at a pediatric dental office in town. She has been an active volunteer in guest services, passionate about creating a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers—whether they are visiting the church for the first time or beginning their journey of faith. Nicole’s goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through the door feels comfortable, accepted, and embraced from the moment they arrive.