our leadership

Pastor Dan Comden was born and raised in rural Michigan and blessed to be part of a large, loving Christian family. He attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music (GRSBM) and then Calvin College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a minor in Bible. He and his wife Randi were married in 1977 and moved to Colorado in 1978 to help his brother-in- law and sister – Chuck and JoEllen (Comden) Anderson, founders of New Life Bible Church. For the past 40+ years Dan and Randi have been serving at New Life in everything from working with youth to teaching Sunday School to leading in Awana, Vacation Bible School and other children’s ministries. For most of these years Dan has also served as an elder. They also serve on the board of Rocky Mountain Honors Camp and on the regional board of Awana ministries. Randi has led ladies’ Bible studies for years and served in many other capacities. They have 5 children, 4 of whom are married, and 12 grandchildren.

Andrew ‘Drew’ Comerci, although born in Denver, Colorado, spent most of his childhood in rural Southern Arizona before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico to finish High School. He returned to Arizona to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona and went on to pursue a career in dentistry after graduating the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2011 in Aurora, Colorado. In repayment of a scholarship commitment, he served six years with the United States Air Force as a dentist. During this time, he completed a residency program and was awarded a Master of Science in Oral Biology. Upon separation from the Air Force in May 2017 he joined a dental practice in Pueblo, CO, where he continues to practice today.

Pastor Drew met his beautiful wife, Guadalupe, while they studied abroad in Spain. They have since been blessed with 15 plus years of happy marriage and three wonderful children.

The Comerci family has attended New Life Bible Church since moving to Pueblo in 2017. Pastor Drew began serving as an elder of the church in February of 2020. He has a passion for serving the Lord in his family and the local church with a particular heart for fatherhood and encouraging men to grow into the spiritual roles God designed for us.

Pastor John Snyder, B.S.E.E. Penn State University, M.B.A. Lebanon Valley College, M. Div. The Master’s Seminary. After working for 10 years in the business world for various companies including Frito Lay, 3M, and GTE (now Verizon), John was called by God to full time ministry. He attended seminary 1997 – 2000, then after graduation, John, his wife Danese, and their sons Jake and Jordan served the Lord for eight years in Samara, Russia where John taught Bible Exposition at Samara Center for Biblical Training. He moved with his family to Pueblo, CO in July 2009 to serve the Lord at New Life Bible Church. His passion is to make disciples for Jesus Christ in the context of the local church (Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11-16, Colossians 1:28-29).

Pastor Rick Thomas has been blessed to serve the Lord in full time local church ministry since he graduated from Calvary Bible College in 1987 with a masters degree in biblical studies. After being raised on a farm and ranch in western Kansas, he graduated from Fort Hayes State University in 1982 with a degree in agri-business. During that time he met his wonderful wife, Brenda, who has been a faithful wife in life and ministry since their marriage in 1981. To that marriage the Lord has blessed them with five children who are now serving the Lord in their churches as well. Rick has a passion for serving the Lord locally by discipling people and helping them to grow in Christ-likeness through study and practice of the Scriptures. He also has had opportunities to take the gospel ministry to other countries and is excited to see what the Lord will continue to do through New Life Bible Church to advance the Great Commission around the world. In his free time, Rick enjoys spending time with family, enjoying grandkids and working with various home and garden projects. A key verse in his life is Heb. 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us fixing our eyes in Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Statement of faith

the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, inerrent in the original writings, and consisting of the Old and New Testaments.

in the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, His sinless life, substitutionary death upon the cross, His burial, physical resurrection, ascension into heaven and His future return for His bride, the worldwide body of born again believers.

in one God, eternally existing in three persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

in the fall of man, his depraved nature and need for a Redeemer, and that salvation is the gift of God, received by faith without the works of man.

in a literal devil called Satan, who is our adversary.

that the children of God express their love for their Lord through obedience to the Word of God and love for one another.

in a literal heaven for the redeemed and a literal hell for the lost.

that every Christian shall stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give account, not of his sins (which were removed by the death of Christ), but of his faithfulness and labors of love performed after he was born again and became part of the family of God.

Philosophy of Ministry

In general, our philosophy of ministry as shepherds of God’s flock can be expressed in a single word –Christ. Paul said, “For me to live is Christ.” That was his philosophy of life and ministry. It is ours as well. What do we mean by that?

First, Christ is the explanation for our ministry – He’s the reason why we are pastors. He saved us, called us with a holy calling, and put us into this ministry. If the question is, “Why do you men serve in the church as pastors, what motivates you to lay down your lives for the flock?” our answer is, “Christ.”

Second, Christ is the example for our ministry – His way is the way we want to pastor. He came to serve and called us to do the same (Mark 10:43-45). He’s given us a record of His life and ministry and instructions so we know what to do. If the question is, “How will you seek to serve?” our answer is, “like Christ.”

From Christ’s example and teaching, we understand that:

- Our goal is to make disciples for God’s glory (Matthew 28:18-20)

- Our priorities are prayer and ministry of the word (Mark 1:35-39, Acts 6:4)

- Our plan is to show an example to the flock and seek in every way to equip the saints for the work of ministry that together we will exalt our Savior, evangelize sinners, and edify and equip future servants of God (Eph 4:11-12, 1 Pet 5:1-3).

Third, Christ is the energy for our ministry. His strength is our supply (Col 1:28-29; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Christ has given us His Spirit to strengthen us when we’re weary, convict and correct us when we go astray, comfort us when we’re downhearted. If the question is, “How do you do it?” our answer is, “through Christ.”

Finally, Christ is the end of our ministry. It is for His sake, for His name, for His glory that we labor and strive. He is coming soon! And when He appears we want to be found faithful. We want to present to Him a pure bride. If the question is, “Why keep going?” our answer is “for Christ.”

And if the question is, “How long?” our answer is “Until we see Him face to face.”

Doctrinal Distinctives

A Biblical view of God

We believe and teach there is one true and living God, the eternal Creator and sovereign Lord of all, who exists eternally in three Persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Acts 17:24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,27 so that they should seek the Lord (God is eternal Creator and sovereign Lord over all.) Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (“name” is singular because all three Persons of the Godhead – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are equally God and have the same name, the same glorious nature.) John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory… Jesus Christ is God) Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit …You have not lied to men but to God." (The Holy Spirit is God)

A Biblical view of the Scriptures

We believe and teach that the 66 books of the Bible (39 OT, 27 NT) comprise the perfect, pure, authoritative, sufficient, and complete written revelation of the living God. Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (God’s word is perfect) Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. (God’s word is pure) Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (God’s word is authoritative) 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.. (God’s word is sufficient) Revelation 22:18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (God’s word is complete)

A Biblical view of the revelatory and sign gifts like the gift of tongues

We believe and teach that certain gifts were given by God for the early years of the church when the NT was not complete. Tongues is an example. The following are key truths about tongues. Tongues was the ability to speak in known foreign languages, not some angelic language. Acts 2:8 how is it we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs –we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” Tongues was a gift to some, not all, and what was said in a tongue was to be interpreted. 1Cor. 12:8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit…10 and …to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues…30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? (The answer implied by Paul is, “No, of course not, all do not speak with tongues.”) Tongues were for a limited time only. The Spirit said through Paul that tongues would cease. 1Cor. 13:8… if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; Tongues was being abused by some in the church. It was to be a sign to unbelievers but some were speaking in tongues among believers, without interpretation, edifying no one but themselves. Paul rebuked them, said prophesying is superior, and regulated the use of tongues. 1Cor. 14:4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 .. greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. 19 in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. 22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers…23 If therefore the whole church should assemble together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted or unbelievers enter, will they not say you are mad? (yes!) 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church…

A Biblical view of the future

We believe and teach the blessed hope of the personal, imminent return of the Lord Jesus to rapture the church before the great tribulation. The rapture will be followed by seven years of tribulation unlike anything the world has ever seen. That day of judgment will be ended by the Lord when He returns to earth to establish His Millennial Kingdom. John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

A Biblical view of preaching and teaching

We believe and teach that accurate, authoritative preaching and teaching of the word of God, both publicly and house to house, is a priority for church gatherings, as this is God’s ordained means of saving sinners, sanctifying saints, equipping servants, and exalting our Savior Jesus Christ. Mark 1:38 But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth." Acts 6:2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. …4 we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. John 7:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

A Biblical view of church leadership

We believe and teach that the local church is to be led by a plurality of godly men variously referred to as elders (a reference to their maturity) pastors or overseers/bishops (references to their ministry). The elders are to be helped by another group of godly men called deacons. 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober–minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double–tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (See also Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-3)

A Biblical view of ministry by every member of the body

We believe and teach that God in His sovereignty has bestowed upon every believer various spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving Him in the church as a member of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.