The R3 ALLIANCE (formerly New Life International) was Spirit-born in 1996 in the heart of Bishop Paul Zink, the founding pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship, one of the largest inter-denominational churches in Jacksonville, Florida. Bishop Zink observed the need to strengthen pastors, missionaries, and itinerant ministries in their respective callings. Independent churches without denominational affiliation are among the fastest growing segments of Christianity today. Because of this tremendous growth, the leading was to create a mutual alliance where leaders can connect. Thus, New Life International was born.
In 2014, the mantle of leadership was transferred to Pastor Rusty Nelson, a veteran pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in America, The Rock Family Worship Center, in Huntsville, Alabama. After a conversation with Missionary and Pastor Curtis Silcox, the two identified three needed essential areas on which to focus: RELATIONSHIP, RESOURCE, and REFORMATION. These points formed the trifecta of focus and began the transfer from New Life International to R3 ALLIANCE.
R3 ALLIANCE is not a denomination, nor does it formulate ministries. We are called alongside ministers to assist them. We are an accessible council, not a governing body. Pastor Rusty, President of R3, has said, “Your net worth in ministry is determined by your network.” The heart of the leadership of R3 is to lead by serving, to provide ministry of helps, and to connect to encourage and empower individuals and their ministries in a community of unity.
R3 ALLIANCE is formed by an apostolic covering and a presbytery of ministers. We operate under the structure of the Five-Fold Office Calling of Ephesians 4:7-16.
Someone once said, “A man may be an island to himself; however, there is no limit to the bridges he can build.” Our desire is to break down barriers that isolate us and build bridges that will unite us. There are three levels of connectivity with R3.
We exist to create spiritual synergy and to equip ministers for spreading the Gospel to the lost, establishing the glorious Church for which Jesus is returning, and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven across the nations from generation to generation. This we endeavor to accomplish through maintaining vital RELATIONSHIP with each other, providing needed RESOURCE for those searching, and facilitating genuine REFORMATION through a Biblical worldview.