We are here to serve

Meet Our team

Dale Swanson

Senior Pastor

RELEASING POTENTIAL
Dale is the lead pastor at New Life Church. He was raised in Santa Barbara, and he loves this city. He attended Westmont College where he earned his BA in Liberal Arts. He holds a Master's degree in Biblical Counseling from Liberty University. His passion is teaching, coaching and releasing leaders into their full potential. He's also a die hard USC football fan and his favorite pass-time is playing basketball.

Kelsey Schuett

Discipleship Pastor

Maximizing Potential
Kelsey serves as our Discipleship Pastor. Pastor Kelsey is passionate about equipping people to know and love Jesus. Kelsey leads Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at UCSB, alongside her husband. Kelsey disciples and connect regularly with young adults. Kelsey is a mom to Leo (9 months) and she also loves to travel. She has led multiple mission trips to Bosnia and other Eastern European countries. Kelsey is currently earning her masters degree from Fuller Seminary.

Rose Cantrell

Children's Pastor
EMPOWERING TRUTH

Rose is a graduate from Life Pacific University. Rose is originally from Denver, CO where she grew up before heading out to college in Cali. She earned her BA degree in Transformational Ministry and Biblical Studies. Rose loves hanging out with friends, and you might find her out walking her dog, Magnolia.

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Amy swanson

Executive Pastor

SUPPORTING GROWTH
Amy serves alongside Dale as the executive pastor at New Life and an ACC certified leadership coach. She's also a Westmont grad and was a local high school teacher of English for 25 years. Her passion is supporting growth in others and helping leaders navigate life transitions with clarity and confidence. In her spare time, she runs a mobile petting zoo business with her son, and she collects honey from her beehives

Dane Schuett

Worship Pastor

Cultivating Growth
Dane serves as the Worship Pastor at New Life Church. He also leads Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at UCSB, alongside his wife, Kelsey. Dane studied Business and Economics at California State University Channel Islands. and he is a graduate of the Western Ministry Institute for our Foursquare leaders. Dane is a dad, an avid traveler and an enthusiastic 'gamer'. He is passionate about bringing the Kingdom to UCSB and helping young people find their true calling in Christ.

Alison Cuevas

Youth Pastor
RESTORING UNITY

Alison is our newest team member. She has experience and passion for leading youth and brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our church. Alison was born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in the Washington DC area. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 and has since developed a passion for youth and young adults. She is comitted encourage students to pursue the adventure of a life long relationship with God.

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zach Stewart

Staff Admin

Zach and his wife and three young kids moved to Santa Barbara from West Virginia in 2020. Zach is a stay at home dad with his three kids and he uses his exceptional organizational skills to keep our office and staff running like clockwork! Zach roasts his own coffee brand and he uses his musical talent on Sunday playing drums in our worship band.

New Life Church Council Members

The Church Council is comprised of men and women who are active members in good standing and demonstrate spiritual maturity. Council members serve a dual role. They advise the pastor on financial and property matters, acting as an advisory board. Additionally, they represent the congregation and provide spiritual support to the lead pastor and other pastors on staff.