Pastor Dwayne Eslick's journey began in Miami, where challenges during his youth led to early encounters with the law. By the age of thirteen, after visiting a storefront church plant in Hialeah, he committed his life to Christ. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to spreading the gospel.
Dwayne's academic and spiritual growth flourished at Moody Bible Institute, preparing him for 20 years on staff at New Life Community Church, starting in 1998 on Chicago's south side. Over 15 years, he transitioned from assistant to lead youth pastor, guiding hundreds of youths toward faith. In 2011, he felt called to establish New Life's 15th location in Northeast Chicago, fostering a diverse and vibrant congregation in West Rogers Park, which contains the most diverse census tract in the Midwest.
In addition to his local ministry, Dwayne served with the My Hope Campaign with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as a Midwest representative. His personal life is deeply intertwined with his ministry; his wife Cecilia, also passionate about sharing the gospel, has ministered to women and young girls for over two decades. Together, they have four children and cherish their role as grandparents to three.
Dwayne's experience as a teenager co-leading Bible clubs at Miami-Dade County High Schools ignited his passion for uniting believers in evangelism and prayer. His ministry milestones include spearheading The Youth C.U.R.E., uniting over 300 young individuals across 20 youth groups for a concert of prayer, and spearheading Pray NE Chicago which brought together over 300 congregants from 17 churches in the same community for united prayer.
His testimony and passion for sharing the gospel have taken him to over 10 countries on 20 mission trips, where he shares the gospel's transformative power—a message he pledges to spread until he meets Jesus face to face. Currently residing in the Princeton community of Miami-Dade County, Dwayne serves as the ministries director for First Priority in Miami-Dade County. Currently, he coaches and equips student leaders at 22 gospel outreach clubs that impact over 1000 students every year.
