Meet the pastors

Pastor Trenton Cruse has been involved in ministry for over 23 years. During that time there has been a lot of preparation to get him to where he’s at now. He personally believes we should always be striving to do better, and if we ever feel like we have reached a point where we can’t learn anymore, then it’s time to get back to basics; because there is always something to learn.
He has been married to his wife Ashley for 19 years, and they have two children: Jazmin (15) and Jesiah (8).
Over the course of his ministry he has served as an Associate Pastor in two different churches, preached in several revivals, served in youth ministry, worked with preteens, recorded Contemporary Christian and Christian Hip Hop music, and has been actively involved in other ministries to help God’s purpose go forth and see lives changed.
He has a Master of Christian Studies and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Union University in Jackson, TN; and an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Shawnee Community College in Ullin, IL.
In early 2012, God gave him a vision for a church that simply started as a drawing. He moved to Jackson, TN on August 10, 2012 to finish his degree at Union University, and lived there until October 28, 2016. After completing his degrees, he and his family felt it was time to move to Jackson, MO and begin preparation for the church God had given him to plant. Trenton’s vision has been a long time in the making, and we are excited to see what God is going to do through Next Level Freedom Church not only in Jackson, MO; but around the world.
He has been married to his wife Ashley for 19 years, and they have two children: Jazmin (15) and Jesiah (8).
Over the course of his ministry he has served as an Associate Pastor in two different churches, preached in several revivals, served in youth ministry, worked with preteens, recorded Contemporary Christian and Christian Hip Hop music, and has been actively involved in other ministries to help God’s purpose go forth and see lives changed.
He has a Master of Christian Studies and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Union University in Jackson, TN; and an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Shawnee Community College in Ullin, IL.
In early 2012, God gave him a vision for a church that simply started as a drawing. He moved to Jackson, TN on August 10, 2012 to finish his degree at Union University, and lived there until October 28, 2016. After completing his degrees, he and his family felt it was time to move to Jackson, MO and begin preparation for the church God had given him to plant. Trenton’s vision has been a long time in the making, and we are excited to see what God is going to do through Next Level Freedom Church not only in Jackson, MO; but around the world.

Pastor Bret Hileman has been involved in ministry for over 20 years. Over the course of that time, Bret has served in various positions in the Body of Christ. Early on in his ministry he felt the call to preach, which led him to a position as a youth pastor. He has been involved in youth rallies and a Christian Hip Hop group. After serving as youth pastor, Bret was ordained as an Associate Pastor in 2012 at Covenant Life Church, where he served faithfully until he felt the call to help Pastor Trenton Cruse fulfill the vision of Next Level Freedom Church.
Currently Bret is serving as Associate Pastor in the church by preaching and teaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bret has been married to his wife Affton Hileman for 18 years and they have two wonderful daughters; Tayla (14) and Ella (8).
Bret's hope for the future is to truly see the body of Christ go to the next level with God. He hopes to help people realize that a relationship with Jesus is the only way to truly be free.
With a willing heart and an eagerness to serve; Bret looks forward to seeing what God has planned for him here at Next Level Freedom Church.
Currently Bret is serving as Associate Pastor in the church by preaching and teaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bret has been married to his wife Affton Hileman for 18 years and they have two wonderful daughters; Tayla (14) and Ella (8).
Bret's hope for the future is to truly see the body of Christ go to the next level with God. He hopes to help people realize that a relationship with Jesus is the only way to truly be free.
With a willing heart and an eagerness to serve; Bret looks forward to seeing what God has planned for him here at Next Level Freedom Church.

Pastor David W. Newell has served in various church roles since the 1990s; including as a pastor, teacher, counselor, advisor, and deacon in different cities and states. Professionally, he is an attorney who practices in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. He tries to serve as a Christian example in all his life, whether at home, church, community, or region.
He has been married to his wife Julie for 15 years, and has a daughter named Sophia (9).
He has a bachelor degree and a law degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and a Master of Theological Studies from Evangel University in Springfield, MO.
Currently, he is serving as the Connection Pastor at Next Level Freedom Church, where he is committed to connecting believers and the community into the next move of God. He believes in earnest commitment to prayer, a longing for revival, and a desire to disciple others into the ways of God so all will go to the next level in God's presence.
He has been married to his wife Julie for 15 years, and has a daughter named Sophia (9).
He has a bachelor degree and a law degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and a Master of Theological Studies from Evangel University in Springfield, MO.
Currently, he is serving as the Connection Pastor at Next Level Freedom Church, where he is committed to connecting believers and the community into the next move of God. He believes in earnest commitment to prayer, a longing for revival, and a desire to disciple others into the ways of God so all will go to the next level in God's presence.

Pastor Zachary David has been involved in this ministry for over a year. As a teenager and young adult he battled drug addictions and his own mistakes, but he is an overcomer in the mighty name of Jesus. He gave his life to the Lord as a young teen, but fell away for a time. He recommitted his life to the Lord in 2017 and was baptized in 2019. Zach started attending Next Level Freedom Church in 2021 and in June of 2022 he felt God calling him to youth ministry.
He has been married to his wife Samantha for 7 years. They have 6 children all together. Shayden (14), Ben (14), Nikolle (13), Rayah (12), Brooklyn (11), and Silas (10).
He is currently enrolled in Next Level University, and is due to graduate from the 2yr program in October 2024. He then plans to complete the 3yr program in 2025.
Zach feels there is a great call on this church and youth group, and is ready to keep moving to the Next Level with God.
He has been married to his wife Samantha for 7 years. They have 6 children all together. Shayden (14), Ben (14), Nikolle (13), Rayah (12), Brooklyn (11), and Silas (10).
He is currently enrolled in Next Level University, and is due to graduate from the 2yr program in October 2024. He then plans to complete the 3yr program in 2025.
Zach feels there is a great call on this church and youth group, and is ready to keep moving to the Next Level with God.