Pastoral Team.

Eliab (Eli) Lara
Lead Pastor

Eliud (Leo) Lara
Worship/Associate Pastor

We are a Christ-centered, servant-first community with a Kingdom purpose.
SUNDAY 9AM + 11:30AM
THURSDAY 7:00PM
2109 W. Nolana Ave.
McAllen, TX 78504, USA
SUNDAY 8:30AM, 10:00AM, 11:30AM CST
THURSDAY 7PM CST
PRAYER HOUR M-F @ 6AM-7AM/12PM-1PM
PRAYER HOUR SAT @ 10AM-11AM
Eliab (Eli) Lara, originally from Hearne, TX, was born into a family of pastors. Growing up, he had a desire to serve the church as a volunteer. His ministry began at Praise Tabernacle in Edgewater, FL, where he worked his way into the ministry and became a Youth Pastor for three years. He attended biblical seminary at the Church of God while in Florida.
As Pastor Eli Lara grew in the Lord, God quickly began working in his life and moved his heart to serve in Texas. He attended South Texas Christian Studies for theology in McAllen, TX. Eli was moved by the Holy Spirit to serve at his father’s church, “Mensajes de Poder”, where he worked as a full-time youth pastor for four years.
Pastor Eli began evangelizing in English and Spanish churches. He started serving alongside FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) in the Rio Grande Valley where he began receiving invitations to preach at many youth conferences, schools, stadiums, and team camp events all over the nation for over 25 years.
Pastor Eli hosted a radio program that aired Monday through Friday called “Youth with a Purpose”, which he served in for 17 years. In 2013, he began a Thursday night Bible Study, which grew into New Life Family Church, where he serves as the Lead Pastor. His vision is to impact the nations, and his passionate preaching and compassionate heart inspire many everywhere he ministers.
Eliud (Leo) Lara, originally from Hearne, TX, gave his life to the Lord at the age of 16, after losing his mother in a tragic car accident. After this tragedy, he encountered God in such a supernatural way, and God called him into ministry. Leo described himself as a very timid person at that time, and he couldn’t see himself being a public speaker, as it was outside of his character. But everything God promised, He fulfilled. God gave him the boldness to preach the truth. He began to evangelize and travel to different churches across Texas at the age of 17. Leo moved to McAllen, TX to continue his ministry. Growing up, he was the Worship Leader and Sunday school teacher at his father’s church.
In 2018, God called him into full time ministry. Leo continued his role as a Worship Pastor and is now the Associate Pastor at New Life Family Church, where he preaches impactful messages on Thursday evenings. He is passionate and believes in the power of prayer.
Pastor Leo met his wife, Migena, on a missionary trip to Albania, while he was ministering to the Muslim Community. Now, alongside of his wife, they are both discipling others and teaching the Victorious Living Class.
Robert Chapa has been the Executive Pastor since 2020, voluntarily providing supervision of church operations and coordination of staff, ministries, and administration. In 2021, God called Robert into full time ministry.
Robert Chapa is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Believing all truth to be God’s truth, Robert has developed strong skills and interest in integrating both biblical and behavioral insights into the counseling process. He provides pastoral care, offering free counseling services to the community when available.
He has been a part of New Life Family since he began attending the bible study in November 2013.