A native of Lincoln, Troy has been on staff at New Cov since 2003, following six years as a high school science teacher. He met his wife Suz while serving in ministry with Young Life and they continue to enjoy ministering together. They have three children: Chloe (and son-in-law Ashton), Landon, and Rylan. As a family, the Hellers love sports and being active outdoors.

Troy is a big fan of iced coffee, bike rides, and cheering for the underdog. He’s passionate about getting to know people’s stories and helping them find community, which makes him a natural fit as our Pastor of Connections. Troy’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Masters in Biblical Counseling.

Contact Troy:
office | 402.484.5033

Dr. Bret Welstead is a native Nebraskan who moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska in 1996. He began attending New Cov in 2000 with his girlfriend Tracie. Tracie and Bret were baptized at New Cov in 2000, married here in 2001, and today their family includes three kids: Cole, Jack and Lucy. Bret enjoys just about anything to do with music, from listening to writing/arranging to performing with others. When the pandemic hit, Bret and his sons formed a band to entertain neighbors from their driveway. His favorite food is spicy, his favorite recent movie is Dune, and his favorite book is whatever he just finished. As the Pastor of Worship & Creative Arts at New Cov since 2006, Bret encourages and equips musicians and other artists, plans and facilitates worship services, and teaches from the platform and in the classroom. In 2016 he earned his Doctor of Worship Studies degree.

Contact Bret:
office | 402.484.5033

Brent has been on staff at New Cov since 2010 after doing college student ministry for 16 years with Cru and teaching seminary classes for three years. His desire is to see people develop the character of Jesus and live lives of meaningful impact. Brent and his wife, Jenni, have two children, Chloe and Phoebe. In their free time, the Watsons enjoy board games, music, and anything involving a swimming pool. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Brent is a fan of Jayhawk basketball. He also enjoys guitars, 80s hard rock, sci-fi, and technology.

Contact Brent:
office | 402.484.5033

Suz Heller is a native Nebraskan who moved to Lincoln to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University, studying Religion and Sociology with the goal of doing student ministry. She began attending New Cov in 1998 as a college student. She met Troy Heller, her future husband, while leading Young Life together, and they were married in 2000. They have 3 kids: Chloe (who is married to Ashton), Landon, and Rylan. Suz loves kids, soccer, riding bikes, and games! She also loves traveling with her family and spending time with friends. 

Before becoming the Children’s Ministry Director in 2021, Suz served on staff leading the Middle and High School Youth Groups.

Contact Suz:
office | 402.484.5033

Amber Hudson was born in Merriam, Kansas, and moved to Lincoln, NE, in high school. She was greatly involved with Campus Life throughout high school and became a leader after she graduated. She met her best friend through Campus Life, who happened to be the sister of her future husband, Greg. They have been married for 24 years and have 3 kids, Noah, Caitlin, and Alexa.

Amber has led youth groups at New Cov since 2017 and joined the staff team in August of 2024 coordinating youth events and working with our youth leaders. Outside of New Cov, she teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA.