September 13th - October 4th
CURRENT SERMON SERIES: Conquering Chaos
This series shows you how God actually conquers chaos, and what it looks like for you to fight alongside him.
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However you got here, you belong
If you're looking for a welcoming church in Matthews, NC — a place where you can come as you are and bring your questions — we'd love to meet you this Sunday.
Our Mission
To raise the reputation of Jesus where we live, work, and play
Lead Pastor
Clay Monkus
“Your story is safe here.”
Clay is the lead pastor of Next Level Church. He holds a B.A. in Pastoral Leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. He and his wife Jody have been married for 32 years and have three young adult children.
Clay's approach to faith is simple: take the life and teachings of Jesus seriously, but not religiously. He pushes back on faith becoming something that sits in the background of a life without ever touching it, and he champions a culture at Next Level where questions are welcome and no one has to pretend they have it all figured out.
He writes and teaches for the people who feel like they are on the outside looking in, for the ones who have tried church and found it hollow, and for the ones sitting in the middle of it wondering why it doesn't feel like they thought it would.
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Latest Message
Introducing | Because You Gave
September 9, 2026
Because of your faithful response to our family meeting this past July, we're excited to announce that Christian Nichles is joining our staff full-time as Pastor of Spiritual Formation! Join Lead Pastor Clay Monkus for a special interview introducing Christian in his new role — and celebrating what your generosity made possible. #NextLevelChurch CONNECT WITH US https://www.nextlevelchurch.org/ https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelclt/ https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelCLT
Recent Messages
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Events
Begins September 30th
Small Group Experience
6:30-8:30p Main Building Lobby
A five-week small group experience featuring short teachings, honest conversations, prayer, and genuine community.
Sign-Up
September 20th
Next Steps Class
Following The 10:00 AM Service Main Auditorium
If you are new (or newish) to Next Level, Next Steps is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and meet our Lead Pastor and some of our leadership.
More Info
September 25
Fire Pit Social
6:30–8:30 PM Back Church Parking Lot
We’ll have grilled hot dogs and chips, s’mores kits for the fire, music, and plenty of fun for the kids. Bring your own drinks and camp chairs, and come ready to meet some great people in our community.
Let Us Know You Are ComingRead
All posts
September 11, 2026
Why We Say "Formation"
The first in a series on what we're building at NLC — and why we talk about formation instead of programs.
September 11, 2026
Your Story Is Safe Here
You do not have to clean yourself up or explain your past before you belong. At Next Level Church, you can come exactly as you are.
April 3, 2026
The Day Nobody Talks About
If you're sitting in uncertainty today — about faith, about God, about whether any of it is real — you're in better company than you think. The disciples weren't ready either. A short read for anyone
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