Nicole Unice
Pastor for Church Planting
“We live in an increasingly lonely and disconnected world, which means the freedom and grace of Jesus and the power and love of community is needed more than ever. Dave and I both believe in the transformative power of new expressions of faith to reach people far from God and ignite new opportunities for mission right here in our city. We are so excited about this new season together with Third!” — Nicole
A graduate of William & Mary and Gordon Conwell Seminary, Nicole brings over 25 years of ministry experience to this new role, with particular gifting in forming and discipling leaders, gathering teams, evangelism, and preaching and teaching. She spent over a decade on staff at Hope Church, where she was ordained as a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). Starting in 2012, she began writing and publishing, and has now written seven books and curriculum through Tyndale, NavPress, and David C. Cook. After leaving Hope in 2019, Nicole has continued to write and preach throughout the country, as well as building a coaching and consultancy business, working with both churches and for-profit organizations alike to foster health, develop leaders, and guide them through complex challenges.
Beyond her myriad accomplishments, Nicole holds a deep belief that the local church is the primary vessel for human flourishing and community renewal. Nicole lives in the Museum District with her husband Dave, and is mom to Charlie (living in NYC), Cameron (Senior at Davidson College), and Des (Freshman at W&M). In her free time, you can find her literally running around town, reading a book for book club, or gathering her people to her house for great food and even better conversation.
Nicole began her role on October 5, 2026, and will join our staff for two years while she learns the culture of Third and prepares to plant the new congregation. Over the next two years, she will occasionally preach, teach Sunday classes, and work alongside our ministry team and lay leaders.
In the third year, Nicole will be sent by Third along with a core community to launch a new church plant. This church plant directly advances our 2025 Strategic Plan, which you can explore in more depth here.