About
Four decades of leading, building and strengthening.
Nico Nell has spent his working life with people and organisations — leading them, building them and helping them become what they are called to be.
Nico Nell · Founder, Regula Resource Centre
Nico began in youth ministry in Kempton Park, then served as senior pastor of congregations in Springs and the Eastern Cape. For sixteen years he led a national cluster of churches, community programmes and a resource centre as National Cluster Leader and CEO of Doxa Deo — a season that shaped his conviction that healthy organisations are built, not stumbled into.
Today he serves as Chief Strategy Officer of Doxa Deo Global and leads the City Changers Movement in South Africa, a growing network of churches and leaders working for the transformation of their cities. He also serves in the leadership and governance of the AFM Theological College, including board-level responsibilities.
Regula Resource Centre is the vehicle through which that experience is now offered to a wider circle: churches, non-profits and mission-driven organisations that want to build with clarity, good order and lasting impact — and the leaders who carry them.
The name
Regula — a plumb line.
Regula is Latin for a rule, a pattern or a plumb line — the standard by which a wall is built true. It is a fitting name for work that helps leaders and organisations align what they do with what they are called to be.
The journey
1984 – 1986
Youth Pastor, AFM Kempton Park
The start of full-time ministry — learning to lead people, not programmes.
1986 – 1990
Senior Pastor, AFM Casseldale, Springs
Leading a congregation through growth, change and community engagement.
1991 – 1999
Senior Pastor, AFM congregation, Eastern Cape
Nine years of pastoral leadership on the Eastern Cape coast.
2000 – 2015
National Cluster Leader / CEO, Doxa Deo & Regula Resource Centre
Sixteen years leading a national cluster of churches, community programmes and a resource centre.
2016 – Present
Chief Strategy Officer, Doxa Deo Global
Strategy, human resources and organisational development across a global church movement.
Present
Leader, City Changers Movement South Africa
Serving a growing network of churches and leaders working for the transformation of their cities.
2026
Founder, Regula Resource Centre
Bringing four decades of experience to leaders and organisations who want to build well.
Formation
Education
University of Johannesburg (RAU)
- Diploma in Theology
- BTh
- BTh (Hons)
- MTh
Beyond the boardroom
Nico and his wife Sally live on South Africa's Eastern Cape coast. They have three sons and a growing family of grandchildren — the relationships that keep the work grounded.