Keith Nester is a former pastor/youth pastor with more than 20 years in full-time ministry. Keith served in United Methodist, Assemblies of God, and Evangelical Free churches in various roles.
In 2017, after a 20-year-long discernment process, Keith resigned from his full-time ministry position and joined the Catholic Church. In October 2018, Keith felt the call of God to write a book about what life is like for converts in their first year. The Convert’s Guide to Roman Catholicism: Your First Year in the Church is a down-to-earth, realistic look at the transitions, obstacles, joys and challenges new converts face in their first year in the Church. Keith hopes this book will help people who are making the transition into the Church to not only survive but thrive in their new home.
As the Executive Director of Down to Earth Ministries, Keith continues to use his preaching gifts to speak to audiences about faith, theology, and his journey to Catholicism. Keith also creates content on YouTube and his Podcasts “Unpacking the Mass” and “Catholic Feedback.” Keith’s newest book “Unpacking the Mysteries of the Rosary” is a helpful guide to praying the rosary. His meditations on the mysteries of the rosary are enjoyed by people all over the world through his daily live-stream prayer community called “The Rosary Crew.”
In his spare time, Keith loves to ride his Indian motorcycle, and spend time with his family and friends. Keith and his wife Estelle have three adult children and live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
KEITH & ESTELLE
In 1995, Keith and Estelle met while they both worked as servers at The Olive Garden. “The first time I saw Estelle, I said to my friend, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry”, Keith recalls.
They soon began dating (Estelle asked him out because he was too afraid) and after a brief whirlwind romance, Keith convinced Estelle to move to Iowa where he had been offered a job in youth ministry.
Keith and Estelle were married in 1996. They’ve enjoyed watching their three children grow up and have recently rescued a sweet dog to help ease their empty nest symptoms.
In 2020, Keith joined forces with Stewardship: A Mission of Faith to launch Down to Earth Ministries. Down to Earth is Keith’s full-time focus now. He is very excited to be a part of the family of ministries of Stewardship: A Mission of Faith who work together to bring the truth of God’s word to feed the hungry hearts of God’s children.
Even though Keith travels frequently for ministry, Keith and Estelle are active in their parish and love to spend time with family and friends.
THE NESTER KIDS
The Nester kids consist of three amazing young adults. Devon, Jesse, and Drew.
Devon is a 4th-grade teacher working with inner-city children. She also leads worship at her church.
Jesse serves in the Army National Guard. He loves music and plays guitar every chance he gets with his band “Kids Under Bleachers.”
Drew serves in the Army National Guard and is a full-time Ninja coach in Sioux Falls, SD. In 2022, Drew fulfilled his dream of appearing on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior where he became a National Finalist.
