Our Mission
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
At The Nepsis Project, we believe human flourishing is central to God’s desire for His people. He calls us to experience life in its fullest abundance.
Our mission is to restore lives impacted by trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles. We seek to cultivate watchful hearts and renewed minds through the power of truth and grace, guiding individuals and communities to recover God-honoring desires and live freely in the abundant life Jesus offers.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful.”
— 1 Peter 5:8
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32
The Nepsis Model™
The Nepsis Model™ is a six-stage framework designed to cultivate emotional and spiritual awareness, sobriety, and maturity in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and psychological insight, it helps individuals and leaders grow toward lasting integrity and transformation.
Through guided coaching, reflective exercises, and formative tools, participants learn to see themselves, others, and God more clearly—recovering their senses and walking in God-Honoring Desire.
The six stages of The Nepsis Model™ include:
Recovering the Senses
Reconnecting with one’s body, emotions, and experience through awareness and honesty.
Laying the foundation for sobriety and mindful living.
Recovering Reality
Seeing life as it truly is—beyond denial, distortion, or self-deception.
Learning to name what’s real, take responsibility, and confront truth in grace.
Recovering Awareness
Developing emotional literacy and spiritual discernment.
Recognizing patterns of avoidance, shame, and desire with greater clarity.
Recovering the Self-in-Christ
Reclaiming identity as beloved and redeemed in Christ.
Integrating grace, repentance, and formation to restore wholeness of self.
Recovering Self-Control
Building disciplines of restraint and attentiveness.
Strengthening the will through virtue, awareness, and Spirit-led endurance.
Recovering Agency
Living as a restored image-bearer who acts intentionally and freely under God’s authority.
Engaging life with purpose, stewardship, and relational integrity.
Through these stages, participants are guided with practical exercises and tools to deepen awareness, embody truth, and walk in holiness with authenticity and courage.
The Jernigans
Hayden — Founder, Coach & Trainer
Hayden provides all individual and group coaching, trainings, and workshops through The Nepsis Project. He holds a M.A. in Clinical Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He specializes in helping men find freedom from sexual addiction, shame, and trauma through clinically grounded, Christ-centered care.
Elizabeth — Co-Founder, Creative Development
Elizabeth is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Counseling with a focus on supporting women who have experienced complex trauma and spiritual abuse. She cares deeply about cultivating emotional and spiritual health in the church and helping women heal with safety, dignity, and hope. She is not currently offering coaching or therapy services.
Together, we seek to build up the church by creating honest, grace-filled spaces where men and women can heal, restore relationships, and experience lasting transformation in Christ. We care deeply about the church becoming a place where people can walk in wholeness and freedom — whether healing from trauma, overcoming addiction, or rebuilding faith after harm.
We currently live in New Orleans and love reading, writing, traveling, fitness, and time outdoors — especially with a good cup of coffee on one of the rare cool mornings here.
