Our HISTORY

THE HISTORY OF NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

NewLife Christian Church is built on a foundation of faith, vision, and a deep desire to share the hope of Jesus Christ. Our vision continues to guide us today: Hope and a Future. Our mission is clear: We make disciples who gather, grow, and go, lived out through our Christlike values of truth, prayer, unity, compassion, and generosity.

1974

THE BEGINNING

The church began with humble roots. With the assistance of a musical duo and speaker from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO, nine Bella Vista residents gathered at Riordan Hall for worship on January 13, 1974. Later that year, on September 29, 1974, thirty-four charter members officially established Bella Vista Christian Church, forming a congregation devoted to sharing the gospel and making disciples.

1977 - 1992

EARLY LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH

Don Evans, from Joplin, MO, became the church’s first full-time pastor, serving from 1975 to 1992. Through his faithful leadership and vision, the church grew from meeting at Riordan Hall to building a 400-seat auditorium at Riordan Campus. His passion for the community helped establish some of the first Vacation Bible School programs in Bella Vista, along with other outreach efforts that warmly welcomed new families and laid a strong foundation for future growth.

1992 - 2002

From 1992 to 2002, Richard Hogan of Council Bluffs, IA, was called to lead the church through a season of steady spiritual growth. With a heart for discipleship and leadership development, he helped build strong ministry systems and invested in raising up leaders, strengthening the church from within, and preparing it for the future.

Lee McClanathan, from Rockford, IL, served from 2002 to 2004 and brought fresh vision to the life of the church. He introduced community (life) groups, beginning with just 10 groups that have since grown to more than 100 today. He also helped cast the vision for the church’s first Contemporary Worship service, shaping the direction of worship for years to come.

EXPANDING MINISTRY

Ron Carter, who came from ministry in Napa, CA, served as pastor from 2004 to 2014 and brought a deep passion for children and families. Under his leadership, the church expanded its facilities with a new children’s wing, an atrium lobby, and enhanced music area, creating welcoming space for more families to connect and grow.

Ron also played a pivotal role in leading the church beyond its walls, helping launch a new era of global missions that has become a defining part of NewLife’s identity. Through the generosity of the church, teams have shared the gospel around the world in places such as Africa, Haiti, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Cambodia, Austria, Romania, and India, with even more opportunities ahead.

2014

A NEW CHAPTER

In 2014, Joe Williams, from Kansas City, MO, became pastor and continues to lead today. With a clear vision for the future, he has led the church into a season of meaningful growth and renewed mission.

2016

On January 1, 2016, the church changed its name from Bella Vista Christian Church to NewLife Christian Church, reflecting who we are in Christ and the new life found in Him. During this time, the church has continued to grow and evolve, including updates to the worship auditorium, enhancements to the student center, and the expansion of a strong and dedicated staff team.

Technology has also played an important role in this season, allowing NewLife to extend its reach through online services and digital ministry, connecting with people locally and around the world.

In the spring of 2019, 15 acres of land were purchased off the new bypass in Gravette, preparing the way for future growth. That vision became a reality in 2023 with the opening of the Highlands Campus, expanding the church’s reach as one church in multiple locations across Northwest Arkansas. Today, NewLife offers five weekend services at each campus, creating more opportunities for people to worship together.

50 Years

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

In September 2024, NewLife celebrated its 50th anniversary, with more than 2,000 people gathering in worship at a local outdoor venue to give thanks for all God has done. Over the past five decades, thousands of lives have been transformed through baptism, discipleship, and the mission of helping people gather, grow, and go in faith.

LOOKING AHEAD

What began with nine people gathered in faith has grown into a vibrant church family across two campuses, committed to sharing the hope of Jesus. As NewLife looks toward the future, the mission remains the same, to continue discipling people, strengthening families, and extending the message of Jesus throughout our community and around the world.