Our HISTORY

This church began as a spiritual calling of two families. With the assistance of a musical duet and speaker from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO, nine Bella Vistans gathered at Riordan Hall for a worship service on January 13, 1974. 

1974

A few months later, on September 29, 1974, 34 charter members were established, and the purpose of Bella Vista Christian Church was officially outlined.

1977

 The group continued to grow and they met weekly in the Riordan Hall facility until March 1977 when the first phase of the church building was complete. This included an auditorium with seating for 150.  

1981

In 1981, the second building phase was completed, adding a double level educational wing. In 1987, the third phase was completed, tripling the size of the building, with the addition of a new auditorium which seats 400, a large Fellowship Hall, kitchen, extra classrooms, and conversion of the original auditorium into a small, rustic chapel. Another addition of offices, three classrooms, and an interior update took place in the fall of 1999. 

2010

In 2010 the church stepped out in faith and completed a new children’s wing, renovated the chapel into an Atrium/lobby, created a newly, enlarged office wing and music room. 

2016

On January 1, 2016 our name was changed to NewLife Christian Church, reflecting who we are in Christ. At that same time, the leadership saw an opportunity to further reach out in the community by transforming the lower level Fellowship Hall into a contemporary, relevant Student Center. 

On June 5, 2016 the main auditorium opened its doors to reveal a full update of that room. This new phase has placed NewLife in the position to continue sharing the story of Jesus with the Bella Vista area for many years to come.

2019

In the spring of 2019 NewLife purchased 15 acres of land off the new bypass and began making plans for a second campus.

2023

September of 2023 the NewLife Christian Church opened it’s second campus in Gravette, Arkansas. 

2024

In September 2024, NewLife Christian Church celebrated 50 years of ministry with a special outdoor gathering at a local park that brought both campuses together. More than 2,000 people joined in worship and celebration, giving thanks for all that God has done throughout the church’s first 50 years. Former ministers and longtime members returned to be part of this meaningful milestone.