1987–1995
The Early Years & Foundational Challenges
New Life Fellowship began in 1987 in a small wooden church on National Street in Corona, Queens. A committed team of 8–10 people came together with a vision for a church centered on Jesus, racial reconciliation, community life, and serving the poor and marginalized.
The church grew quickly—adding over 100 people each year and expanding into a bilingual congregation. But beneath the surface, cracks began to show. In 1994, 200 members left to form a Spanish-speaking church nearby, plunging New Life into what we now call our “dark night of the soul.” This painful season revealed a foundational truth:
You cannot be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. This realization became the catalyst for deep change—both in our leaders and our community.
During this season, New Life also launched the New Life Community Development Corporation (New Life CDC) to serve low-income and marginalized neighbors through practical initiatives like healthcare and food distribution.
Over time, its work expanded to include ESL classes, after-school programs, youth organizing, and anti-poverty initiatives that empower individuals and families toward greater stability.
Today, New Life CDC is an independent nonprofit and New Life’s primary mission partner, continuing to express our shared commitment to love and serve our local community in tangible ways.
