Story

1987–1996

1987–1996

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.  

1996–2008

Emotionally Healthy Discipleship & Slowed-Down Spirituality

In the wake of brokenness, we began to reimagine discipleship. Our founding pastors, Pete and Geri Scazzero, led the church to integrate emotional health into every level of spiritual formation. We focused on healthy relationships, marriages, and personal transformation—not just spiritual activity. 

A four-month sabbatical in 2004 introduced contemplative practices that deeply shaped our culture. We slowed down. We practiced Sabbath, Daily Offices, and created Rules of Life to anchor ourselves in the presence of God. 

This season taught us that everything—work, rest, leadership, and relationships—is holy. We began to grow slowly and intentionally, resisting the temptation to become a crowd, and choosing instead to become a deeply formed community.  

2008–Present

2008–Present

Expansion, Leadership Transition & Deep Formation

Between 2008 and 2013, New Life experienced its fastest growth, expanded to three services, and began sharing Emotionally Healthy Discipleship (EHD) globally. In 2013, a four-year leadership transition culminated in Rich Villodas becoming Lead Pastor, with Pete and Geri continuing to support and lead globally through EHD. Under Rich’s leadership, New Life has emphasized racial justice, interior transformation, and holistic discipleship through initiatives like the School of Formation (established in 2021) and the Deeply Formed Life Conference. The launch of a second congregation in Hempstead, Long Island—at the height of the pandemic in 2020— and ongoing community work through New Life CDC reflect a continued commitment to forming lives deeply rooted in Jesus—for the sake of the world.