A Brief History of New Life Community Christian Church
(updated January, 2025)
The history of New Life Community Christian Church is somewhat brief in comparison to many other congregations in western Colorado. Since its inception in 1973, the congregation had been affiliated with a national Lutheran denomination, and specifically the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America (ELCA) since 1983. However, in April of 2024, at the congregation’s request, the ELCA synod released them from formal association. Subsequently, the local church council, on behalf of the congregation, changed the name of the church to New Life Community Christian Church from All Saints Lutheran Church. As the congregation sought a new direction by immersing themselves in true Biblical Christianity, a working motto was developed: New Name! New Look! New Life! The congregational mission changed from safekeeping denominational principles and liturgies to one more befitting of carrying the cross of Christ. Contrary to what some nay-sayers believed at the time, the decision to leave the denomination was not one made quickly nor was it one taken lightly. In fact, during the congregational meeting with ELCA representatives on April 14, 2024, Synod Bishop Jim Gonia made a statement that the request for separation did not come to him as a surprise as it had been discussed amongst the congregation for several years.
While disengaging from this alliance might pale when compared to other things that have transpired throughout the history of Christ’s church, all things considered, it was nothing short of a miraculous intervention by God. This is particularly illustrated by the fact that the majority of the congregation were life-long Lutherans, or had at least been practicing that faith for the better part of their lives; and as mentioned above, the congregation had flown the “flag” of denominational Lutheranism since its inception. The congregation’s willingness to be transformed into a community Bible church is an immeasurable testament to God’s grace and faithfulness.
What led to the change?
If you are old enough to remember when both family and community life revolved around the local church, you have also witnessed a dramatic disintegration in the church’s importance for both. The most noticeable result has been the significant decrease in church attendance and participation, particularly in denominational-oriented congregations. The catalyst for this decline can be attributed to more than one cause, but of overriding concern is that many congregations across the country (including Delta County) have deteriorated into little more than social clubs. While social clubs have their place for the pursuit of interest, hobby and fellowship, they lack the power to meaningfully change people’s lives. This digression into a club atmosphere is not all that surprising when considering so many congregations have relinquished God’s Word as their primary authority, and have instead adopted as their guide whatever secular thought is momentarily fashionable. This is evident in such statements as “you have your truth and I have my truth.” Apostle Paul warned about those who “claimed to be wise” but “became fools” (Romans 1:22 NIV). As denominational congregations immersed themselves in “enlightened” cultural ideals, many not only lost direction, but they lost the authentic life-changing power of Christ that is revealed through God’s Word, the Bible. The effect of this failure over time manifested into a diminished hope for the unchurched as well as those seeking a meaningful relationship with Christ in a local congregation. Even for many church-going Christians, the church has become just another event to be juggled in a busy life. Thus, one must ask the obvious question: “if there is little noticeable difference between the world and the church, why take the time to go to church, or even believe in a crucified and risen Savior?”
From the perspective of the congregation, now called New Life Community Christian Church, this erosion was precisely what was occurring within the national ELCA denomination. Specifically, the national denomination was perceived as one immersed in the latest cultural fashion of “enlightened” thinking, and in the congregation’s opinion, “left the rail tracks of Biblical Christianity.” It appeared that the ELCA, along with most other denominational churches, were bent on “keeping up with the times” while failing to recognize that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV), and disregarding God’s own Word: “I the Lord do not change…” (Malachi 3:6 NIV). Besides, a Delta County country church receiving ecclesiastical direction from a Synod geographically located in Denver, CO and headquartered in Chicago, IL, was questionable to say the least.
So, after many months (or as the bishop pointed out - years) of discussing, planning and praying, the congregation charted a new course for its future. The congregation made the necessary changes to become a welcoming and loving house of God for those seeking more than an empty or ordinary life. Although the congregation continues to evolve and learn to be responsive to the Savior and God’s Word, New Life Community Christian Church has become a place of prayer, growth, healing and purpose for those desiring a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. The future of the congregation is dependent on its members keeping their eyes on Jesus and responding to his call for individual and united growth, love and service.
In the midst of these changes including the disaffiliation from the Lutheran denomination, the congregation never thought to diminish the work in Christ done by past congregational members and leaders. This is particularly true for those who had the insight to purchase the land on which the church building now stands. The three-acre parcel of land, upon which the present building sits, was purchased in 1994 for $20,000, with building construction beginning in June, 1998. The 4,400 square-foot building was completed in March of 1999 in time for Palm Sunday services to be held. The cost of the new building was $128,560. This low construction cost was made possible by many volunteer congregational members. Thanks to the sale of previously owned property, some amassed savings, and a building-fund drive, the congregation was debt -free when the building was completed. New Life remains debt free. Since its original completion there was an addition that provided more space for fellowship and children’s education, along with a few upgrades to the landscape.
Pastors
Tom George (current pastor)
In January, 2025 the congregation called Tom George of Delta, CO to serve as their pastor. Tom is a well-beloved local in the community and has significant experience in pastoring, prayer, discipleship, and preaching the Word of God. One local pastor referred to Tom as “the best street preacher in the county.”
Dennis McLaughlin
In Oct., 2023, the congregation called Rev. Dennis McLaughlin of Fruita, CO to be its interim pastor after an absence of a pastor for a few years. At their request, Dennis assisted the congregation by providing spiritual leadership, planning and organizational support in its movement from the ELCA to a community Bible-based church. In December, 2024, Dennis completed his interim ministry, handed the pastorship over to Tom George, and agreed to stay on as executive pastor to assist as needed.
Other early pastors known to have served the (Lutheran) congregation include Rev. Elwin Bergstraesser, Rev. Joy Eisenhauer, Rev. Ludwig Scholl, Rev. Norm Natzke, Rev. Stephen Wengrovius, and intern vicars (under supervision of Rev. John Petty): Todd von Gunten, Faith Jensen, and Victoria Brundage. Later pastors include: Rev. Jan Johnson, Rev. Tom Lange and Rev. Paul Rosin.
A Timeline of Significant Historical Dates
1973, January 23 - Congregational founded as a satellite of the American Lutheran Church in Grand Junction, CO. Initial services were held at Horizon Nursing Home near Eckert, CO.
1975, September - the congregation began meeting at the Austin Baptist Church.
1985, October - the congregation moved into a rented refurbished building near Cory, CO; two years later, the congregation purchased the building.
1986, December - the congregation voted to join the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
1994, August - the three acre parcel of land at 20101 Deer Creek Rd., Austin, CO was purchased by the congregation (Location of current church building.)
1998, June - church building construction began.
1999, March - building construction complete.
1999, March 28 - first worship service was held in the new building on Palm Sunday.
2024, April 14 - ELCA Bishop Jim Gonia meets with the congregation to discuss their request to dissolve denominational affiliation.
2024, April 24 - ELCA synod releases the congregation from affiliation, which marks the beginning of New Life Community Christian Church.
