New Life Outreach International Church
New Life Outreach International ministries emerged from humble beginnings. Its first service was held in 1979 in the basement of the home of its current pastors, Victor and Carmen Torres. The initial congregation consisted of former drug abusers and families from various spiritual backgrounds. The church describes its mission as drawing people closer to Jesus Christ and helping them to become “Christ Like.” New church members join through participation in a bi-monthly membership class, after which they are introduced to the congregation. The church assists members preparing for the ministry within the church as well as within the world. The New Life church prides itself on being church for all people. At present the congregation is predominantly Latino, and average weekly attendance is approximately 250. The text of weekly church services is posted on the internet, and services are broadcast via the Internet. Services also are translated into Spanish for the church’s Spanish-speaking members. New Life International Ministries also supports what are called “daughter churches” that are located in the Bronx, New York, and Huntsville Alabama. These churches also consist of multicultural congregations.
International Ministries has been hailed by past governors of Virginia as well as the Mayor and City Manager of the City of Richmond as a “tremendous success” in its efforts to help the disadvantaged. Currently the church manages several programs for its members as well as the community at large. These include biblical counseling, a care ministry, catering, college and career ministry, video ministry, Power House youth ministry, food pantry, prison ministry, and Ministerio Hispano. One of the most noted ministries within the church is the Power House Youth Ministry as New Life seeks to help the youth mature in their faith. The Church also runs a four phase “Christian Growth Program” that provides vocational training, Bible studies, academic training, and life skills and community involvement training.
New Life Outreach International Church
1005 Turner Road,
Richmond, VA 23225.
804-276-6767
Sources:
New Life Outreach International Church website: http://www.newlife1.org/index.html
nterview with current members
Profile prepared by Rosalyn James
November, 2006
