Our Story

  • Aerial view of a suburban area at sunset with a dramatic sky, featuring purple, pink, and orange hues. The landscape includes a large warehouse with a white roof in the foreground and residential and commercial buildings. The horizon shows a mix of fields and more developed areas.

    It All Began with a calling

    Our story began with a calling from God to establish a life-giving church in Sturgis, Michigan. That calling sparked prayer, faith, and a burden for this community that would become the foundation for everything that followed. From the very beginning, the heart of the church has been to seek God and reach people with the hope of the gospel.

  • Exterior of a hotel with a green metal roof and a Travelodge sign, featuring a car parked in the front.

    2003 - The first service is held

    In 2003, the first service was held, marking the official beginning of the church in Sturgis. What started in rented spaces quickly became a growing work as people gathered to worship, pray, and encounter God. During this season, lives were changed through salvation, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and baptism in Jesus’ Name as the church continued reaching the community.

  • Street view of a small town row of shops

    2004 - SERVICES HELD AT STOREFRONT

    In 2004, the church moved into a downtown storefront location. This season provided a more permanent place to gather and marked a time of steady growth. Through prayer, worship, and faithful outreach, God continued adding to the church and strengthening its mission in the heart of the city.

  • Sign for Potter's House Church of Sturgis, displaying service times and pastor's name.

    2005 - OUR FIRST CHURCH BUILDING

    In 2005, God provided the church with its first permanent building, located in the heart of Sturgis, where we continue to worship today. This step allowed the church to expand ministry, deepen relationships, and further establish its presence in the community.

  • Fire-damaged church building with boarded-up entrance and visible char marks.

    Early 2007 - CHURCH FIRE

    In early 2007, the church experienced a fire that temporarily displaced services. During this season, the congregation continued worshiping together in a temporary location while repairs were completed. By mid-2007, services resumed, and the church moved forward with renewed faith and resilience.

    As services resumed, the church continued growing spiritually and numerically, with people responding to God through repentance, baptism, and life change. This season reinforced the church’s commitment to perseverance and faith.

  • A church building with visible fire damage, including a charred bell tower, and boarded windows. News banner at the bottom reads: 'BREAKING NEWS - Church evacuated due to fire, Sturgis.' A time stamp and temperature reading are visible on the screen.

    2015 - SECOND CHURCH FIRE

    In 2015, the church faced another unexpected disruption when a fire required temporary relocation once again. Despite the setback, services continued, and by the end of the year the church returned to its building. This season ultimately resulted in improvements that strengthened the church for the years ahead.

  • A group of children and adults gathered in a classroom, with some smiling and clapping. A woman in the center holds a young child, and a man in a suit is handing her a pair of scissors, indicating a celebration or ceremony.

    2025 - New Leadership, New name

    In 2025, following a season of prayer and unity, Kenneth and Justina Bowen were elected to serve as Lead Pastors of the church. This moment marked a clear step forward with renewed vision, energy, and focus on reaching people and building healthy, Christ-centered lives.

    During this same season, the church adopted the name New Life Sturgis. The name reflects our heart to see lives renewed, families strengthened, and our city impacted through Jesus Christ. With clear direction and a shared mission, New Life Sturgis is committed to growth, discipleship, and meaningful community engagement.

  • Sign for City of Sturgis, Michigan on a grassy roadside with background trees and power lines.

    Our Future

    Today, New Life Sturgis is focused on what God is doing now and where He is leading us next. We actively support global and local missions, invest in the next generation, and serve our community through ministry, outreach, and discipleship.

    In February of 2023, 5 acres of land was purchased near the toll road I-90. We believe this to be the future home of our Church Family. If you want to learn more about this project, you can visit our page here

    We look forward to, in good faith, for what God has in store for this church. We believe more than ever that our greatest days are still ahead of us.