Passing the Baton

Dear New Life Church Family, 

For the past seven months, we have been sharing with our church family an important and historic milestone in the life of New Life Church. As we draw closer to this significant moment, we wanted to formally communicate the details of the upcoming pastoral transition and invite you to join us for a special weekend of celebration, reflection, and anticipation.

After twenty years of faithful ministry, leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the vision of New Life Church, my wife and I will be transitioning from our roles as Senior Pastors and passing the baton. The official transition service will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, during our church's 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend.

For two decades, Yolanda and I have faithfully shepherded this congregation, helping establish a thriving church community where many believed success would be unlikely. Because of God's faithfulness and obedient leadership, New Life Church has experienced remarkable growth, life transformation, and Kingdom impact.

As we celebrate this significant transition, our anniversary theme will be:

"The Graveyard Is a Garden Now."

This theme reflects the incredible story God has written through New Life Church. In a place where many thought little could flourish, God has cultivated a vibrant, healthy, and growing church family. What once seemed impossible has become a testimony of His grace, provision, and power.

Passing the baton highlights the biblical principle of one generation faithfully passing leadership, vision, and responsibility to the next. We believe this transition is not an ending, but a continuation of God's ongoing plan for New Life Church.

We are excited to officially welcome: Pastors Jose and Amanda Rivera as they step into the role of Senior Pastors and continue leading New Life Church into its next season of ministry and impact.

As a church family, we have the privilege of celebrating God's faithfulness, honoring the leaders who have faithfully served for twenty years, and embracing the future He has prepared for New Life Church.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and enthusiasm as we enter this historic season together. We look forward to celebrating with you during this unforgettable weekend.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Bob Kistemaker

Senior Pastor, New Life Church