Our Story
Rooted in Faith, Growing in Love
For decades, New Life Church of God has been a beacon of hope and community in Bakersfield, CA — a place where lives are transformed and families are strengthened.
Who We Are
Our History
New Life Church of God was founded on the belief that every person deserves a community of faith — a place to belong, to grow, and to be transformed by the love of God. What began as a small gathering of believers in Arvin, California has grown into a vibrant, multi-generational church family.
Through the years, we have remained committed to our founding vision: to preach the Gospel, serve our community, and raise up disciples who carry the love of Christ into every corner of Arvin, Lamont, Bakersfield and the surrounding areas.
Today, New Life Church of God continues to grow — not just in numbers, but in depth of faith, strength of community, and impact in our city. We are a church on the move, and we invite you to be part of what God is doing here.
20+
Years of Ministry
What We Believe
Declaration of Faith
The Church of God believes the whole Bible to be completely and equally inspired and that it is the written Word of God. The Church of God has adopted the following Declaration of Faith as its standard and official expression of its doctrine.
The Inspired Word
We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
The Trinity
We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
Repentance & Forgiveness
We believe that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
Justification & New Birth
We believe that justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Sanctification
We believe in sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
Holiness
We believe holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
Baptism of the Holy Ghost
We believe in the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
Speaking in Tongues
We believe in speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
Water Baptism
We believe in water baptism by immersion, and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Divine Healing
We believe divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
The Lord's Supper
We believe in the Lord's Supper and washing of the saints' feet.
The Second Coming
We believe in the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
Resurrection & Eternity
We believe in the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked.
Meet Our Team
Pastoral Leadership
Our pastoral team is dedicated to shepherding the New Life family with wisdom, compassion, and a heart for God.
Pastor Kevin and Karen Banks
Senior Pastor
Pastor Kevin and Karen have served New Life most recently for the last year. Prior to 2014 they spent 14 years at New Life serving in various roles including 12 years as Youth Pastors and 2 years as associates.
Come Experience New Life
We'd love to welcome you this Sunday. Come as you are — you belong here.