Two Churches, One Family of Faith
New Life Interfaith Ministries began in 1993 when twelve adults from two Bessemer congregations - one Baptist and the other Full Gospel Pentecostal - came together under the leadership of Pastor George M. Matthews, II. God used Pastor Matthews to guide the merger and unification of those two fragments into a single church. While pastoring both congregations, he became convinced that God was calling for a church to minister His Word beyond the traditional limits of local ministry, and that the new body needed a government that would foster the development of a wider base of ministry. The merger created a fellowship designed to communicate God's message to Birmingham, Bessemer, and beyond. The motto "We Are The Life" sits at the center of the church's identity, and more than three decades later, that vision still shapes how New Life Interfaith Ministries operates from its home at 1600 8th Avenue North in Bessemer, Alabama.
What "Interfaith" Means Here
The church describes itself as a Word of Faith, interdenominational, Christ-centered ministry. The word "interfaith" is not about syncretism; rather, Pastor Matthews believes the Kingdom of God on Earth is comprised of believers from every Christian tradition, and the local church should emphasize its commonality in the Lord rather than the lesser areas of doctrinal differences. To provide a broader ministerial covering, New Life Interfaith Ministries and Calvary Resurrection Christian Church are members of the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association under the direction of Dr. Creflo Dollar, Senior Pastor of World Changers Church International in College Park, Georgia. In June 1997, Pastor Matthews was appointed to the Board of Directors of International Covenant Ministries, which later evolved into and operates under the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association banner.
Gathering on Sundays at New Life Central
The Sunday Worship Service begins each Sunday at 9:00 AM at New Life Central. The in-person gathering is livestreamed for those who are traveling or otherwise unable to attend, with the stream available on the church's YouTube LIVE channel, the church's YouTube page, Facebook, and other social platforms. The church's statement of philosophy captures the heart behind these gatherings: "Love God. Love People. Influence the World." They are a vibrant and active fellowship of believers who apply valid New Testament principles to the complexities faced by mankind today, with the sole aim of glorifying Jesus as King and Lord.
What to Expect
The Sunday service is built around the preaching of the Word of Faith, with Pastor George M. Matthews, II teaching. Visitors will find a Christ-exalting atmosphere shaped by the Pentecostal heritage of the founding congregation, with a strong emphasis on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The church teaches that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience from the New Birth, with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, and that the nine Gifts of the Spirit are operative in the church today. Expect worship that lifts up Jesus Christ and preaching that engages both the practical and the supernatural dimensions of Christian faith. The church describes itself as "The Church Isn't A Building. It's People," and the relaxed, family-friendly feel of the in-person gathering reflects that conviction.
A Week of Streamed Devotionals
Beyond Sunday mornings, New Life Interfaith Ministries maintains a near-constant digital presence with several weekday teachings.
- World Changing Wednesday Service streams live at 12:00 Noon and again at 6:30 PM. This service is virtual only and is available on the church's Facebook and YouTube channels.
- My Plate, My Choice and The Purposed Life alternate on Mondays at 12:00 Noon. My Plate, My Choice is a health-focused group designed to help participants reach health goals with helpful tips and recipes, while The Purposed Life walks listeners through steps toward their God-given purpose and the fulfillment of His will for their lives.
- The Word of the Day airs Tuesday through Friday at 12:00 Noon, brought by Pastors George and Judith Matthews. The brief messages are packed with daily inspiration and motivation, available on the church's YouTube and Facebook pages.
This rhythm allows the congregation to remain engaged throughout the week, whether tuning in for a midday teaching or joining Wednesday's two broadcasts.
The Statement of Faith
The church's Statement of Faith runs through sixteen distinct biblical convictions. Among them:
- Belief in the one true God who has revealed Himself in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Belief that Jesus Christ is both true God and true man, and that it is impossible to come to the Father by any other means than through the Son and His shed blood.
- Belief that the Old and New Testaments are God's divinely inspired words and are infallible guides in matters of conduct and doctrine.
- Belief that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that salvation is provided through the redemptive work of Christ and is available to every believer.
- Belief in the doctrine of sanctification as a progressive work of grace beginning at the New Birth and continuing until the consummation of salvation at Christ's return.
- Belief in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate and distinct experience from the New Birth, with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
- Belief that spiritual, mental, and physical healing is provided in the redemptive work of Christ and is available to every believer.
- Belief that the Church consists of all who have received Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
- Belief in a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; those who physically die in Christ immediately go to be with Him in a literal Heaven, while those who die without Christ are eternally lost in a literal Hell.
- Belief in the personal, visible, imminent return of Jesus Christ.
- Belief in water baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; observance of the Lord's Supper; the nine Gifts of the Spirit being operative in the church; and laying on of hands for confirmation, ordination, impartation, and ministry of healing.
- Belief that the tithe of our earnings is holy unto God.
- Belief that Jesus continues to bestow all five of the Ministry Gifts (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher).
- Belief in women in ministry; God's gifts are given without regard to ethnicity, social class, or gender.
The Five-Fold Vision
Beyond belief, the church's vision is to give believers a sense of purpose, develop them to their God-given potential, and assist Pastor Matthews in the fulfillment of God's vision for the ministry. The church reads the word "excel" - to go from one level to the next - as the assignment: the home, community, and world are to be enhanced through the lives of the people of God. Discipleship and training bring believers to the likeness of Jesus Christ through worship, education, and service.
Pastors George and Judith Matthews, with Elder Wrenn
George M. Matthews, II is the Senior Pastor and Founder of New Life Interfaith Ministries. He is ordained, licensed, and has pastored churches in both the Pentecostal and Baptist denominations. He received a charge and commission from the Lord to instruct and build up the Body of Christ in the area of "the unity of the Faith" - that unity which exists corporately in Christ. His teaching ministry is the heartbeat of New Life's Word of Faith expression, and his sermon archive carries series such as "Building The Kingdom," "Uprooting Old Paths," "Digging Wells In The Valley," and "Trauma Unresolved Creates Doubt."
Pastor Judith C. Matthews, a native of Gainesville, Florida, is the wife of Pastor George and serves as Executive Pastor and Founder of the ministry. She oversees the daily operation of the church as Executive Director. Her greatest enjoyment in life comes from studying the Word of God, and the message she feels God has commissioned her to impart stems from Hosea 4:6, "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." She shares that conviction this way:
"In every area of our lives, if we are experiencing failure, it is because we have not established the Word of God in our hearts and His promises to us, the Body of Christ. Many have heard the Word, but have not allowed it to take root in their lives. The Word of God takes root in our lives when we become doers, practicing and applying the Word on a daily basis. To become the 'complete woman' God has created within us requires consistent feeding upon His Words because they are spirit, and they are life."
- Pastor Judith C. Matthews
She is actively involved in the women's ministry at the church, partnering with her husband in the daily teaching of The Word of the Day. The Matthewses together shepherd a flock that spans Bessemer, Birmingham, and the surrounding region.
Elder Peter Wrenn, Jr also ministers at New Life, bringing sermons such as "Portals, Pathways, And The Power To Manifest The Kingdom" into the rotation alongside the pastoral team.
The Counseling Ministry
The Counseling Ministry offers individual and family counseling for a range of issues, along with Pre-Marital counseling. Members who feel they can benefit from the service are invited to complete a counseling request through the church. The team anchors their work in Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellors they are established." Counselors maintain clear professional boundaries and confidentiality, listening attentively and validating members' feelings without judgment to create a safe, accepting environment. Membership is required to receive counseling, and the ministry is rooted in a Bible-based, supportive, and inclusive approach that builds strong, trusting relationships.
Growth Track: Attend, Grow, Serve, Reach
The Growth Track is the church's pathway for moving newcomers from first-time guests to fully engaged servants. The four steps are:
- Attend - Join in worship each week to hear a word from God.
- Grow - Learn how to walk in God's promises in every area of life.
- Serve - Share time and talents in various areas of ministry.
- Reach - Successful ministry is fulfilled by people just like you.
The Connection Card helps first-time visitors and regular attenders alike connect to next steps, while the Member Profile, Member Services, and Prayer Requests portals keep the church office accessible for ongoing needs. Those who want to give of their time can sign up through Volunteer Signup, and budding business owners can connect through the Entrepreneur Spotlight form. The "Joining A New Church" guide walks prospective members through ten diagnostic questions to consider before committing to a new church home, covering vision, ministry for the entire family, divine assignment, financial accountability, atmosphere, and ministerial covering.
Community Engagement and Resources
New Life Interfaith Ministries sees itself as a church that ministers beyond its walls. The Political Education, Awareness, and Advocacy Ministry Team, for example, has hosted a Bessemer Municipal Election Political Forum at the church building, recognizing the importance of informed civic engagement. The church has published blog resources titled "SNAP Benefits Relief" and "Financial Checkup Resources" to help families navigate financial hardship, and offers a "Government Shutdown Assistance" form for those facing sudden loss of income.
The Link is an adults-only Bible study for those aged 25 through 45, gathering for intimate, informal study and authentic connection. The My Plate, My Choice group supports health goals with weekly tips and recipes. Ladies' gatherings include the 9-1-1 Ladies' Night of Worship events, while a Marcus D. Wiley Comedy Night has drawn couples and singles for an evening of laughter. Pastor Matthews also offers marriage and pre-marital counseling through the Counseling Ministry, and the church's blog carries a Marriage category with regular reflections for couples.
The Church's Space
The church building at 1600 8th Avenue North houses the sanctuary, hosts community events, and welcomes traveling guests for the 9:00 AM Sunday gathering. Services at New Life Central are open to the public, and the building has served as a meeting place for civic gatherings like the Bessemer Municipal Election Political Forum. Visitors attending Sunday worship will find a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, consistent with the spirit captured by the church's name: people, not pews, are the point.
Giving and Member Care
Tithes and offerings may be given online via Pushpay, and contribution statements are available through both Pushpay and ACS Giving Statements. Members can log in to the church's member portal to update their information and access member resources. Prayer requests can be submitted online at any time, and the church's main office can be reached at 205-425-4735 during business hours, with a fax line at 205-425-4806.
The church's mission statement remains a steady north star: New Life Interfaith Ministries is a strong New Testament Church of spirit-filled believers who are committed to prayer, personal ministry, evangelism, and discipleship. They are reaching out to Birmingham, Bessemer, and beyond - "Love God. Love People. Influence the World."