In 1984 about 25 families went out from another church in Morton.  These families had a desire for ministry that was relevant and free from tradition.  Initially the group met in school gyms.  Our current building at Detroit and Edgewood was acquired in 1989.  The first service in the current Worship Center was in December of 1993.

Why do some people raise their hands and clap during the singing at NLCC?

Sometimes people come from a church background where outward displays of emotions were discouraged or rejected.   And yet the Bible talks about many outward expressions of worship; bowing down, praising God with instruments of all kinds, singing, clapping, raising hands, etc.  At NLCC we desire to have an atmosphere of freedom to express our love for God in genuine passion from our hearts.  We want to express wholehearted love for God (as our vision statement says).  However, true freedom is also thoughtful and will never violate the Word of God.  It is not a surrender to fanaticism but passionate rejoicing over God's goodness under the authority of the Word and the leadership of the church.

What do you believe about the working and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the best Biblical teaching is that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still in operation today, and will continue in the church until Jesus returns.  This raises the question of 'Is New Life a charismatic church?'  The answer depends on what you mean by charismatic.  If you mean, 'do you require a certain gift to evidence the fullness of the Spirit', the answer is no, we are not charismatic.  If you mean 'do you believe that all the gifts exist today and that we need the power of the Spirit of God to minister', then the answer is yes.  We believe all Christians receive spiritual gifting when they are born again.  We believe that the purpose of gifts is to edify the body as well as expand God's Kingdom.

How is NLCC governed?

We believe that Christ is the only head of the church and He has the right to lead local churches.  Some churches believe His rule is expressed through a single authoritarian leader or through the vote of every member of a congregation.   However, we believe the Bible teaches that elders should lead the local church.  At NLCC, a team of male elders serve as leaders and shepherds for the body.  Their role is to seek God's will as He provides direction.  The elders do not operate by majority rule or vote, rather they are to be in agreement and consensus in all decisions.  The church members have a role in the initial selection of new elders as well as their final approval.

What denomination are you affiliated with?

NLCC is an independent, nondenominational church.  We believe in the autonomy of the local church.  Though autonomous, we believe it is important to be accountable.  NLCC leadership functions in plurality, recognizing Christ as its only head.  Our leadership also voluntarily make themselves accountable to gifted people outside our body for objectivity.  Furthermore, we are in relationship with a variety of Christian groups.  We belong to the Willow Creek Association and we support missionaries with Campus Crusade for Christ, YWAM, and many other evangelical organizations.  Our pastors participate in the Morton Ministerial Association and annually join with other area churches for special events (e.i.  community Good Friday service).  In recent years members of our staff attended conferences featuring Rick Warren (at Saddleback), Bill Hybels (at Willow Creek), and Jack Hayford.  All this is to say that while we are an independent church, we are connected to the greater body of Christ.