History of New Life Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado) in Timeline

New Life Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

New Life Church is a large, multi-site church located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It operates as a charismatic evangelical non-denominational megachurch.

1984: New Life Church Founding

In 1984, Ted Haggard founded New Life Church as an independent church that initially met in his home. The church expanded from these humble beginnings to larger meeting spaces.

1990: Sanctuary Dedication

In 1990, the initial sanctuary on the New Life Church campus, now called "the theater", which seats 2,000 people, was dedicated. It is used for the New Life Friday Night congregation and New Life Kids on Sunday mornings.

1997: Appearance on This American Life

In 1997, Ted Haggard and other members of New Life Church were featured on an episode of the PRI radio program This American Life.

1998: Opening of the World Prayer Center

In 1998, the World Prayer Center opened on the New Life Church campus. The World Prayer Team, under Modern Day Missions, initiated global internet-based prayer efforts from this building. The building includes prayer rooms.

1998: Spiritual Mapping and Strategic Spiritual Warfare

Starting in 1998, New Life Church engaged in spiritual mapping, identifying areas believed to be controlled by territorial spirits and praying against them. This involved activities such as anointing villages in Mali and creating a prayer shield in Colorado Springs. The church was considered the epicenter of redefining Christianity.

2003: Dedication of The Tent

In 2003, The Tent was dedicated on the New Life Church campus. It is used for various ministry gatherings, including the Junior High Sunday Service.

2005: Influence on Evangelicalism

In 2005, it was claimed that New Life Church held more sway over the political direction of evangelicalism than any other church in America, solidifying Colorado Springs as a conservative evangelical center.

2005: Dedication of the Main Sanctuary

In 2005, the current main sanctuary, called "the Living Room", which seats 8,000 people, was dedicated.

November 2, 2006: Accusations Against Ted Haggard and His Resignation

On November 2, 2006, Ted Haggard was accused of paying a male escort for sex for three years and using methamphetamine. On the same day, Haggard voluntarily stepped down as pastor to allow an investigation to proceed with integrity and to seek spiritual guidance.

August 2007: Brady Boyd Becomes Senior Pastor

In August 2007, Brady Boyd became the senior pastor of New Life Church.

December 9, 2007: New Life Church Shooting

On December 9, 2007, Matthew Murray opened fire in the New Life Church, killing sisters Rachel and Stephanie Works and injuring others. Jeanne Assam, a security volunteer, shot and wounded the gunman, who then killed himself. Earlier that day, Murray also attacked a Youth With A Mission training center.

January 2009: Allegations of Inappropriate Relationship

In January 2009, new allegations emerged that Ted Haggard, while pastor at New Life, had an inappropriate relationship with a former attendee. The church reached a six-figure settlement with the man.

2023: Church Census Release

In 2023, a church census indicated that New Life Church claimed a weekly attendance of 15,000 people across eight campuses in the Colorado Springs area.