ESTABLISHED 1976
For half a century, God has been at work through New Life, changing lives through a Christ-centered community.
OUR STORY
Five Decades of God’s Faithfulness
Looking Back
October 31, 1976
New Life Begins
Following God’s call to plant a church in Woodbury, Reverend Richard “Dick” and Patti Wiens joined a small group of families to establish New Life Baptist Church. The first service was held on Sunday evening in a 3M office building on Woodlane Drive, where God faithfully provided through an offering that fully met the church’s immediate financial needs.
January, 1977
The First Classroom
Head Administrator Dan Nordgren, along with teachers Patti Wiens and Sharon Strom, launched New Life’s first classroom with just 10 preschoolers in the basement of First Baptist Church in South St. Paul. Their vision of partnering with families and the church to nurture students in faith and learning became the foundation of New Life Christian School.
September, 1977
New Life’s First School Year
New Life Christian School opened its first full school year with 76 students in PreK through sixth grade under the leadership of Head Administrator Dan Nordgren in the building of First Baptist Church in South St. Paul. What began as a single preschool classroom was quickly growing into a Christ-centered learning community built on faith and family partnership.
1977
God Provides the Land
As New Life continued to grow, the church and school found temporary homes at Woodbury’s junior and senior high schools. Seeking God’s direction for a permanent home, Dick Wiens went door to door asking if anyone had property they would be willing to sell. After initially refusing, one homeowner felt God’s leading to reconsider, opening the way for New Life to purchase 22 acres with a home, pole barn, and pond that remains our campus home today.
May 6, 1979
A Place to Call Home
New Life Church gathered for its first worship service on the campus that continues to be home to the church and school today. The new building welcomed a growing congregation and the school, providing space for worship, learning, and a ministry that would impact generations.
May, 1983
The First Graduate
The 1982–83 school year marked New Life Christian School’s first year serving students from PreK through 12th grade, with an enrollment of 307 students under the direction of Head Administrator Cleon Engel. In May, Joel Harper became the school’s first graduate, beginning a legacy of graduates who continue to impact their communities and the world for Christ.
1985
Building for Growth
Head Administrator Cleon Engel was joined by Patti Wiens as Assistant Administrator. With enrollment reaching 475 students, New Life completed its first building addition, creating much-needed space for high school classrooms, a library, and a cafeteria. Engel served as Head Administrator until 1991, when Wiens stepped into the role.
1986
Athletics Take Root
Under the direction of Athletic Director Curt Wetsel, New Life’s athletics program grew from a single elementary soccer team into a thriving program. In 1986, the Boys’ Basketball team captured the Conference Tournament Championship, establishing a tradition of athletic excellence that continues today.
1990
A New Name
New Life Christian School officially became New Life Academy, distinguishing itself from another school with a similar name. By 1990, New Life Baptist Church also changed its name to New Life Church of Woodbury. Though the names changed, the church and school’s Christ-centered mission remained unchanged.
September 10, 1997
A New Educational Wing
With enrollment reaching 672 students, New Life Academy delayed the start of the 1997–98 school year until the new educational wing was completed. Opening on September 10, the expansion provided much-needed classrooms for a growing school and was dedicated later that fall.
October 26, 1997
A Place to Worship
Just weeks later, New Life Church dedicated its new Worship Center, ending 18 years of holding services in the gymnasium to make room for the school’s continued growth. The new space welcomed a growing congregation, beginning with two Sunday services before expanding to three.
1999
A Spirit Week Tradition Begins
One of New Life’s most beloved Spirit Week traditions began with the first Decade Dance. Each high school class performed a choreographed dance inspired by a different decade, with the junior class capturing the first title through its 1950s performance.
February 28, 2003
A Firm Foundation
Following Patti Wiens’ retirement from New Life Academy in 2002, founding Senior Pastor Dick Wiens retired after 26 years of ministry at New Life Church. By this time, God had firmly established New Life on a Christ-centered foundation.
2003
A Growing Campus
By the end of 2003, New Life had acquired additional land and completed its third major building addition, adding a new High School educational wing and Wetsel Court, named in honor of New Life’s first Athletic Director, Curt Wetsel. The expansion created more space for learning, athletics, and community.
2004
Athletics Reach the Next Level
Building on years of growth, the New Life Academy Boys’ Basketball team won the Section Championship to become the first athletics team in school history to advance to the State Tournament.
June, 2009
Multiplying the Mission
By 2009, New Life Church had grown into a thriving community with multiple worship services, vibrant ministries for every generation, and local and global outreach. That June, 15 families were commissioned to help plant a new church on the west side of the Twin Cities, extending New Life’s mission beyond its own campus.
December, 2009
Students Serving the World
New Life Academy students launched BACBAW (Buy A Coffee, Buy A Well) to raise funds for clean water projects around the world. What began as a Christmas fundraiser to build a single well continues today as a student-led ministry of service and global impact.
Fall 2013
Welcoming a Growing Community
The completion of the fourth major campus expansion marked another season of significant growth for New Life. The addition created welcoming spaces for students, families, and the church community, including a new entrance, the Great Room, gathering areas, classrooms, administrative offices, and updated dining facilities.
December, 2013
Taking Center Stage
New Life Academy’s production of Hello, Dolly! earned Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Awards for Outstanding Overall Production and Outstanding Overall Performance, recognizing the growing excellence of the school’s fine arts and theatre program.
March-April, 2015
The Gospel Brought to Life
New Life Church celebrated 25 years of Crown Him, its annual Easter production sharing the story of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Over the years, the production became a cherished tradition, bringing together members of the church and community to proclaim the hope of Easter through drama and music.
September, 2016
Meet Soarin
During Homecoming 2016, the New Life community came together to name the school’s mascot. After students, families, alumni, and friends submitted ideas and voted on the finalists, Soarin officially became the newest Eagle.
2017
Innovative Learning
The former Media Center was transformed into Makerspace, an integrated, hands-on STEAM learning hub where students explore, create, and solve real-world challenges. Designed for students from Early Ed through Lower School, it inspires innovation while helping students discover and develop their God-given gifts.
2017
AWANA – Growing Faith for Generations
In 2017, New Life Church celebrated 40 years of AWANA ministry. First launched at New Life in 1977, AWANA has helped generations of children and youth grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and their relationship with Jesus. Today, the ministry serves ages 3–18 through Bible teaching, Scripture memory, caring leaders, and plenty of fun.
2023
Beyond the Classroom
New Life Academy’s Robotics Team advanced to the State Tournament for the first time, highlighting the many ways students can discover and develop their unique talents and abilities through academics, clubs, arts, athletics, and leadership.
December, 2024
Positioned for the Future
New Life adopted a new leadership structure to strengthen collaboration between the church and school. With shared leadership, dedicated operational oversight, and division principals, the ministry is well positioned to faithfully serve families for future generations.
June 25, 2026
New Life’s Story Continues
The purchase of 30 additional acres of land creates new possibilities for the future, providing expanded campus access and opening the door for continued growth in ministry, education, and community as God continues to write New Life’s story.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to what’s next, we first pause to celebrate how God has faithfully led us to this moment. With grateful hearts, we celebrate His faithfulness and look forward with anticipation to all that is still to come.
Join the Celebration!
Celebrate God’s faithfulness by gathering, serving, sharing, and participating in all that God is doing through New Life.
Celebrating 50 Years Through 50 Service Projects
As we celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past 50 years, we’re inviting the entire New Life family to join Serve 50, a year-long initiative to complete 50 service projects that bless our neighbors and share Christ’s love. From New Life students, teachers, and staff to church members, alumni, families, and friends, everyone has a place in Serve 50. Together, we’ll celebrate by giving back.
Stay connected with upcoming Serve 50 opportunities by completing the interest form, or get involved now by joining our Birthday Bag Drive to support families in need through local food shelves.
Volunteers
Serving
Projects
Completed
New Life 50th Birthday Bash
October 3 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Join us on campus as we celebrate 50 years of New Life with a free afternoon of food, fun, and activities for the entire community!
Bring the whole family to enjoy mini golf, carnival games, bounce houses, hay rides, live music, pizza, birthday cake, and more. Stop by the coffee shop, join in a special Serve 50 birthday service project, and visit the School Store for the unveiling of our newest 50th New Life Birthday pin. Don’t miss the Alumni and New Life Church tables, where you can reconnect with friends from over the years.
We’ll also gather in the worship center at 12 PM for a special anniversary program with live worship and reflections from New Life community members and friends as we celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past 50 years.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! Come reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and celebrate 50 years of New Life together!
New Life Church 50th Anniversary Celebration
November 1
For half a century, New Life has experienced God’s presence, blessing and guidance, and we have much to be thankful for. As we reflect on 50 years, we want to honor our rich history while looking forward to where God leads us next. We hope you will join us for this unforgettable day of gratitude, remembrance, and community!
Schedule of Events
9 AM – Founding Members Reception (Register by October 23)
A special time to connect for our founding members and early families who helped build the foundation of our church. Light refreshments will be served
10:30 AM – 50th Anniversary Worship Service
Join us for a joyful service filled with inspiring worship and thankfulness to God for all He has done through New Life over these 50 years.
12 PM – Celebration Lunch (Register by October 23)
Directly following the service, stay for a fellowship lunch as we gather around the table together, reflecting on our past 50 years, and sharing memories from over the decades. (Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be offered.)
New Life Academy Legacy Dinner
January 16 | 5 – 8 PM
Gather with us as we honor those who have helped shape the New Life Academy story, celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness, and look forward to the future He is writing. Registration and ticket information available soon.
Anniversary Pins
New Life 50th Anniversary Pins are here! Throughout the year, we’ll be releasing custom pins every month inspired by New Life’s history, traditions, people, and community. Collect them, trade them, and discover your favorites. Pins are available while supplies last in person and online through the School Store or at Common Grounds on Sunday mornings.
For 50 years, God has faithfully provided through the generosity of His people. Thank you for helping make New Life’s mission possible for generations past, present, and future.