About Us
The mission of New Life is to reach, connect, and disciple people toward Jesus Christ.

Our Beliefs
New Life is a Bible-based church. That means we believe and practice what is explicitly taught in the Bible. We believe and teach the following:

Our Pastor
Jonathan and Dottie Russell have been married for almost 20 years and have five amazing kiddos; Kaitlyn, Timothy, Braden, Chase and Adalyn. They love God and love people. They are passionate about God, family, and fun while holding fast to the mission of New Life; Reaching, Connecting, and Discipling.
Jonathan holds a degree in Bible & Theology from Indiana Bible College and is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International. He is passionate about the Apostolic doctrine, sufficiency of Scripture, transforming power of the Holy Ghost, and the importance of the local church. He loves the people of Wilkes County and plans to grow old preaching God’s Word here.
Connect Groups
As our church grows, Connect Groups are vital to maintain close relationships. These groups are a great way for people to be a part of a community and to find solid friendships, support and people to do life with. No matter what stage of life you’re in, there is a Connect Group for you.





Our History
“Every Story Has a Beginning” has been a longtime mantra of New Life Wilkesboro. We believe in small beginnings. We embrace the process of individually and collectively growing in God.
This is our story…
In 2013, Bishop Wayne Huntley shared the vision of the Carolina Crusades. The vision was to plant 10 churches in one day in 10 North Carolina counties that did not have an UPCI church. Wilkes County was targeted as one of those beginning locations.


On September 10. 2014, we held our initial ‘kick off’ service. Only three from the community attended. We don’t despise our small beginnings.
However, many from our community joined us a month later, October 18, as we launched New Life Wilkesboro on the VFW Campground in North Wilkesboro during the Carolina Crusades. On that day, statewide, more than 1,700 were in attendance at these 10 new locations. Many came to the Lord and we witnessed more than 500 who were filled with the Spirit, 87 baptized in Jesus’ name and more than 40 notable miracles.
Shortly after, Pastor Jonathan and Dottie Russell moved their family to North Wilkesboro and began to ‘sow the seed’ of revival in Wilkes County.
The embryo of a church began in a storefront at 810 Statesville Road, North Wilkesboro, then grew as we reached into all areas of the community with the gospel. Our focus has always been on connecting people to God and each other as well as discipling and empowering believers.
On August 6, 2017, New Life Wilkesboro moved to our current location at 1103 Walnut Circle, Wilkesboro. We have experienced continued growth, numerically and spiritually. God has been so kind to us – we believe the best is yet to come!
We invite YOU to be a part of our story. No matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you are… you are WELCOME at New Life Wilkesboro.
