Didn’t Église Nouvelle Vie begin with just 50 members? Imagine that small group blossoming into a congregation of thousands. Église Nouvelle Vie stands as a testament to faith and community in Longueuil Quebec.
Founded in 1993 by Claude Houde Église Nouvelle Vie has grown exponentially. Houde’s leadership and the church’s focus on meeting people’s needs fueled its rapid expansion. The church is affiliated with the Christian Association for the Francophonie.
Église Nouvelle Vie isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a hub for social action. In 1998 when an ice storm caused widespread power outages Église Nouvelle Vie opened its doors. The church housed 500 homeless people for three weeks providing shelter and support. The mayor recognized it as a public utility.
In 2001 Église Nouvelle Vie inaugurated its current building. The auditorium seats 2400 people. It is the largest in Canada’s Francophonie. Two years later in 2003 the church left the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
Église Nouvelle Vie founded the Institute of Theology for the Francophonie in 2005. This institute is near the church’s premises. By 2006 weekly attendance exceeded 3000 people.
The church established the Association chrétienne pour la Francophonie in 2007. It is a network of Pentecostal churches. This association is a member of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship.
Impact a music group emerged from the church’s youth department in 2010. The group has toured extensively in Europe. By 2011 Église Nouvelle Vie had 4000 members. In 2024 it expanded to eight campuses in different cities.
Église Nouvelle Vie founded Action Nouvelle Vie in 1993. This humanitarian organization runs a food bank. It also operates a thrift store. They offer assistance programs for pregnant women. Action Nouvelle Vie is independent from the church. In 2015 they founded 2159. It is a youth center focused on preventing homelessness and delinquency.
Église Nouvelle Vie also offers a weekly worship service in Spanish called Nueva Vida. This reflects the church’s diverse community.
Église Nouvelle Vie’s impact extends beyond its walls. Pastor Claude Houde’s vision emphasizes serving the poor. This commitment is woven into the church’s identity. The church’s Action Nouvelle Vie provides food clothing and counseling. They assisted a family of seven facing eviction finding them a new home and helping them rebuild their lives.
Église Nouvelle Vie also focuses on innovation. Recognizing that traditional methods weren’t working Houde implemented contemporary approaches. Weekly cell groups cater to different interests and needs. A Friday night youth program attracts hundreds. The church also utilizes media including a daily radio show and a magazine.
Église Nouvelle Vie’s journey from a small group to a megachurch is remarkable. It exemplifies dedication to faith community and social responsibility.