About | New Life Fellowship of Phoenix

Our story

Our people came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Many were resettled in Phoenix as refugees, carrying only what could be carried. What could not be taken was faith.

The church began in 2026. Within its first year about 150 people were gathering every Sunday at 5827 N 35th Avenue — parents and children in the same room, worshipping in Kinyarwanda with every word translated into English.

This congregation is supported entirely by its own giving. Nobody underwrites us. The people who gather here carry the cost of the work, out of households that are still rebuilding.

We are an independent, non-denominational church, incorporated in Arizona and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.

The first year

From a first gathering to an established church.

2026

The church begins

Founded to serve Kinyarwanda-speaking refugee families arriving in Phoenix, gathering at 5827 N 35th Avenue.

Within the first year

150 gather every Sunday

Parents and children in the same room, in the same language, supported entirely by the congregation's own giving.

2026

Incorporated in Arizona

Established as an Arizona nonprofit religious corporation, with a governing board seated and keeping minutes.

March 15, 2026

Recognized by the IRS

Determination letter received — a 501(c)(3) church, so gifts are tax-deductible under section 170.

Ongoing

Safeguards in place

Background screening completed for everyone serving with children, and financial controls written into the bylaws.

What we believe

Plainly, and in writing.

Our full statement of faith is adopted by our board and available to anyone who asks. This is the short form.

The Scriptures

The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

God

One God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Jesus Christ

His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and personal return.

Salvation

The gift of God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by works.

The Holy Spirit

Who convicts, regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, and empowers believers for godly living and service.

The Church

The body of Christ — a covenant community gathered for worship, teaching, fellowship, the ordinances, prayer and mission.

The Ordinances

Water baptism and the Lord's Supper, as commanded by Christ for his Church.

The Great Commission

The Church is entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel to all people, and every believer shares in this calling.

Leadership

Who carries the responsibility.

Our board of administration meets monthly, keeps minutes, and reports to the congregation at our annual assembly.

Tharcisse ShakaSenior Pastor & Board Chair

Frank MukizaChurch Secretary

Jules RukingiraTreasurer

Emmanuel MazimpakaDirector

Nyangabire NyamanezaDirector

Moses NdayizeyeDirector

Manasse BudigigiDirector

Jeremie NtenzumwamiDirector

How the church is governed

Nobody governs alone.

Authority in this church is held by an elected board, bounded by written bylaws, and answerable to the congregation. These safeguards are in the governing documents, not just on this page.

An elected board

Directors serve two-year terms from a slate presented first to the congregation — and no more than four consecutive years without a year off.

Meetings with minutes

The board meets at least monthly, a majority of directors is required to act, and minutes of every meeting are kept as corporate records.

The congregation's voice

Bylaw amendments, the call or removal of a pastor, sale of the worship facility, and dissolution all go to a congregational assembly before the board votes.

Conflicts declared

A written conflict-of-interest policy with annual signed disclosures. Directors recuse themselves, and nobody votes on their own compensation.

Removal for cause

A director can be removed by a two-thirds vote, after notice and an opportunity to be heard. Accountability runs in every direction.

Committees that report

Finance, Nominating, Membership Care and a Safeguarding Team — each under a written charter, reporting regularly to the board.

Safeguarding

Our children are watched over.

About 150 people gather here every week, children among them. A board-adopted Safe Ministry Policy, with a designated Safe Ministry Coordinator, governs everyone who serves them.

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Background screening for every worker with minors — completed before they serve, and renewed every three years.

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The two-adult rule. No adult is alone and unobserved with a minor in any church program.

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Annual safeguarding training with documented attendance for everyone who serves children and youth.

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Mandatory reporting. Concerns of child abuse are reported immediately to the appropriate authorities — without exception.

Come and see us this Sunday.

Tell us you are coming and someone will meet you at the door. Write in Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili or English — whichever is easiest.

Plan your visit

A congregation formed by displacement.