LEAD PASTORS

DAVE MAST
Lead Pastor

Loretta and I came to New Life Church as Student Pastors in 1990, and that role soon changed as we accepted the challenge to lead New Life Church into the next generation. With a very small group of Christ followers and a small building, an atmosphere of love and acceptance soon became the mission of all that was happening here at New Life Church. From that small gathering over 25 years ago to the vibrant thriving church of more than 600 that it is today. We have passion for people and families is easily demonstrated by the love of Jesus for everyone who steps through the doors of New Life Church. Loretta and I have been married more than 40 years, and we were high school sweethearts. We got married very young and learned the art of marriage the hard way. Together, we have 1 grown daughter, Jessica, who is married to Louie Vitela and serve NewLife Church as our Student Pastors. Jessica and Louie have one young son, Ezekiel, who is my pride and joy. 

LORETTA MAST
​Lead Pastor

My heart is for the people of NewLife, and to help them grow in their relationship with God. Before moving to Porterville, Dave and I were serving as student pastors at Family Bible Church in Ridgercrest, CA. In 1990, we moved to Porterville to serve as student pastors at NewLife. Two years later, we started serving NewLife as lead pastors. I have seen God move and grow in our church these last 27 years. Dave and I have been married 41 years. We have one daughter, Jessica, who is married to Louie Vitela. Together, they gave us the light of our life, our grandson, Ezekiel David! 

EXECUTIVE PASTORS

LOUIE VITELA
StudentLife Pastor

I grew up wanting to be a superhero. I mean, what kid didn’t hope they would discover some strength inside of them they didn’t know was there? But like most kids, I didn’t think there was anything worthwhile inside of me. Fast forward to October of 2000, when I came to NewLife. It was here where I found God; I found strength, a family of faith, a purpose. It was here where I found Jess, the love of my life...and it was here where we found strength for the 10 year battle of infertility to finally have our miracle baby. We now oversee StudentLife, where we call out the greatness God has placed inside every student, so they can live a life worth living. I also oversee the Guest Experience and help develop this amazing culture of Underdogs. After all, there is something worthwhile to discover in us all!

JESSICA MAST VITELA
StudentLife Pastor

I’m what most church goers call a PK (that’s short for Pastor’s Kid). And like many PK’s, I grew up hating church. I didn’t like the idea of sharing my parents with everyone and their mothers. I was angry with my parents, angry with the church, and angry with God that I couldn’t have a normal childhood. My anger led me down a road of chaos, where I wound up feeling defeated and all alone. I hit rock bottom! But, what I discovered was that God was the Rock of the bottom. And in Him, I found grace and love that softened my heart of stone. From that moment forward, my heart began to beat for students that were struggling, hurting, and angry, to see their lives changed through his amazing grace. I later met Louie, the man who loved me for simply me and who also had a heart for the hurting. Since 2003, we’ve led students towards Jesus together, as Student Pastors. I’m also the Office Manager and sing on our Worship Team, where I get to lead people into God’s presence. In 2016, we finally had our own child, named Ezekiel, that we love unconditionally! You see, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. What matters is that you experience God’s grace and see where He can take you.

PASTORAL CARE

ROBERT NAJERA
Associative Pastor

I've been attending NewLife since 2009 and have found holiness, family restoration and my place as a man of God. It was a difficult journey, but with God, all things are possible! Since I've been at NewLife, my whole family has experience God's unconditional love and have been baptized one by one. Starting with my oldest daughter Valerie, then Jasmine, and my wife Alma Najera and many many more. New Life is a church of love and family restoration, and better things are yet to come. ​Since joining staff in 2017, my vision is to help equip the Men of NewLife. I believe if we have healthy men we will have healthy families. 

ALMA NAJERA
​Associative Pastor

When I first entered the doors of NewLife in 2012, I was a broken women in a marriage that was equally broken. Through NewLife, we have seen our marriage restored, our daughters baptized and serving in different ministries, our loved ones saved, and Gods promise to heal the brokenhearted. I give all praise and glory for all that God has done in our lives. In February of 2017, I joined NewLife Church's Pastoral Care Team. As a member of the Pastoral Care Team, I serve in the women's ministry, helping plan and organize our monthly Ladies of NewLife Event.  I am also a prayer partner and help lead a group of intercessory prayer, and I provide prayer for those in need of hope. With my husband and three daughters, we also host small groups because small groups played such a vital role in helping us meet and establish friendships at NewLife. 

LARRY LOPEZ
​Associative Pastor

I was raised up in Catholic tradition with my 4 older siblings, but I later converted to Christianity in 1996. At that time, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. Prior to my salvation, I was a broken man, going down an extremely dark road. It wasn't until I hit my  rock bottom that I realized this wasn't where I belonged. Thanks be to God that He delivered me from the darkness and led me to the His light. On December 4th, 2011, I was ordained to be a minister of the gospel. I've been attending NewLife Church since August 2016, and since then I have joined the Pastoral Care Staff, and worship team at NewLife Church. To God be the glory!

SCOTT RAY
Associative Pastor

My wife, Robin Ray, and I started serving in 1994 by simply volunteering to clean the church weekly for about three years. After receiving my ministers license, I began pasturing the church in Terra Bella as a satellite church. Since the late 90s, I've been apart of the NewLife staff. I serve in the area of outreach events and production. I also led the 12-Step Ministry here for 7 years. I am very grateful that I was able to raise my children at New Life Church, and I am blessed to watch my grandchildren be raised here.

SMALL GROUPS

RICHARD FREEMAN
​Small Groups Coordinator

​I grew up here in the valley in church, and I quickly learned about dysfunctional living from a broken home. I began abusing substances at an early age, which ended up totaling 23 years of my life. It was through my darkest point on one Christmas day that I found God. I have 4 sons and 1 daughter, 2 of which who serve at NewLife. I am married to my God sent wife, Pamela Gorgeous Freeman no less. I've been serving at NewLife since 2013, and I am currently pursuing my pastoral license through Foursquare Organization. Since 2011, I've been working as a counselor for men desiring freedom from active addictions. My wife and I serve as small group coordinators/marriage mentors, and I get the opportunity to serve NewLife as emcee every Sunday morning. My life today is a miracle and I have Jesus and the greatest Pastors ever to thank for that.

PAM FREEMAN
Small Groups Coordinator

​I have attended New Life since 1999. I have been serving in the church for a little over 15 years. I started as a greeter and found my gifting’s to work best in kids church. I achieved my degrees later in life, an Associate’s in Child Development from Porterville College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Crisis Counseling from Liberty University. I have the privilege to work with the Jr. Worship team, coordinating small groups, and working in pastoral care alongside my husband, Richard Freeman.  Before coming to NewLife, I thought I was going to stay a single mom, with three kids, and low income forever, but after many years of trails and errors while never giving up, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. Now I am just waiting to see what God has planned next.

SUPERVISORS AND DIRECTORS

DYLAN JONES
 Production Supervisor

Growing up, I never felt like I fit in anywhere. I had a few friends but never any close ones. I was apart of sports and church teams, but I still felt alone. I always wanted to be a person that other people were drawn to, but I felt like there was nothing significant about me. I was a fearful boy, searching for a place to belong. It took me a while to realize that what the enemy intended for harm, God could turn around for His glory. God took me to a place where the only one I could turn to, was Him. He then started to place leaders in my life, like Pastor Louie, who called out the potential that was within me. He gave me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone, and to rise up to the leader He was calling me to be. Now, I find my purpose in serving God and New Life with excellence. I find joy in seeing those who are far from God, living a life in Christ. My role at New Life is Production Supervisor, and I also lead our young adult group, YoungLife. I know that God is calling me to never stop growing and never stop stepping out of my comfort zone. I hope that every time I take that step of faith, it encourages someone else to do the same. I’ve been honored to be on staff here at New Life since 2015. And I’m excited for the lives that will experience freedom through Jesus Christ at our church.

ROBIN RAY
KidLife Director

My family came to NewLife Church in 1994. We were a broken family in desperate need of Jesus. NewLife restored my marriage, and helped make my family whole. We consider NewLife our home, and have been serving here ever since. We raised our children here at New Life Church, and our children are raising their children here.  Since the late 90s, I have been the Children’s Director at NewLife Church. Serving in the kids in ministry for over 20 years. I am truly blessed.