Various ministers considered starting an Assemblies of God church in Kearney, but refrained from doing so because a sister organization named The Church of the Open Bible had a church here. However, eventually it was decided Kearney was not being effectively reached so a tent was pitched on a vacant lot on the corner of 26th Street and Avenue G, on July 8, 1954, and New Life Assembly was birthed.

Rev. Frank Sobotka, a native of Kearney, conducted these services for five weeks. Subsequently, Sunday School classes and worship services were conducted in the old Youth Center above the old J. M. McDonald store in downtown Kearney.

Rev. L. E. Wilkins later became the first pastor. They built the first new structure at 28th Street and Avenue H [currently the Senior Hospitality Center] and moved into it in February 1958. The fall of 1981, the congregation moved into Central Elementary auditorium while they began building the first phase of the present facilities.

At that time, the congregation sacrificially committed themselves, and the church received three year commitments of a phenomenal six times their annual Tithe income. Plus, within 30 days of making that commitment, they doubled their Missions commitments. God honored their commitments, and on Palm Sunday 1983, they moved into a newly constructed facility.

In 1991 they began constructing the second phase that included classrooms and a multi-purpose room. In 1997 they began plans for the next phase of construction that was anticipated to include a youth facility to seat 300, children’s church facilities, additional classrooms and remolding for a larger nursery and office space. This addition enlarged the facilities to over 57,000 sq. ft. and was occupied in 1999.

In 2004 the church celebrated it's 50th year anniversary by finishing modifications of the main entrance. A beautiful entryway was created to welcome visitors and members alike. Much needed office space was also included in the new addition.

The church has had only three pastors in its history. Pastor Wine has served New Life Assembly since October 1979. When he came, there were 121 people who came to hear the new candidate for the pastor’s position. The current year's average Sunday attendance is 685 and has continued to increase. Our goal, however, is not to increase numbers, but to see more people find life in Christ and become spiritually healthy and mature.