In April 2018, Family Life Church celebrated its 7th Anniversary as a ministry. God’s number of completion, “7,” also represents the completion of the foundation of His work through us. With nearly 300 members, coming from two states and an 80 mile radius, the church’s impact is felt throughout the region. Because of that, Southern Tier Family Life Church changed its name to Family Life Church to reflect those geographic realities.
Pastors Joe and Dawn Coudriet received a word from heaven at the inception of the church. They believed the Lord told them that “…this area is ‘fallow ground.’ It has been tilled, and even planted in, but not nurtured and tended to.” With a strong commitment to loving God by loving people where they are at, and providing training and instruction through God’s Word, Family Life Church is partnering with Him to see lives changed. That commitment will extend into the future, until the return of the King!
Our History
Family Life Church began with a mission to “lead people into a real relationship with Jesus Christ as we glorify God, grow together and give to others.” From the first service in April 2011, that mission is being fulfilled every day through the lives of people impacted by the power of God.
The first church services were attended by only 15-20 people in a small hotel meeting room. Just a few months later the flood of September 2011 severely damaged the hotel so we moved our services to a local community center. The church grew for nearly three years, saving resources and searching for a more permanent church facility. In that time the church grew to just over 100 men, women and children yet amassed savings of over $100,000!
In August 2014 the church family purchased the four-building campus in Vestal where we currently operate. A former Roman Catholic parish, its buildings have been transformed into tools for modern ministry while retaining the charm of its architecture. While it is the current home of the church, it likely won’t be the last.