The beginning of Newsong Church really is an amazing story. It is a testament to the truth that whenever God wants to do something new, he will birth it in the hearts of those he wants to use to accomplish it.

In 2006, God began to stir the hearts of Pastor Jim and Lynn Severn about starting a new church in Centerton, Arkansas. A contemporary, casual, relational, Spirit-empowered church. Jim was then pastor of First Assembly of God in Ellettsville, Indiana where he had served since 1995. The Severns continued to wait on the Lord for his direction.

At the same time, the Lord had been speaking to Jonathan Watson, Pastor of Bella Vista Assembly of God, in Bella Vista, Arkansas about the spiritual needs of the community of Centerton, which is just a few miles from his church. He began to pray and talk with his church about how they could help establish a new work in Centerton. In the Spring of 2007 Jonathan brought the idea of sponsoring a new church to a group of Northwest Arkansas pastors. In this group was a mutual friend of Jim and Jonathan. God's divine destiny was activated. Jim and Jonathan met and God's will became clear to all.

In February of 2008, Jim and Lynn said goodbye to the church they loved in Indiana, to embark on this journey of starting a new church. Several churches in Benton County opened their arms to the Severns and even allowed Jim to share the vision of Newsong with their congregations and enlist families to help plant the church.

In May of 2008, a small group with a passion for God and a vision of seeing lives restored began meeting together at Gamble Elementary School in Centeron. Through the summer the group steadily grew to approximately 50 people. All the while, they were planning for a community grand opening.

October 5th, Newsong Church celebrated their official Grand Opening. Everyone was amazed as 183 people attended that first official service.

Newsong started with a pretty simple vision. The vision of a church that experiences the presence of God through contemporary worship. A church that anyone can come to and feel at home. A church that intentionally builds relationships. A church that values and invests in the lives of children, placing great value on children's ministry. A church that seeks to restore "lost sheep" and wayward sons and daughters back home to the Father.

That's our story... and we're sticking to it!