New Life Community Church is moving to its new location next to McKinnon Ford this week.

The Clanton church, which began in pastor Scott Springer’s living room in November 2003 with about 20 people, is planning to hold its first service in the newly refurbished, former shopping center on Sunday.

New Life — known for its casual atmosphere and unconventional style — has been located next to Chilton County High School for the past four years.

“We had just been trying to figure out the next phase for New Life,” Springer said. “We were in the process of looking (for a new facility) when we saw this shopping mall was kind of empty.”

After speaking with Wayne McKinnon, the church made the decision to relocate and immediately began renovating the facility in January of this year.

Now, all the building lacks is carpeting and small items such as doorknobs.

The new worship center can comfortably seat 500 people. It features a snack bar, kitchen, and a 50’ by 20’ stage. An adjoining building houses the business office and children’s center, along with classrooms for all ages.

“We’ve done pretty much all the work ourselves,” Springer said. “Some of it we’ve had to hire out, but the majority we’ve done ourselves.”

The church aims to reach un-churched individuals who might feel threatened by the format of a traditional church service.

For example, people may stand or sit as they wish during praise songs, and dress is casual.

Instead of Sunday School, participants meet in Life Groups, which are Bible study sessions held in people’s homes each week.

On Wednesday nights, there is Bible study and activities for all ages.

“We want to be relevant,” Springer said. “We want New Life to be life-giving. We want to offer people an opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and we want to be refreshing.”

Added Springer, “That’s not to take anything away from the awesome job the churches in our county are doing.”

Springer thanked McKinnon for his cooperation during the move.

New Life’s service times are 10:30 a.m. Sunday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For more information, call 755-6485.