The New Antioch Church was organized in the home of founding pastor, Dr. James A. Lewis and his wife, Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, with five other saints in early January 1970.

Pastor Lewis immediately went out and rented a small store-front building at 1527 West Manchester Blvd. The first service was held Sunday, February 1, 1970. More than 59 friends and loved ones came to wish them well.

God immediately began to bless. Pastor Lewis established a building fund with the slogan, “We Came in to Get Out.” He preached the Word diligently, with a passion for winning souls.

As the building fund increased, the property at the present location at 7826 S. Vermont Avenue was purchased and the first service was held on Sunday, February 11, 1973.

Originally the church building was a large warehouse. The sanctuary was located in the front area of the building. In the back part of the warehouse were a small kitchen and the pastor’s small office. The rest of the area was set-up for the Youth Sunday School.

In 1990, the back of the warehouse was transformed into our present beautiful sanctuary. The old sanctuary was replaced with two offices, two classrooms, a small kitchen and a multi-purpose room. Two additional lots were purchased for additional parking. A brick fence was added to enclose the property.

The growing congregation and additional ministries demanded another expansion project which began in 2003. Another structure was erected adjacent to the existing building. This structure now houses ultra-modern classrooms and office facilities. A spacious kitchen and fellowship hall replaced the old office area.

In 1999, once again, the Lord gave Pastor Lewis a vision to make available an opportunity for everyone to obtain a basic knowledge of the Bible and the Basic Bible Institute was established. The dean and instructors are biblically trained and are members of the congregation who are diligently committed to this endeavor and vision of Founding Pastor Lewis.

In seeking God for a way to respond to the tragic 1992 uprising in South Los Angeles the Lord birthed in Founding Pastor Lewis’ spirit a Computer Training Center. Tutoring in basic academic skills, sessions called teen scene addressed the needs of teenagers, kiddie care classes and computer training classes were all made available free of charge.

Another effort to provide ministry to the community was the Learning Center. The center provided tutoring programs for all ages in reading, writing, arithmetic, occupational skills and day-to-day life skills. Frequent informative workshops and seminars were sponsored by the staff of the Learning Center and were opened to all.

After thirty-six years Bishop Lewis retired as senior pastor of the New Antioch Church in January 2006. He passed the baton to his youngest son Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis. As the Founder/Senior Pastor Emeritus he is the Advisor to the pastor and a member of the Board of Directors.

In January 2006, Superintendent Jeffrey Lewis was appointed Senior Pastor. Prior to his appointment as Pastor, Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis served faithfully in the ministry. In 1999, he was appointed to the office of Assistant Pastor and Assistant Church Administrator. In January 2001, he was elevated to Co-Pastor.

Since his appointment God has blessed him to establish additional ministries to further reach and impact lives both locally and abroad. The Community Assistance Action Project (CAAP) was formed in 2011 to provide in reach services to the members of the congregation and outreach services to provide assistance to the community.

The Home and Foreign Missions continues to minister to the community with visitations to the convalescent home, juvenile hall, women’s transition home, drug rehabilitation center along with monthly door to door witnessing. Educational training by missionaries and needed school supplies are provided to the country of Haiti.

Two spirit-filled Sunday worship services are offered with a concurrent children’s church during the 11:00 am worship. Seven prayer times are available throughout the week. Ministry opportunities are available for every age group.

New Antioch is a thriving and progressive congregation that meets the needs of its members and the surrounding community through in-reach, spirit-filled services, educational opportunities and outreach.