Life Church Utah History

Beginnings

Life Church Utah began over Independence Day weekend in 1956 when a small group of believers gathered in the home of Roy and Alvina Slaughter with a desire to see people come to know Jesus. Then known as Kearns Assembly of God, the church quickly grew, moving from a home to a rented facility, meeting in a tent with Camp Meetings, and eventually into its first church building in West Kearns in 1958. What started as a small gathering of faithful believers soon became a thriving church family committed to reaching their community with the hope of Christ.

Moving

Throughout the years, God continued to open doors for growth and ministry. Under the leadership of Pastors Don Anderson, Eugene McClain, and Robert J. Smith, the church expanded its facilities, ministries, and vision. In 1971, property was purchased at 3818 West 4700 South in West Valley City. After years of planning and construction, the first service was held in the new sanctuary during Camp Meeting in 1975. That same year, the church became known as Valley Assembly of God, reflecting its growing reach throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

Growing

As the church continued to grow, new opportunities for ministry emerged. Additional buildings were added, including a gymnasium, educational facilities, a daycare, and a Christian school. Easter productions such as But God and later Master Mender became beloved traditions, drawing thousands from across the Salt Lake Valley each year. In 1983, Wee Willie Winkle Day Care (now known as KidsLife Childcare Center) and Valley Christian School were established, creating new opportunities to serve families and invest in the next generation. Community outreach became a defining part of the church's identity, serving families throughout the valley while helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Expanding

In 1998, Pastor Robert Smith retired after more than three decades of faithful leadership. Pastor Ray Smith served as Lead Pastor until 2001, when Pastor Jim Ayers was elected to lead the church into a new season of growth and vision. During his tenure, the church expanded its impact through the addition of a Spanish-speaking congregation, the launch of a second Sunday service, extensive campus renovations, and the construction of the Family Life Center. In 2007, Valley Assembly of God became Life Church Utah, reflecting a renewed vision for reaching the people of the valley.

New Impact

The church expanded beyond West Valley City with the launch of the Tooele Campus in 2015. In 2017, after years of faithful generosity and stewardship, the church celebrated becoming completely debt-free.

In 2018, Pastor Rich Wooten was elected Lead Pastor of Life Church Utah. Under his leadership, the church renewed its commitment to outreach, discipleship, and community impact. New ministry spaces were renovated, outreach efforts expanded, and a clear mission and set of values were established to guide the future of the church.

Renewed Vision

In 2021, Life Church embraced a clear mission and set of values that continue to guide everything we do:

We exist to lead the people of the valley to be more like Jesus.

Guided by the values of Biblical Truth, Intentional Love, and Radical Generosity, we are committed to helping people take their next step in following Christ. In 2025, the Tooele Campus launched into its own future as Middle Canyon Church, a testament to God's faithfulness and the impact of church multiplication.

Today and the Future

Today, as we prepare for additional worship services, expanded Kids Ministry spaces, and new opportunities to reach our community, we celebrate nearly 70 years of God's faithfulness. From a living room gathering in 1956 to a thriving, multi-generational church today, every chapter of our story points to His goodness.

And we believe the story is still being written. The same God who has faithfully led Life Church through every season continues to call us forward. As we partner with Him, we look ahead with faith and expectation, believing the best way to honor our past is to continue leading the people of the valley to be more like Jesus.