About Us – New Life Church

OUR STORY

Established over 50 years ago, New Life Church has been a beacon of hope and love in the heart of the Florida Keys. We’ve grown together as a vibrant, multi-generational and multi-cultural family of faith, bound by love for Christ and the waters that surround us.

OUR Mission

At New Life Church, we strive to foster a welcoming community of faith, rooted in love, spiritual growth, and service. We’re committed to creating a haven for families, guiding the youth, and offering a helping hand to those in need, just as Christ taught us.

OUR pastor

At the helm of our congregation are Pastor John and his lovely wife Maya Krainer. Their dedication, warmth, and deep faith breathe life into our church, guiding us on our spiritual journey.

Pastor John Krainer

John Krainer served as Director of Development for Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains before accepting his call as the Senior Pastor of New Life Church here in the beautiful Florida Keys & City of Marathon!

He is a native of Maryland, born in Washington D.C, and raised in Baltimore, so he’s a city boy at heart.

He moved here from Denver, CO where he spent the last 14 years.

He attended Bible College at Global University and met his wonderful wife Maya at a Young Adults group.

John has served as a Children’s Pastor, Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Outreach Pastor, Teaching Pastor, and Campus Pastor over the last 12+ years of ministry.

He is passionate about seeing people transformed by the Word of God and making heaven more crowded!

John’s mission is to see others grow closer to God, uncover disciples that are hungry to explore the calling that God has on their life, and invite people to ignite an authentic relationship with Jesus.

He and his wife Maya have been married since 2014 and have one very active son—Finnis Blue aka “Finn”—so when they’re not at church, they’re running after him!

John enjoys all things outdoors, get-togethers involving bbq, and cutting-edge technology…ask him about VR!

Children’s Ministry

Nurturing the next generation with love and faith, our children’s ministry provides a rich spiritual foundation for our little ones in a fun, vibrant, and safe environment.

Youth Ministry

Our youth ministry empowers our teens to grow in faith, character, and leadership, helping them navigate life’s challenges with God’s guidance.

Community Outreach

We’re committed to making a positive impact in our community, serving those in need and fostering a spirit of generosity.

Family Ministries

We believe in the power of family to nurture and grow in faith together. Join us for engaging activities and events aimed at bringing families closer.

TESTIMONIALS

"I moved to the Keys two years ago and fervently searched for a church home. Over the course of two years, I spent time at no less than NINE churches, from Key Largo to Key West. In March of 2023, I visited New Life in Marathon and within 20 minutes, I knew I had found my church home. Pastor John is a strong preacher and I often leave church thinking he was preaching directly to me. I have never met a pastor so dedicated to shepherding his flock one-on-one and creating amazing discipleship."

"I have gone to New Life Church for about 20 years. What I like about the church is that the sermons and teachings are scripturally accurate. Pastor John has done a wonderful job of reinvigorating the church and building the congregation. The reappearance of young people in the church is a beautiful thing. The school brings the teachings of the Lord into many households that otherwise would have none. When the children ask to pray at mealtime, (because they have been taught at school) I know that Maria and the teachers have done a great job! I am looking forward to many more years of the same."

"Pastor John has done a great job as the new pastor of New Life. Many people have talked about how they love the ministries he's starting and the passion he has for Jesus and spreading His love for the Keys. The honesty and directness are refreshing for me. We're excited to see what New Life will do for the community."

"New Life Church has been my saving grace this year. I had been feeling lost and like something was missing so I decided to attend Sunday Service. Pastor John and his amazing wife Maya made me feel so welcomed and loved! The music and the sermons spoke to my heart and filled my soul. I am overjoyed to have found my missing piece and my church home."

"We are so grateful that God brought Pastor John Krainer to New Life church. He has a heart for people and Jesus along with a passion for discipleship and biblical teaching. We are excited to be a part of what God is doing through this church and our community!"

"Our wonderful new pastor is creating a growing church family, an amazing children’s program, inspiring sermons, and a place where all are welcome. It is exciting to see what God is doing at New Life!"

I came to A New Life Church in December 2022 looking for something different. I was interested in reconnecting my relationship with God. My first Sunday service had me craving for more. The church congregation was extremely welcoming with a greeter at the door and a smiling face serving coffee and fresh breakfast items. Pastor John makes it a point to know the church members by name. Watching him and The Lord breathe life in this church has been so exciting. God is moving in Marathon. Come be a part of this awesome FAMILY!”

"Mike and I experience the presence of God, unlike any other church services that we’ve attended. We feel Jesus working in this place and in us, as Pastor John delivers his sermons. The sermons are engaging, funny, and hit home in a way that continues to work on us well after the sermon is over."

"My family and I love New Life Church in Marathon. Awesome group of people that love the Lord. My experience has been nothing but great. Pastor John is a vibrant young pastor on fire with a passion to bring a Holy Spirit lead message to stir up your faith and bring the necessary conviction to change our lives and set us free! If you God to experience the Father moving powerfully in a church I highly recommend coming and getting involved in this church body."

"Great place of Worship! This team and congregation have really given me a great place to call my home church. Pastor John is just incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, passionate, patient, approachable, and on Fire for God! Great leadership, fellowship, and proper theology! Could talk about this place all day, however, I'll just finish with saying. Feels like God is working on and in this lil building and it is exciting to see and be a part of it! Thanks to New Life Church for everything! Love it! "