Leadership Staff

Pastor V.M. Samuel & Somey Samuel

The legacy of the late Pastor V. M. Samuel continues to inspire and impact countless lives. A visionary leader, he was known for his unwavering commitment to serving the Lord and his remarkable leadership skills, marked by innovative ideas that pushed boundaries and ignited change. His resolute focus on the vision, even in the face of daunting challenges, served as a beacon of inspiration for many, urging them to press forward.

Pastor V. M. Samuel‘s compassion knew no bounds, as his heart was wholly devoted to uplifting the poor, the lost, and the underprivileged. His fervent prayers and tireless efforts culminated in the establishment of New Life UAE, a testament to his unwavering dedication to bringing tangible change to people’s lives.

In 1987, Pastor V. M. Samuel and his beloved wife, Somey, relocated to Bangalore to spearhead the church planting movement of the New Life Fellowship. Together, they served as the Senior Pastors of the New Life Fellowship Churches, overseeing a network of over 120 churches in South India and the Middle East. Their partnership in ministry was blessed with two daughters, Sandy and Serena, and grandchildren, embodying the values of faith, love, and service that they imparted to the community.

The impact of Pastor V. M. Samuel‘s life and ministry continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were touched by his unwavering dedication to the Gospel and his unyielding pursuit of transforming lives.


Pastor T.V. Gopinathan & Ponnamma

Pastor Gopinathan‘s journey of faith began in 1978 when he experienced the life-changing presence of the Lord. Without hesitation, he answered the call to serve in ministry and joined Operation Mobilization in 1979. His dedication led him to serve in various regions such as Karnataka, Kerala, and even aboard the Logos ship, spreading the message of hope and love.

Recognizing the importance of theological training, Pastor Gopinathan pursued his Bachelors in Theology at South India Biblical Seminary in 1983. Following his graduation, his passion for church ministry led him to become a part of New Life Fellowship in 1986. Alongside his beloved wife, Mrs. Ponnamma Gopinathan, they embarked on a journey of pioneering churches in Udupi and continued to plant and establish churches along the coastal belt. Their union has been blessed with two sons and three grandchildren, a testament to their commitment to family and faith.

Pastor Gopinathan is renowned for his fervent prayer life and his deep understanding of Scripture, sharing his wisdom with a father’s heart to those he serves. His embodiment of servant leadership, unwavering hospitality, and boundless love has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. As a founding trustee of the New Life Fellowship trust, he has played an integral role in shaping the organization.

Today, Pastor Gopinathan carries the Apostolic mantle to lead the vision of New Life Fellowship, focusing on elevating the organization to new heights in fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ through church planting and establishment. His unwavering dedication and fervor for the mission continue to inspire and guide those around him.


Pastor Philip John & Suja Philip

Pastor Philip John has been an integral part of the leadership of New Life Fellowship church in Dubai, dedicating his service from 2004 to 2019. In addition to his commitment to church ministry, Pastor Philip has also had a successful career in banking, having worked for esteemed financial institutions in both the Middle East and India.

Together with his wife, Suja, Pastor Philip continues to faithfully serve the Lord from their home base in Kochi, embodying a steadfast commitment to their faith and their community. Their union has been blessed with two daughters, Pearl and Priya, and the joy of two beloved grandchildren, a testament to their enduring legacy of love and family.


Pastor Charles Philip & Shona Philip

Pastor Charles serves as the Lead Pastor of New Life Fellowship Dubai, bringing a wealth of pastoral experience to his role. Prior to joining the congregation in 2018, he served as a Pastor in Bangalore, where he undertook diverse responsibilities, including Youth Pastor, Adult Ministries, and Care and Counselling. His multifaceted journey reflects a deep commitment to shepherding and nurturing the spiritual growth of the community.

Pastor Charles is driven by a profound passion to empower the present generation to embrace the Truth and fulfill their God-given purpose, compelling them to undergo a transformative journey through the gospel. His dedication to seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel is evident in his tireless ministry efforts.

Complementing his ministry, Pastor Charles is joined by his wife, Shona Charles, and together they are proud parents of two wonderful children, Jeremy and Joanne. Their unwavering commitment to family and faith serves as an inspiring example to the congregation.

For those seeking to connect with Pastor Charles, he can be reached at evgcharles86@gmail.com, reflecting his openness and accessibility to the congregation.