About Us

New Life Tabernacle of Chattanooga began in Miami, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor W.H. Dunn. Originally known as Miami Apostolic Church, the congregation grew steadily, leading to the expansion of its first church building. Upon Pastor Dunn's retirement, leadership was passed to his son, Pastor Marvin Dunn, who later relocated the church to Davie, Florida. In 1990, Pastor Marvin Dunn moved to Louisiana, and God called Pastor Mike Palevo to serve as pastor.

In the early 2000s, the City of Davie sought to purchase the church property. As the congregation prayed and sought God's direction, members independently felt led to the same general area. Trusting God's guidance, the church relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in May 2006. Since then, New Life Tabernacle has been committed to serving God, reaching the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping people experience His transforming power.

Pastor Mike Palevo was born in New Jersey and raised in Florida. As a young man, he pursued a career in rock music, becoming deeply involved in the lifestyle of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. After experiencing the failure of six different bands, God led him to the church in Davie, Florida, during a time of revival in 1981. There, he encountered the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, was delivered from addiction and a destructive lifestyle, and has faithfully served the Lord and His church ever since.

At New Life Tabernacle, we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and our final authority for faith and daily living (2 Timothy 3:16). We believe the New Testament fulfills and reveals what was foreshadowed in the Old Testament. We believe there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ (John 1:14). We believe the biblical plan of salvation includes repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues, as taught in Acts 2:38. We also believe God calls His people to live holy, righteous lives that reflect His character (Ephesians 4:24).

Our desire is to love God, love people, and faithfully proclaim the truth of God's Word while providing a welcoming place where lives can be changed by the power of Jesus Christ.