Visions of Glory April 2016

Visions of Glory

www.newbindy.org

Volume 1 / Number 30 / October 2015

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CONTents

Greetings NB Family,

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t is our privilege to provide you with an update of our expansion project. Hopefully, you have had a chance to check out our new parking lot located across the street. In just a matter of a few weeks we will begin to utilize that parking lot to its fullest capacity as the builder will begin preparations to break ground on the area behind our sanctuary for our new Kingdom Kids facility! We would personally like to thank our builder, Davis & Associates, our architect, Heartland Design, and Greenfield Bank for securing our loan. We are grateful for these wonderful relationships with our community partners and are excited about what’s to come. New Beginnings, it is due to your obedience to God and His grace that we are able to expand in a way that will benefit our children and generations to come. Please continue to do what’s pleasing to God and watch his blessings at work! This is our year of kingdom growth…let’s get ready to build!

Your Brother In Christ, Timothy Jackson

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Dr. James A. Jackson, Sr. Pastor

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od bless you all family!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve you as your Senior Pastor and Teacher. As I take the moments after service to greet and embrace you, I am encouraged when I hear you share your gratitude and excitement in being a part of this New Beginnings Fellowship Church family.

The votes came in and New B received, for the second consecutive year the award of BEST CHURCH OF INDIANAPOLIS!! This is such a humbling experience. It is encouraging to see how the Lord is exposing us as a bright spot in this city.

As we are entering into this second quarter of 2016, I must say that it has been AMAZING to say the least. From the cohesiveness

among the leadership to the excitement among the membership, there is definitely a BUZZ going throughout our ministry and God is about to do something “above all we can ask, think, or imagine”!

Just in the first 2 months over 500 people have either united with Jesus Christ or signed up to join a ministry in the church, WOW!! We are also getting closer to the construction of our Children and Youth Facility so that our next generation will have a place to be ministered to at new levels. This is an exciting time for New Beginnings Fellowship Church!

On the first Sunday of this year I decreed that this is the year of “Kingdom Growth”. This will be the year that we will allow our experiences and opportunities in God’s

Word to grow us Spiritually. We’ve been challenged to go to our website and take the Spiritual Growth Assessment. This will give you an estimate of where you are spiritually. Do not be surprised when you realize that you may not be as spiritually mature as you think. I must admit that I saw MANY areas that I need to grow in. I encourage everyone to take the assessment.

We celebrated 12 years as a church family! Happy Birthday New B!! I am so thankful to Dr. Charles Goodman Jr. and Dr. Lance Watson for the WORD they shared with us and also for Stephen Hurd and Todd Dulaney for leading us into worship. I can not wait to see what God has in store for us this year!

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From the First Lady

reetings Family! I am grateful for the opportunity to share with you once again through Visions of Glory. It is 2016, our Year of Kingdom Growth and I am so excited about how God is going to move in our lives as we seek to grow in Him this year. I don’t know about you, but taking the spiritual growth assessment was very helpful. From it I realized that there were some areas in my life that I needed to focus more on. I took those areas to God and prayed that He would help me grow in those specific areas in my life. I’ll admit that it can be challenging at times, but I am focused and have made up in my mind that I will mature and grow in those areas throughout this year and beyond. How about you? Where are you on this journey? God has spoken through Pastor Jackson and it’s time for us to experience growth in our lives.

What are the areas that God has spoken to you about in your life? Let’s put in the work and experience a new level of growth.

It’s hard to believe how quickly our sons are growing up! James II is six and Jonathan is two. They are growing so fast that sometimes it is hard for me to keep up. It was just last week, that I noticed that they were outgrowing some of their clothes. Pants, shirts,

and shoes that used to fit them weren’t working for them anymore. Like most moms, I made the decision that it was time for me to go to the store and shop for the boys. James II and Jonathan were looking “sharp” when Pastor noticed that they were wearing new clothes. He asked, “What did they do to get new clothes?” My response, “They are growing.”

I have to admit that it was hard for me to even tell how much James II and Jonathan were growing until they were in their clothes. Pants and sleeves were shorter than they had been. Shoes were too tight.

Simply put, things that used to fit them were now too small because they’re growing.

Family, we should be experiencing new levels of growth during our 2016 Kingdom Growth journey.

There should be some areas in our lives that just don’t fit us anymore. It may be our attitudes, conversations or relationships. As we continue to move into 2016, I want to challenge each one of you to work hard to stay focused on meeting your goals and move towards outgrowing some areas in your lives. On your mark, get set, let’s Grow!! I love you family!

Lady Tara Jackson

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A Note From The Editor “Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” Ezekiel 1:28 (NIV)

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reetings in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our cover photo captures a point in time at the New Beginnings 12th Birthday Celebration. Our 12th Birthday Celebration was a truly inspirational and blessed event. A huge thank you goes out to the speakers: Dr. Charles Goodman from Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, GA and Dr. Lance Watson from St. Paul Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. Also, the guest Psalmists, National Recording Artists Steven Hurd and Todd Dulaney ushered in a worship and praise atmosphere each night that blessed us all as well. Thank you to all that visited and celebrated with us!

In addition to our Birthday Celebration, this edition introduces New Beginnings newest pastors, covers our annual kick-off events for our Women of Purpose (WOP) ministry, and our Sons With Authority and Truth (SWAT) men’s ministry along with our birthday celebration for First Lady Tara Jackson.

V.O.G. Section Writers Contributors

Darnell Bland Jr. Brittney Burton Angela Daniels Francine Dash Mark Davis Tionda Harris Pastor Nate King Charmaine Little Quiana Locke Da’Zha Shaw Nichole Smith Troy Tyson Henry Wheeler Kendra Young

Photography

Stephanie Bowens Harvey Brooks Brenda Ellis Michael Mays Cedric Merritt Elwood Reams Andrea Smith Harold Watters Carl Williams Natalie Woods

Graphic Designer Tuane Hearn

New Beginnings has started a new group called the New B Kids STEM Camp. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This group is geared towards our kids in grades 3-8 that are interested in careers in these four areas. See inside for more information on the “STEM” Camp and learn how New Beginnings continues its work to prepare our youth for the future.

Some may not know that the title Visions of Glory was derived from the Book of Ezekiel. God called Ezekiel to become a prophet and communicated to Ezekiel in Visions, showing Ezekiel His awesome glory and holiness. My Life Application Study Bible says “We too must gain a vision of the Glory of God, a fresh sense of his greatness as we face the struggles of daily life.” Blessings…

Alma J. Phillips Burrus, Managing Editor

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By: Charmaine Little

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t’s safe to say Lady Tara Jackson’s birthday celebration was pretty amazing this year.

To celebrate our First Lady is always an honor and this year New B pulled out all of the stops to let Lady Tara know how much she is loved and appreciated.

Held at the Holly Hock Hill Restaurant in Indy, nearly 100 people came out to the luncheon sponsored by the New B Pastor Partners, to show Lady Tara love for her special day.

With her beautiful sound, India Latimore from the Worship and Arts Ministry helped to transform the event from a luncheon to an unexpected worship experience that led everyone to have an encounter with God. Patricia Gilbert, a representative of New B Pastor Partners, also presented a special tribute as she discussed what Lady

Tara means to the various people in her life as a supportive wife, a loving mother and a positive role model for the church.

There were very few dry eyes in the venue as she read letters from Lady Tara’s close family members from her parents to her sister and her best friend.

The celebration continued with a beautiful strawberry cake that everyone could not get enough of! James II even had to remind his mother, Lady Tara, to blow out her candles in a moment that brought sentiment and laughter.

It was a beautiful fellowship moment and in true Lady Tara fashion, she snapped a photo with the guests and wanted to be sure to touch everyone in the room.

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By: Brittney Burton

2016 is declared the Year of Kingdom Growth for New Beginnings Fellowship Church (NewB) and Women of Purpose (WOP) is on a mission to do just that. The Women’s Ministry, which is led

by First Lady Tara Jackson and facilitated by Sister Krystyn Phillips, encouraged spiritual growth during the 2016 Kick-Off Event that took place on February 26th. After the beautiful melody of Casey J’s “Fill Me Up” infiltrated the atmosphere, the women were encouraged to become Queens for the Kingdom of God. With over 85 women in attendance, First Lady Tara delivered a message entitled, “The Making of a Queen.” She posed the following question: “What do you need to do to become the Queen that God is calling you to be?”

This message was inspired by the Book of Esther. The women were encouraged to overcome the challenges of their past, get through the process, and be teachable during their journey of becoming Queens.

Royalty, authority, grace, elegance and distinction were some of the qualities that the group collectively deemed as Queenly

traits. “Each one of you...you’re a Queen. You have all of those characteristics inside of you because that’s how God made you,” said First Lady Tara. She also said, “Look at yourself how God sees you [and] what He sees in you. Recognizing that the journey may be nothing short of challenging.” Additionally, First Lady Tara explained, “God is calling you to do some great things. You have to move through the process.

Embrace it to become the Queen that God is calling you to be.” The women were taught that it’s worth it in the end.

WOP does not want the women to “grow it” alone nor feel as if they have to face the different challenges by themselves. “We want to offer a place, a safe environment, where the women feel like they can share and connect with other women who are going through some of the same challenges, so that they can be encouraging and have some level of accountability as well,” declared First Lady Tara.

WOP is ready to help its members participate more. “A lot of times ladies just come in and have gifts and talents, but they’re not

using them,” says First Lady Tara.

“So we want to give them the opportunity to use their gifts that God has placed in them to help serve the women.” Administration, communication, and hospitality are some of many volunteer opportunities that are being offered within the ministry for this year. In addition to member participation, the Women’s Ministry is also making changes with their colors. “Pink has been wonderful and great to us but we wanted to move into the different shades of purple which represents royalty, which is what we’re doing for this year,” says First Lady Tara. WOP is on board with the Kingdom’s Agenda. “For 2016, the goal definitely is to hear from God and carry on with the vision that God has given Pastor Jackson in the Year of Kingdom Growth,” stated First Lady Tara.

Community outreach, small group studies, and prayer sessions are some of many activities that the Women’s Ministry will host.

* Women of Purpose meetings are held on the 4th Friday of each month.

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By: Darnell Bland, Jr, Da’Zha Shaw, Nichole Smith, and Troy Tyson

DAY 1 Happy 12th birthday New Beginnings! Thunderous shouts of praise and worship flooded the atmosphere of the sanctuary during the 10:45am service on Sunday, March 6th.

Minister of Music Stephen Hurd incited the crowd’s worship through the musical performance of songs such as “Undignified Praise,” “I Will Exalt You,” “I Love You Jesus,” “We Lift Our Hands,” and “Hallelujah.” As the members raised and swayed their hands in praise singing every lyric, Stephen Hurd reminded everyone that it’s every believer’s responsibility to glorify the name of Christ daily in spite of their emotions and circumstances. As the music simmers down and the Holy Spirit surges through the atmosphere, New B Pastor Bobby Baker lead everyone in a soul stirring prayer evoking more shouts and cries from God’s children.

The sermon entitled “Where is the Fruit?” was delivered

by Dr. Charles Goodman from Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. Covering the scripture of Mark 11:12-14, Dr. Goodman explained in depth that the greatest threat to the kingdom of God is not nonbelievers, but believers who don’t produce any fruit for the advancement of the kingdom. Jesus is not impressed by the mere appearance of fruitfulness as opposed to the bearing of actual fruit which brings glory to God. Productivity is predicated on divine need. Therefore, we as God’s people should use our time and resources to prepare our contributions to God’s kingdom when we are called upon to do so. Off seasons or seasons of deficiency are no excuses for not being fruitful.

Dr. Goodman proceeds to dive deeper into the text to bring forth the message that we should stop blaming the soil (pastors, deacons, church in general) for our lack of growth and fruitfulness but examine ourselves to discover the root of the issues at hand. We must learn to stop giving away our fruit to those who are undeserving and begin saving them for God. Through the connection with fellow believers in the sanctuary on a regular basis is the only way we can truly bear fruit that’s pleasing to Christ.

Dr. Goodman’s final point, “Lack of Production Publicly Disqualifies Us” described how Jesus condemned the tree to never bear fruit in earshot of the disciples, thus disqualifying the tree publicly. If one can’t manage to produce any fruit or obedience for the Lord but constantly maintains his/her worldly possessions or reputations, then one must be prepared to be publicly disqualified from their blessing.

DAY 2 Dr. Lance Watson of St. Paul Baptist Church in Richmond, VA and Gospel artist Todd Dulaney took the worship festivities to the next level.

Every time God allows him to speak to us, he deposits encouragement and hope. Coming from Joshua 1:1-5, Dr. Watson’s message told us to “Leave Can’t Behind.” It is time to declare war on the pestilence otherwise known as the words “I Can’t.” These words have infected, effected and affected our lives at one time or another. We’ve felt the damage of this virus in our relationships, self control, careers, finances, and faith. How can we eliminate this bug from our lives, you ask? We do so by knowing who we are.

We see how after 30 days of mourning, Joshua could have easily been stuck in the sickness of “I can’t” due to grief and fear. He was now the designated leader of approximately 2 million people who had wondered in a wilderness for 40 years. This was a new role for him, the sheer number of people relying on him, the sadness of no longer having his mentor, Moses, and now being tasked with getting up and going over the river of Jordan to a new land, would have made most, if not all of us say, “I can’t.” However, Joshua said, “Yes,” to God’s directive. God knows what we need when we need it. God’s task gave Joshua something else to focus on rather than his grief and fear. Joshua got up and went into a land he did not have to take, but only receive. The vastness of the land was as Joshua 1:3 says, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, to you have I given it...” God had already taken the land and given it to His people. Just as He did so for them, He has already done so for you. This is the word Dr. Watson spoke over the lives of those present.

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Some of you may be reading this and saying to yourself, “If this is so, why am I struggling?” As Dr.Watson pointed out, it’s because there is a disconnect to this knowledge.

He told the story of a chicken farmer who was having financial trouble and the farmer’s friend gave him an idea of how to make some money. The friend told the farmer to go up the mountain and capture an eagle so he could put it on display and charge admission to view the eagle. The farmer thought it was a good idea and set about to trap the eagle. When the farmer tried to transfer the eagle to the viewing box, the eagle fought the farmer because the eagle knew he was not meant to be trapped and on display for the use of another. The farmer killed the eagle because he could not get him to cooperate. The friend came back and told him that he should go back up and get the eagle’s egg and have a chicken incubate it. When the eaglet is hatched, it won’t know it’s an eagle and he’ll be able to control it better. The farmer went back up and got the egg. Sure enough, when the eaglet hatched, the eaglet thought it was a chicken because that’s all it ever knew. After awhile, the eaglet saw a reflection of himself and realized he was different. Instead of trying to be who he was born to be, he wasted his power trying to be as much like the other chickens as he could. He wasted time flappin’ instead of flying.

Then one day, a grown eagle came along and saw the eaglet. He asked him what he was doing with the chickens and not soaring in the skies. The eaglet said, “I can’t fly.”

The grown eagle told him he could and took him up high in the sky. When the grown eagle let the eaglet go, he went tumbling to the ground, but before he hit the ground, the grown eagle swooped him up. Back up high in the sky, the grown eagle told the eaglet to trust the wind and spread his wings. The eaglet was let go and as he was tumbling again, he decided to connect with the words of the grown eagle.

He trusted the wind, spread his wings and soared in the sky where he belonged. In conclusion of this night, ask yourself Dr. Watson’s question, “Are you flapping or flying?”

DAY 3 The New Beginnings East sanctuary was full on Tuesday, as both family and visiting friends streamed in to celebrate our 12th Birthday on the final day, Tuesday, March 8th.

The New Beginnings Praise Team opened up the Birthday service, and they were excellent, as always. Their threesong set got the crowd on its feet, put everyone in worship mode, and set the tone for the remainder of the service.

Dr. Lance Watson continued on this night and took his sermon, entitled “Get Your Feet Wet,” from Joshua 3:15-17.

The scripture selection describes the children of Israel just as they were about to enter the Promised Land. Doing so required them to cross the Jordan River, which at the time was flooded, and there seemed to be no possible way over, or around, the river. Pastor Watson explained that this was intentional, and that God wanted to teach the Israelites a lesson that is applicable to all of us: that when we are approaching a great victory or season in our lives, there will be a significant hurdle that stands in the way of our blessing. That hurdle can only be removed by our having faith in God, and taking action based on that faith. Only by taking steps of faith and “getting our feet wet” in the midst of seemingly impossible odds, will we ever experience God’s love, faithfulness, and very best for our lives. A wonderful spirit of fellowship, moving praise and worship, and a powerful sermon, all contributed in making Tuesday evening’s service a memorable one and a great way to end New B’s 12th Birthday Celebration.

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New B Introduces the 2016 STEM Camp By: Tionda Harris

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ission Possible‌If you choose to accept it. What is the mission? Building a car that rolls. In an effort to prepare young minds for the future and to be an extension of the current school curriculum, the New B Kids STEM Camp promotes fun activities and exposure to STEM careers for kids in grades 3-8.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Under the facilitation of New Beginnings member, Sharon Jenkins, six children accepted the challenge to grow and learn in the STEM camp. The purpose of this group is to educate students in the four specific disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This group meets

As the items to be used were every first Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the New Be- unveiled and the two groups ginnings East location. The first were formed; thinking was fostered, anticipated problems were assignment is described below: solved and creativity evolved.

Then, a new challenge was preBuilding a car that rolls. sented and the process of applying STEM began again.

The application of STEM: Continuing to creatively frame new experiences and working *Science/Technology together, the students look forHow will it run? ward to meeting again and building upon the lessons previously learned. *Engineering For more information on the How to construct the STEM Camp, contact Sharon Jencar to roll? kins at skjcreates@comcast.net.

Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are grow*Math ing fast, expose your children now!

How far will it roll?

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By: Mark Davis

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hese are the admonishments that a dying King David gave to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-4), who would go on to be considered the wisest man that ever lived. These were also the words of wisdom given by Pastor James A. Jackson, Sr. to the Sons With Authority and Truth (S.W.A.T.) Men’s Ministry at their 2016 Kick-Off meeting on the 4th Saturday in February. Just like David in the text, Pastor Jackson gave life lessons to the next kings. He told the men that in each of them there is a king and that the next “King Solomon” could be in the room. “It is our turn to shift what the world is going to look like”, he said. Furthermore, Pastor Jackson cautioned that as you ascend to become a king, you will face opposition and that even if you attain position you must still be careful of your proclivities (a strong natural liking for something that is usually bad). Those issues

can keep you average and prevent you from becoming a king. Remember, God is still in control and to ask him what he wants for you.

“Your level of value is not based on what you have, it’s based on what God says. If God hasn’t confirmed it, don’t move it,” Pastor Jackson counseled.

“Be strong.”

“Act like a man.”

“Observe what God wants.”

The teachings of Pastor Jackson were the highlight of the activities at the Kick-Off, but not the only activity going on. Men of all ages enjoyed a Daniel Fast friendly breakfast prepared by Sis. Valerie Baker and men engaged in “Table Talks.”

During Table Talks, men spoke with each other about challenges that they face daily and how they handle them. S.W.A.T. Ministry ‘s leadership team of Pastor Bobby Baker, Min. Calvin Bembry, and Elder Mark Davis shared the theme for 2016 as well as the vision of the ministry and outlined upcoming events and partnerships for 2016. Information was shared about employment, prayer walks, and community focused events of which S.W.A.T. will be involved.

One of the primary focuses of the meeting was relationship building among men of God. Men were encouraged to be more open, honest, and transparent, not only during the session but in their lives.

To close, Pastor Jackson answered questions on numerous topics and the men gathered in prayer then departed to go out and be the kings they are called to be.

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By: Francine Dash

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s New Beginnings Fellowship Church embarks on its 12th Anniversary of service to the body of Christ, it finds itself not only growing in membership, but in stewardship, as well. As the number and reach of ministries continues to grow in the church, four additional pastors have been called to both lead and develop those ministries. Although busy with their new responsibilities, each of the four Pastor’s, Pastor Alexia Ellis (Pastor of Assimilation); Pastor Maurice Mumford (Pastor of Campus Ministry and Discipleship); Pastor Bobby Baker (Pastor of Family Ministries); and Pastor Nate King (Youth Pastor of NEWB Nation), have shared their personal testimonies on their faith journey, their roles at NewB and how they wish to serve the NewB Family.

Alexia Ellis, Pastor of Assimilation 1. Tell us about yourself.

I am a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. I am the daughter of the late Alex “Boo” Ellis and Rev. Gloria Bradford Ellis. I accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at the age of six at Israel Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio.

I am blessed and honored to be a graduate of Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kentucky State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Oral Roberts University with a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Divinity Degree from Christian Theological Seminary, where I was awarded the Dr. Martin L. King Jr. full tuition scholarship.

My passion is teaching and serving others. I enjoy going to the movies, attending plays, watching basketball and football, as well as travelling.

2. What is your role at NewB AND what do you do?

As Assimilation Pastor, I create and lead the vision for Assimilation by designing and managing a system that will move the people from casual church attendance to active participation. In this role I also oversee the leadership and development of the 14 Service and Inspirational ministries and work closely with the members and volunteers to ensure the connection and discipleship at New B. I am also responsible for Pastoral Care working with the Elders to minister in the areas of spiritual, emotional and basic needs for the staff and members and the facilitation of the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. God has given me the grace to honor Him through ministering to the members with the highest level of excellence, integrity and respect.

3. Tell us about your spiritual journey.

When I was young I remember my mom would always tell me, “Your name is Alexia, which means Helper of Mankind, you must fulfill your name and be who you were born to be.” She made sure that I understood that it was not by happenstance that I was

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created, I had a purpose and I must be purpose driven.

I felt the call to minister the gospel at the age of 12, but I grew up in Baptist churches that did not recognize women preachers. I saw my mom, who knew she was called to minister, struggle with not being accepted. She was limited in what she could and could not do in the church. After seeing my mom’s courage to obey God, despite the obstacles, I answered my call to ministry in 2001. I was licensed by Dr. Kenneth E. Sullivan Sr, pastor of Charity Christian Center (now New Directions Church). I was ordained by Pastor James A. Jackson Sr., on May 14, 2015.

4. What is your vision for your ministry?

The vision for the areas that I am responsible for is to train leaders and members that the mark of a Christian is love, loving God and each other. Also, my desire that they understand that Jesus calls His Church to give of herself in sacrificial obedience to God and service to others.

Working within the confines of the vision of New Beginnings it is my goal to lead, guide and direct the Service and Inspirational ministries to effectively meet the needs of the people in the areas of evangelism, services, education, inspiration, restoration, discipleship and fellowship.

2016 Goals: 100% of New Members will receive follow-up contact after they become members 75% of New Members will attend New Members Orientation within 3 months after becoming members of the church.

Each ministry’s active membership will grow by 50% 5. Is there anything else you want to share?

I want to leave you with a quote by Dr. Martin L. King Jr. “Everybody can be great. Because, anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in Physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

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Maurice Mumford, Pastor of Campus Ministry and Discipleship 1. Tell us about yourself.

I was born in June 1974 along with my identical twin brother in Indianapolis, Indiana.

I have two older sisters and we all serve the Lord. I graduated from the University of Southern Indiana, where I majored in Economics and Business Communications. After graduation, I had the opportunity to join the Investment banking world with both Bank One Securities and Charles Schwab. During my professional career God allowed me to serve as director of “12 Stones Ministries” Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Greater Northwest Baptist Church. In this position I was able to cultivate my gifts and calling. I have been married for 15 years to my wife and spiritual partner, Turae Mumford.

2. What is your role at NewB AND what do you do?

My official title is Pastor of Campus Ministry & Discipleship. I’ve been afforded the awesome privilege and responsibility of assisting our Senior Pastor with the implementation and management of the mission, vision, goals, and spiritual direction of the New Beginnings Fellowship Church West Campus.

3. Tell us about your spiritual journey.

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was about 9 years old. At the time, I really didn’t understand the spiritual impact of what I was doing. I used to watch how the congregation would react with clapping and sometimes crying when a young person would give their life to the Lord. I wanted to be a part of that experience. I wanted my parents and the church to get excited for me, as well.

Many years later, after the Holy Spirit convicted and changed me, I discovered that while I gave my hand to the preacher God never received my heart. When I realized that Jesus paid for my sins according to the

scripture, it hit me like a ton of bricks. The only reason I’m saved from spending eternity separated from God is because of what Jesus did on Calvary for me. Roman 6:23 “for the wages of sin is death, but the Gifts of God is through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

4. What is your vision for your ministry?

My vision for the Westside is to create an environment where we can continue to grow both individually and collectively as the body of Christ. In staying with the vision and mission of our Senior Pastor, discipleship is the key to growth in not only our personal lives, but our ministries as well.

5. Is there anything else you want to share?

I first knew I was called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1992 while attending college. I was under the direction of Pastor Larry Rascoe of the Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, Evansville, Indiana.

I tried to run from my calling for 15+ years. While I thought I was running from God he was just using that time to build up my spiritual leg muscles for what he purposed for me to be doing today. Something amazing happened when I said yes to his will for my life.

God has a way of making room for your gift. Sometimes we need to stop trying to open doors that God is clearly trying to close and stop trying to close some doors that God is clearly trying to open in our lives.

This will allow God to use us for His purpose.

Bobby Baker, Pastor of Family Ministries 1. Tell us about yourself.

My wife, Valerie Baker, and I have been married for 28 wonderful years. We have 3 beautiful daughters, 2 great sons-inlaws, and 2 incredible granddaughters. I love spending time with our family, fellowshipping with friends, reading, watching and playing sports.

2. What is your role at NewB AND what do you do?

My role as Pastor of Family Ministries is to oversee leadership and development of the Adult Ministries such as the “After I Say I Do” (Marriage ministry), SWAT (Men’s ministry) WOP (Women’s ministry), NewB One (Singles ministry), and the Guiding Light (Senior ministry). My vision for the ministry is for the members who connect with New Beginnings and to follow the vision God has given Pastor Jackson for us all to grow together spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and socially.

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Nate King, Pastor, Youth Ministries – NEWB Nation Middle and High School 1. Tell us about yourself.

I have been married to Raven King for 18years and we have 3 children Jermani T. King (22); RayJ’Nai T. King (12); and Jazzdaven T. King (5). I love music, art, designing, and traveling.

I released my 1st book a couple of years ago entitled “Power of Your Voice”. It is designed to speak to the person who wonders if their voice even matters while directly speaking to the heart of the person.

3. Tell us about your spiritual journey.

I grew up in a family of preachers; therefore ministry was embedded in me at a very young age. I accepted my calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in 2001 and have enjoyed the journey. I have served in numerous ministries such as pastoral care, intercessory prayer, evangelism, new members, marriage ministry, men’s ministry, Jeremiah ministry, and worship leader. I was licensed to preach the gospel in 2010. I graduated with an associate degree in Christian Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014. I 2. What is your role at NewB AND what do you do? was ordained in 2015 and I was also hired as Pastor of Family Ministries in 2015. It has truly been an amazI am the Youth Pastor of NEWB Nation Middle & High ing journey and I can’t wait to see what the next chap- School Student Ministry. ter entails, as we seek to grow in God, this year.

4. What is your vision for your ministry?

My vision is to continue to equip these ministries so that the mission of building and equipping members in their faith by growing in God’s word and fellowshipping with one another continues to thrive. These instructions and tools will allow us to be a blessing to our families, church and community.

3. Tell us about your spiritual journey.

My wife and I have been in youth ministry for over 15 years. We had the opportunity to pastor our own youth center in the great city of Smyrna, George for over 6 years. God grew us through that experience and I really believe it will be a great use to us in this season.

4. What is your vision for your ministry?

The vision of NEWB Nation is to Inform, Inspire, and 5. Is there anything else you want to share?

Influence our youth. Our goal is to make an impact on I believe this is going to be an amazing year of Kingthe youth by utilizing the gifts and talents of our studom Growth and I’m glad to be a part of an incredible dents. I’m super excited. This is the year of “Greater family here at NewB. It’s an honor to serve God’s peoME” #>ME2k16 ple. I am truly grateful to Pastor Jackson and our First lady for giving me the opportunity to serve as Pastor 5. Is there anything else you want to share? of Family Ministries. Let’s go and grow in 2016 and beyond!

We are so excited about what God is doing at New Beginnings Fellowship Church and that we are involved. It’s hard to explain but when you have a passion you want to pursue it with everything inside of you. However, we must wait for God’s plan to release you in His time. I’m confident that now is not just our time but also His time for us to move forward and we are ready!

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Visions of Glory