Going into our 37th year of ministry here at New Berean, we are reminded of the eternal grace and favor of the Lord our God to has allowed us to have impacted, challenged and changed lives of people who have both come and gone through the work.
Because of his hand, God has guided, led and fed this flock with sound teaching from men and women of godly integrity, stabled them with his direction and sheltered them with his hope and we say, “Amen”.
Because of his faithfulness to his work and his people, we are the more excited to, “Believe God for the Impossible” as we, “Adventure with God” through the unpredictable, while he, “Educates and Equips” us for the work of the ministry. “The BereanWay” is God’s vision for New Berean on the next leg of the journey towards his glory
Watch and Pray for Great Things
Meet the First “First” Family of New Berean Baptist Church
37 years ago, God opened up the door for Leroy E. Ricks Sr, to establish a new local New Testament ministry. Founded on the principles of The Commission of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20), Pastor Ricks followed the Lord’s call to “preach to the lost, baptize those would believe and disciple those who would follow”. Along with two other families, Howard & Reba Bernard and Harold & Mable Jackson, New Berean held its first service in his living room.
Our Founder, Pastor Leroy E. Ricks, Sr, had lived his life as strong independent family man until the Lord called his name for this great work. Continue to keep Sister Ricks in your prayers and the Ricks family in caring for one charter members of this ministry.
Tidbit of Berean Trivia
| Statement | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The first deacon at New Berean | Howard Bernard & Reba Bernard |
| 2. The city New Berean began | Chesapeake |
| 3. The charter members of New Berean | The Ricks, the Bernards, the Jacksons |
| 4. New Berean was established in 1989, but what year did we relocate to our current location | 1992 |
| 5. The worship facility was completed | 2011 |
| 6. Pastor Tony served in what capacity previously at New Berean | Youth Pastor |
| 7. Founder Pastor Ricks was a member of what church before New Berean was established | Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church |
| 8. How many locations has New Berean served out of? | 1) Pastor Ricks Home Chesapeake, original meeting place 2) Holiday Inn – Portsmouth, temporary 3) 3709 Winchester Dr, Portsmouth, temporary 4) 3600 Bamboo Rd Portsmouth, current location |
The history and memories are also etched in the hearts and minds of the many lives touched and impacted over the years through the ministry and we are grateful for the gracious hand of the Lord. Through all the hard times, triumphs, the pauses (COVID), Pastor Ricks passing, many have come and gone, some have chosen to stay, but through it all God has been faithful.
As we embark in our third year under the godly leadership of Pastor Tony Harris, we expect to “Adventure with God” by “Believing God for the Impossible” as the lives of those here are “Educated and Equipped for the Work of the Ministry” with our “Youth Focused” while “Evangelizing with the Gospel“. We are expecting more people to “Adore God“, “Reach Up and Reach Out” for divine direction and service, by “Welcoming All Who Come” and as we are like the Bereans of Acts 17:11, will “Nobly Search and Study the Scriptures” by faith to the glory of God… It’s The BereanWay.
Meet the “First” Family of New Berean Baptist Church
This month we Celebrate our 37th Victory in the person of Antonio B Harris, God’s gift to The BereanWay. God used Moses to lead the Hebrews from bondage to blessing. God chose Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel to feed the Israelites his word, his provisions and promises. Paul wrote how God gave gifts to the believers in the form of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Pastor Tony has been given to us by God to lead, oversee and feed the flock assembly here at New Berean. Prior to being called here, he served as Pastor of Highland Avenue served here at New Berean as the Youth Pastor.
Pastor Tony and Samantha are the parents of three young adult children, Darius, Jair & Destini.
As we pray for God’s wisdom and stamina in the work of the ministry for him, let us continue to serve him in our respective roles as he serves us, encourage him and encourages us and follow Christ as he follows the Lord.
We welcome you to join us on the special and divinely appointed adventure of God