Our History I
Years 1939 – 2017 | History II 2018 – Current
Our History
The Foundation
In 1939, a group of Christians founded a new church in Scottdale, Georgia, Travelers Rest Baptist Church. The name was inspired by the fact that members had traveled to various places for worship before the construction of their first church building. Over the years, membership grew under the leadership of four pastors: Revered Hezekiah E. Smith, Reverend Theodore R. Smith, Reverend Eugene Bryant, and Reverend Chester L. Carter.
In October 1982, Reverend Kenneth Samuel became the fifth pastor as the church continued to grow. In the summer of 1983, Reverend Samuel and a group of deacons began looking for a new church to handle the growth. In January 1984, they announced to the Travelers Rest congregation that Life and Praise Tabernacle, located at 2778 Snapfinger Road in Decatur, Georgia, was available.
Although some Travelers Rest members chose to remain at their church in Scottdale, later that year, on Sunday, May 20, about 150 people gathered at 2778 Snapfinger Road for their first church service in the new building.
At Reverend Samuel’s recommendation, the congregation unanimously approved a most befitting name: “New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.” New Birth continued to grow as many changes took place, some very difficult, as the Lord began to mold and shape this new church body into His perfect will.
Part of that change brought a new pastor. The Lord led Reverend Eddie L. Long to New Birth, and he was appointed pastor in July 1987.
Eddie L. Long Legacy
Under the transformative leadership of Reverend Long, New Birth witnessed a remarkable transformation in all aspects-spiritual, economic, and numerical. Recognizing the need for a new sanctuary, Reverend Long turned this vision into reality within just three and a half years of his tenure as the pastor.
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1991 – 1993
By January 1991, New Birth had dedicated a facility worth over $2 million to the glory of God, a testament to the church’s growth. Reflecting on his journey, Reverend Long shared, ‘God had to teach me and grow me. As I’m growing, the congregation is growing. Now, he’s giving me more responsibility. God said, ‘I’ve sheltered you, and you were the preacher; now you’ve been here five years, and I have taught you many things. Now, you are the pastor. Be pastor.” Reverend Long’s commitment to breaking religious traditions and teaching the word of God shaped the church’s identity as ‘The Church That Shares and Cares.’
New Birth was cited as the fastest-growing church in North America the following year, and many new ministries were born, including the opening of a New Birth Christian School, Faith Academy, known as New Birth Christian Academy. The school opened by welcoming kindergarten through third-grade students with plans to expand each year.
The church theme for 1993, “Vision to Victory,” as explained by Reverend Long, represented their purpose to do ministry throughout the community and the country.
The next five years would see an unprecedented growth of new members and new ministries. In His sovereignty, God chose New Birth as a major forerunner for the body of Christ and appropriately appointed its powerful leader, Reverend Eddie L. Long; each year, he unveiled a different theme as he received vision and divine direction from God. Subsequently, as he followed God’s will, New Birth’s favor grew with man and with God, from glory to glory.
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1994 – 1995
In 1994, the new theme, “Taking Authority,” was adopted based on Matthew 16:19. The year began with an unforgettable service: On Wednesday, January 13, Reverend Long was consecrated as the third presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. This historic period was the year Bishop Long introduced the community to Project Destiny (formally Project Impact), a comprehensive family restoration program that provides services to youth and their families who are challenged by the demands of their environment.
Bishop Long expanded his ministry through television in 1994 and began the “New Birth News” broadcast on a local television network.
Bishop Long ushered in the theme “Building God a House” in 1995, based on Psalm 127:1. “New Birth News” gave way to the weekly, Emmy Award winning “Taking Authority” broadcast, which aired internationally on several networks, reaching over 170 countries. That year, Bishop Long led New Birth in a bold stance for God when he publicly challenged the Muslim-led million-man march. -
1996 – 1997
After Building God a House, it was time to set it in order. Ezekiel 43:10 inspired the theme for 1996: “Setting the House in Order.” This year saw a myriad of Spirit-filled messages by Bishop Long released as audio and video series, one of which still claims the highest number of sales in the New Birth Media Book Store: “I Don’t Want Delilah, I Need You.” Bishop Long was obedient to God in setting the house in order, the church received tremendous favor and was able to purchase 170 acres of prime property worth over $10 million for only $3 million. During a caravan to the new land, Bishop Long stated, “God spoke to me in reference to putting the church in order, that it would become His church and not man’s church. God said, ‘Upon this rock I will build my church, and the very gates of hell will not prevail against it.’ (Matthew 16:17–19). So whatever hell threw up, it could not stand because it was God’s movement.
1997, Bishop Long’s 10th anniversary year brought a growth in membership to over 18,000. Early in the year, New Birth and several area churches opened a joint credit union, the South Dekalb Church Federal Credit Union. Later that year after selling the 170 acres acquired in 1996, the church made a profit of $11 million. With this profit, they were able to purchase over 240 acres for a new multimillion-dollar church complex, pay off church debt and deposit $2 million in the bank.
These major achievements were a perfect representation of God’s favor and befitting of the new theme, “Thy Kingdom Come,” based on Matthew 6:10. Growing from a newspaper into a magazine, the “New Birth Voice” captured these and many other blessings bestowed upon New Birth. -
1998 – 1999
Though experiencing much favor with God, the New Birth family still had to go higher and higher in Him. In 1998, they were led by Bishop Long to “Launch Out Into the Deep,” based on a sermon from Luke 5:4. New Birth reached out to the world through all forms of media, including commercials, international television and radio broadcasts, and a new book was published by Bishop Long, “I Don’t Want Delilah, I Need You.” Bishop Long spoke to members of the Georgia State Senate and prayed for the United States House of Representatives, and New Birth always welcomed candidates in local elections. God was expanding the ministry of New Birth throughout the country, so His glory would be revealed to all. On October 17 thousands of members rejoiced at the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new church complex, and building plans were underway.
“It’s On In ’99!” This exciting theme was a testament to the whirlwind of blessing and growth for New Birth in 1999. Membership grew to over 23,000 members. Bishop Long wrote a new book, “Taking Over,” and God elevated New Birth to a new level in its ministry outside the four walls of the church, even as far as Japan and Africa.Also, in October of 1999, the New Birth family celebrated the grand opening of its new Family Life Center on October 4 and 5, located on the current New Birth Stonecrest campus. The center served as a temporary worship site while construction of the new sanctuary complex continued. After the sanctuary was complete, the Family Life Center operated as a fitness facility called the Samson Health & Fitness Center. Member benefits include concierge lifestyle and sports nutrition, month-to-month memberships, personal training, group fitness and aerobics, spinning and cycling classes, one-on-one and group fitness, and weight loss consultation.
Significant Growth
New Birth entered the new millennium stronger than ever with over 25,000 members. Bishop Long’s book “Called to Conquer” hit the scene in the year 2000. New Birth moved into a magnificent new place of worship, the New Birth Cathedral, in the spring of 2001. The $50 million complex seats 10,000 people and contains administrative offices, a library, a 1700-square foot bookstore, a computer lab, kitchen, audio and video studios, a nursery and more.
The Cathedral is magnificent in beauty and size. Perhaps one of the alluring things about the striking structure is this: When the foundation was laid, members scribed individual prayers into the foundation of the sanctuary floor.
Each week, worshippers stand on the prayers and declarations — literally and spiritually — of New Birth members of old, some of whom are still members today.
The New Birth ministry continued to expand and became known as the fastest growing church in North America, which brought worldwide influence, as well.
During the next 14 years, New Birth expanded its footprint: New Birth churches were planted in various cities across the United States.
The Last Decade – 2006 thru 2017
In 2006, the eyes of the world were on New Birth when it hosted the homegoing service for Coretta Scott King and welcomed three presidents, a host of dignitaries, and one future President, Barack Obama. Later that same year, New Birth drew nearly 40,000 into the Georgia Dome for the country’s largest Easter Service.
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2007 – 2015
In the decade that followed, Bishop Long continued to make sure that the New Birth family was connected to each other through ministries — from the youngest toddlers to the most seasoned saints. This was enforced through the slogan, “We are New Birth,” and “we” included all members, young and old, leading the world to worship God through serving, loving, evangelizing and discipleship.
New Birth’s International Prayer Conference Call, now known as the Bishop Eddie L. Long International Prayer Call, has faithfully continued since 2012 with nearly 4 million prayer warriors from 97 countries joining five days a week for early morning prayer.
With its expansive building facilities and all of its resources, New Birth continues to sponsor various programs and events that minister to people locally, nationally and internationally. Throughout the years, thousands discovered their destinies due to the sacrificial life led by Bishop Eddie L. Long, a man after God’s own heart.
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2016 – 2017
2016 Dream Again
During the Watch Night service, Bishop Long’s sermon on December 31, 2016, was one of his final messages to the congregation. In it, he urged the congregation to ‘Dream Again,’ a powerful and inspiring message that became the overarching theme for New Birth’s activities and focus in 2017. This theme, rooted in God’s vision, continued to inspire us and guide our actions throughout the year, reminding us to never lose sight of our dreams and aspirations. This continuity of vision kept us connected and reassured.
2017 New Legacy
On January 15, 2017, God call one of his generals home. After fighting an aggressive form of cancer, Bishop Eddie L. Long breathed his last breath at the age of 63 and relaxed in the arms of his Maker and Creator.
Dignitaries, politicians, celebrities, pastors, and New Birth members from ‘Snapfinger Woods days’ to the present came to commemorate his life in a moving and unforgettable Celebration of Life service on January 25, 2017.
Bishop Long did not leave his beloved congregation without guidance. He had a succession plan to ensure the ministry would continue operating efficiently. This careful planning of leadership transitions, designed to maintain the strength and continuity of our ministry, should give us all a sense of security and confidence.
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2017 Interim
Bishop Long made known that Bishop Stephen A. Davis should become New Birth’s Interim Senior Pastor. Davis had founded Refiner’s House Church in Alabama and later changed the name to New Birth Birmingham after joining the New Birth family of churches in 2010. New Birth members and many touched by Bishop Long worldwide were still mourning over Bishop Long when Bishop Davis took the helm. He was officially introduced to the New Birth family as their new pastor on January 29, 2017, on the heels of Bishop Long’s Celebration of Life service. During his time as Senior Pastor, Davis took on the challenge of bringing stability, demonstrating strength, and navigating the waters in a sea of brokenness. He led the congregation into a season of healing, a time of spiritual and emotional restoration, and a period of renewal and hope for the future. After serving for several months, Bishop Davis returned to Birmingham to continue his powerful work there.
Following Bishop Davis’s departure, Pastor Carla Stokes was elevated to the position of Executive Pastor of New Birth until the arrival of Dr. Jamal Bryant. As the Executive Pastor, Pastor Stokes was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the church, ensuring that the ministry remained strong and continued its mission during significant change.
2018 Starts A New Era under the leadership of Dr. Jamal Bryant.