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Our History II

Years 1939 – 2017   |  History II  2018 – Current

Our History


2018 New Era

A nationwide search for a new leader ushered in the beginning of a new era of leadership. Chosen among a pool of more than 180 applicants, Dr. Jamal Bryant was named the new Senior Pastor in November 2018. His appointment brings a renewed sense of hope and optimism to the congregation, signaling a new chapter in our journey of faith.

A third-generation pastor, Dr. Bryant delivered his first sermon at New Birth on Sunday, December 9, 2018.

In addition to his drive for social activism and ability to affect change in social, economic and political arenas, Dr. Bryant founded and grew a 43-member congregation — Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church of Baltimore — to over 10,000 members.

This experience poised him as a perfect candidate to lead New Birth, a church with a similar ‘upbringing.’ Dr. Bryant hit the ground sprinting with what he called “A Rebirth of New Birth;” he implemented socially uplifting and faith-building programs for members, as well as impactful programs and activities for the community.

In his first Atlanta television interview, December 7, 2018, he told Fox 5’s Marissa Mitchell that New Birth is “getting ready to take this city back by storm.” He wants to make sure that the gospel and its full meaning does not stay hidden inside the four walls of the church but flows far out into the streets.

2019 – Behold I will do a New Thing

In January 2019, after a prolonged United States government shutdown, many members who were federal workers were in great need, and Dr. Bryant felt New Birth should do something to help. Members eagerly collected enough funds to give 30 government workers nearly $300 each. An article featured on the event on January 16, 2019, in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Tom Jones said Dr. Bryant “was blown away” by the compassion he saw from his new flock.

2020 – Do Things Differently

Dr. Bryant declared we would do things differently, and 2020 began with New Birth in full swing, where we were continually the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.

The King’s Table

The King’s Table Food Ministry was established in January 2020 to support community families by eliminating hunger by distributing nutritional food and essential household items. The blessing is its fruits and vegetables were provided by the Garden of Eden.

How it Started:

  • 20 volunteers
  • 30 – 50 families per week
  • One food source: Atlanta Community Food Bank
  • No corporate sponsorships
  • No community partners

• Single point of distribution

 

 

Currently, The King’s Table has over 300 volunteers, 18 resources, and distribution throughout Georgia (23 cities), North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The King’s Table (“TKT”) is committed to ensuring that families receive fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein items to promote healthy eating patterns in accordance with the USDA MyPlate food groups. Within two years, TKT has distributed over 15 million pounds of food to more than 1 million families.

In addition to providing healthy foods, The King’s Table and New Birth were concerned with total wellness during the pandemic. We partnered with organizations like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, American Red Cross, Cigna, the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, and many more. The ministry offered free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for thousands of families and essential medical supplies and household items, conducted blood drives, and made valuable resources available to the families being served.

 

2021 Assembly Required

Under Dr. Bryant’s leadership, he cast a unified vision of working together for a greater cause, strengthening our bond as a community. 

2022 – Business as Unusual

Dr. Bryant declared that 2022 will be a year like no other. In 2022, we witnessed a remarkable milestone: New Birth Missionary Baptist church’s staggering $32 million mortgage debt reduced to $15 million! This significant reduction was a sign of our financial progress and resilience, even during a pandemic. It’s a testament to our unity and commitment to the church’s economic health.


2023
No More Vacancies

Dr. Bryant declared that it is time for the church and our lives to be filled again. We shall have more than enough!

On February 5, 2023, Dr. Bryant received President Joe Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Later that day, on their Urban Hymnal project, he won a Grammy for Best Gospel Roots Album alongside TSU, the first HBCU to win a Grammy. The album revised the excellent hymnals of our culture, and later that night, he won a 2nd Grammy for Best Spoken Album of the Year. Dr. Bryant’s achievements testify to the power of faith and dedication.


2024
– The Year of Answered Prayers

Dr. Bryant declared 2024 The Year of Answered Prayers. This is a declaration and a call for our entire community to come together. He outlined a structured approach for the year: daily prayers shared in our Facebook Prayer Group, a Weekly Corporate Fast on Tuesdays and Monthly corporate prayer on the first Saturdays.

2025 – The Year of The Plug

Dr. Bryant has proclaimed January 2025 as the Year of the Plug, a time dedicated to forging deep, meaningful connections. This year, we are called to link ourselves to God as our Source and the ministry in powerful ways. We aim to establish a connection with the ministry. Dr. Bryant emphasizes that this is the year to discover a ministry that resonates with our commitment. Together, we will embark on this transformative journey of connection and belonging.

New Birth’s Humble Beginnings 1939 – 1987