New Birth Christian Church History
In 1989, as the will of God, for him and his family, Elder John Wesley Sistrunk was endowed with a tremendous vision from God of winning souls for Christ and ministering to the less fortunate, the forgotten, and down-trodden children of God. He felt it was his duty to stay at home and then “spread his ministry abroad. He received his doctrine and spiritual guidance under Bishop James Colter of Trueway Holiness Church. On November 1 ~. 1989, Bishop Robert A. Parran ordained Minister John W. Sistrunk, Elder John W. Sistrunk.
On January 4, 1990, after being proven steadfast, unmovable and grounded, Elder Sistrunk established New Birth Holiness Church. Today, New Birth operates under its own independent charter. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, “And He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors ~~d teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
New Birth Holiness Church began in the auditorium of Kenmore Elementary School in Landover, Maryland. With God as our pilot, Pastor Sistrunk as our co-pilot, a God-sent companion to stand beside him, along with the prayers of a strong Elder, and the praying saints of New Birth, many doors were opened, and many obstacles were overcome. Through God’s blessing, Pastor Sistrunk’s vision came to fruition. We began to expand at a rapid pace and in August of 1990, we moved to 4653 Huron Avenue , in Suitland, Maryland and outgrew one side of that building. Just like Joshua, the building was renovated and the middle wall came tumbling down, ultimately we occupied the entire building. The Lord continued to bless and on March 1, 1995, New Birth moved to 2005 DuPont Avenue, Suitland, MD. ” … some things come only by fasting and prayer…”
Pastor Sistrunk dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and would never compromise the Word of God, no matter what the reason. His outreach has proven very successful in helping many individuals. Through his outreach ministry, individuals have been delivered from drugs, alcoholism and many have been filled with the anointing of the Holy Ghost! His often spoken question: “Is anything too hard for God?” is quickly answered in St. Luke 18:27, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
On March 5, 1999, the lord called His faithful servant, Elder John W. Sistrunk, home. Elder Sistrunk laid the foundation for New Birth. We will continue to plant and water that God might give the increase. One of Pastor Sistrunk’s messages was: It’s never too soon to start living for God but we never know when it’s going to be too late. Elder Sistrunk fought a good fight, he finished his course and he kept the faith and his vision will forever live on. Prior to his departure from this life Elder Sistrunk passed the mantel to his wife, Reverend LaVida Sistrunk, who assumed the role of Pastor of New Birth Holiness Church and was formally installed on August 29, 1999.
In 2003, after hearing from the Lord, our current Pastor, Reverend Sistrunk, informed the church that God had instructed her that the church should relinquish its denominational affiliation and become nondenominational, which the church fully agreed with. The name was changed to New Birth Christian Church.
Pastor Sistrunk is a woman of purpose and vision. After hearing from God, Pastor informed the church body that we would build a new edifice. In September of 2007 we moved from DuPont Avenue to 6527 Suitland Road, Morningside, MD where we held service for over two years. This move was not only necessary while the building of the physical structure took place, but also the building of faith in the members.
Many did not believe we would make it. The church was faced with many obstacles and setbacks as we continued to build God’s house. As the church was being built the saints continued to pray and Pastor continued to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. All praise to God we held our first official service in our new edifice, 3701 Meadowview Drive, Suitland, MD on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Pastor would not give up no matter what. We’re grateful to be blessed with a Pastor who has courage and vision and has done, and continues to do, as the Lord instructs in Habakkuk 2:2, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
New Birth Christian Church’s mission is: To Lead people into a personal relationship with Christ, to nurture them to Christian maturity, and equip them for service in the church, their life and the world for God’s glory.