Many people around the world are celebrating the arrival of a new year and the potential that it brings.
But a new Indianapolis congregation is also celebrating an amazing season of growth and the great possibility that it has to change the lives of numerous individuals.
New Revelation Christian Church will be officially launched with a special grand opening service beginning at 12:15 p.m. at Eastwood Middle School, 4401 E. 42nd St.
“It will not only be a celebration of the success that we have had so far, but also a momentum builder as we continue to press forward to the vision God has for us,” said Pastor Richard A. Reynolds, founder and “lead planter” of New Revelation. “Everyone who joins us can expect the presence of God through worship, and will dance, enjoy ourselves and have a good time along with a powerful message from God’s word.”
New Revelation is a new “plant” congregation jointly sponsored by the historic Light of the World Christian Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) a diverse international denomination with headquarters in Indianapolis.
Operating under the theme “Living in love…Living in Revelation”, Reynolds has designed New Revelation as a strong, bible-based church family built on an active belief in salvation offered by Jesus Christ, love, discipleship, service, spiritual discipline and true submission to God’s leadership.
“What we offer is a community of faith where those who are lost will be loved into a life changing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Reynolds. “We want to help people in our local and global community live in revelation and lead our community in love.”
Over 200 people participated in New Revelation’s first pre-launch service in September, and more are expected to attend this Sunday.
Until a permanent location is found or built, the church family is holding Sunday services at Eastwood Middle School, and various activities at the nearby Allisonville Christian Church.
“Right now we’re embracing the fact that we don’t have a home location because our priority is not buildings, but to build and serve people and demonstrate the love of Christ to them in tangible ways,” said Reynolds.
Although formed with support from the sponsors, New Revelation is an independent church with its own six-pillar doctrine, which includes discipleship, worship, relationship, stewardship, membership and citizenship.
In Reynolds, the new church has a minister with outstanding credentials.
A native of Louisville, Ky., Reynolds knew he was destined for a life beyond the ordinary, but did not realize gift in ministry until 1990, when he was drawn from the temptation of reckless activity on the streets and gave his life to Christ at St. Stephen Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Cosby.
Reynolds was later asked to serve as a Sunday School teacher and deacon at the church before accepting his call to ministry being hired on the staff as youth pastor.
After earning his undergraduate degree in Pan African Studies from the University of Louisville, Reynolds co-founded Motivation Associates, a national youth mentoring organization designed to connect to them to their history and community awareness.
He later became assistant pastor of Greater Salem Baptist Church in Louisville, and in 2004, after attending a revival in Indianapolis featuring Bishop Curtis McClendon, Reynolds was led to move to the Circle City and join Light of the World Christian Church, under the leadership of Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin.
At Light of the World Reynolds was asked to serve as a worship leader, young adult teacher and associate minister before being ordained by the Disciples of Christ denomination in July. He also earned his master in divinity from Christian Theological Seminary.
Reynolds and New Revelation are ready to achieve the purpose God has set for them.
“We are looking forward to shining a light for people who are struggling in darkness, and offering hope and a fresh start through Christ,” said Reynolds. “We believe the word of God is active in the life of every believer and we want to share it in a way that addresses the day to day challenges people face.”
