Prayer Requests
Matthew 18:19. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for,
it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (NIV)
it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (NIV)
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Who We Are
Mission Statement
“Bringing God's People Up To God's Standards By Being a Doer of The Word Of God.”
-Isaiah 59:19 , James 1:22-25
-Isaiah 59:19 , James 1:22-25
Vision Statement
The Vision of New Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church is to transform the lives of people that they may live up to God’s standards by upholding the word of God. We will impact our church, our community, our youth, young adults and seniors in a positive manner by being relevant in the world.
We will achieve our goal using our Core Values. We will remember our past, live in the present, and establish our future on a blessed hope in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We will achieve our goal using our Core Values. We will remember our past, live in the present, and establish our future on a blessed hope in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Core Values
In alignment with our mission and vision, New Oak Grove’s Core Values describe how we will interact with each other,
and the means by which we will fulfill our mission.
Integrity - We will be honest and in adherence to the values of doing right when no one is looking.
Love - We will demonstrate adoration and care for God’s people and His creation regardless of the situation.
Dedication - We will be committed and supportive to the work of ministry at New Oak Grove.
Unity - We will stand together as one body on one accord, regardless of our individual differences.
Respect - We will esteem and value other's perspective as one’s self.
Faith - We will be visionaries and walk by faith and not by sight.
Teachable - We will keep an open mind and receive instruction to equip us that we may grow and mature in knowledge and understanding.
Relevant -We will be practical and focused on issues and matters of today that may affect the church body.
Statement of Faith
The New Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church is organized for the purpose of :
- Advancing and promoting the worship of God through the reading and study of the Holy Bible as the revealed word of God,
- The teaching and preaching of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, conducting development and benefit of each member and for the winning of souls to Jesus Christ.
- This Church shall be missionary in spirit, extending the Gospel through our organized religious channels to the entire world. It shall promote and maintain the teachings and doctrines of that Denomination universally known and designated as the Missionary Baptist Denomination.
- It shall exist to provide regular opportunities for public worship,
- To sustain the ordinances, doctrines and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- To channel its offerings to the support of the objects of the Kingdom of God.
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious
spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate hristian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil
report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
We engage therefore by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious
spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate hristian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil
report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
Church History
In the year 1862, in the rural precinct of Blackwater, a small community located in the Southern sector of Princess Anne County, VA, a prayer band of followers of Christ journeyed from home to home to hold prayer meetings. As time passed, the group decided that they wanted a designated place in which to worship. They obtained a parcel of land, cut bushes and built a small bush shelter in which to worship. The Bush Shelter was surrounded by a grove of oaks, from which the Church derived its name, Oak Grove. Families such as the Hodges, the Cuffee's, the Reid's and the Humphries were among the early founders. In 1865, Rev. John Bass became Pastor of the Bush Shelter. Under the leadership of Rev. Bass the members went to work and built a small, but permanent structure. Rev. Bass served as Pastor for thirteen years and was then called into another field of labor. For the next eighteen years, Rev. J.V. Roach taught, sang, prayed and preached the word of God until his time as Pastor expired.
At the turn of the Century without a Pastor, the Church began to divide. For the next eighteen years the Rev. R. R. Cartwright pastored the church, and the church's name Old Oak Grove became official. During Rev. Cartwright's tenure the church flourished and grew. Rev. Cartwright strongly encouraged parents to invest in their children's education and some were sent to high school and college. For a time the church was again without a pastor until the Rev. W.G. Alexander came on the scene in 1920, and he served until 1928. During the next thirteen years, Rev. C. F. Griffin was called to pastor. During his tenure the church was remodeled and various rooms were added. Due to poor finances, the church was only able to have service once a month. Knowing the church's financial situation, Rev. Griffin agreed to preach on the Second Sunday, free of charge. The next year services were held twice a month, and Rev. Griffin was able to be paid for both services.
On September 14, 1958, ground was broken for the New Oak Grove Baptist Church, which was built just behind the old church building. On October 27, 1962, Rev. Griffin was called home to be with Lord, and after a couple of years Rev. Horace Moore was called to pastor. On July 4, 1964, the members entered the newly built church building. On Sunday, May 23, 1976 following the morning worship service, Rev. Moore was called home to be with the Lord. Once again, the church was left without a Pastor for a period of two and a half years. In December of 1978, the Lord sent Dr. Olleo L. Cromwell II as the under shepherd of the flock. Under his leadership the church grew spiritually ally and physically, and many things were accomplished under his leadership. On September 27, 1998 Rev. Cromwell resigned as Pastor, and we were once again left without a shepherd. Holding on to a hope of God's continued blessings towards us, the church continued to flourish. With the aid of our Associate Ministers, Rev. Tyrone Johnson and Dr. Anthony B. Rodgers who did an excellent job in carrying out the ministerial duties of the church, New Oak Grove continued on, striving to keep the faith alive.
In November of 1999 the Lord sent to us Rev. Samuel K. Shaw III, and on January 16, 2000 he was installed as Pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church continued to mature spiritually, and other services and courses of studies such as Preparing For Ministry and New Members classes were put into place to further develop the body for Christian discipleship. During Rev. Shaw's tenure the body embraced the youth of the church, nurturing a more involved youth ministry. A Youth Fellowship service on the third Sunday of each month and Wednesday Youth Bible Study was established, and outlets for creative ministry were formed through a praise dance ministry for the young girls and a mime ministry for the young males. A greater focus was also initiated on behalf of our Seniors, wherein the celebration of Grandparents Day was heightened, eventually leading to an Annual Seniors Luncheon in September of each year. On February 26, 2006 Rev. Shaw resigned as pastor. The Diaconate Ministry, with the assistance of our Ministerial Staff continued to care for and to meet the needs of the body of Christ here at New Oak Grove.
The call for a new leader for the body was answered when one of our own, the Reverend Tyrone L. Johnson was elected Pastor-Elect on March 12, 2008. Reverend Johnson believes that he has been blessed to have received many achievements in his life, but most importantly is blessed to be called a "Fisher of Men." He is most proud that God has allowed him to serve His people in a way that is beyond comprehension, and mimics Jesus' words in Matthew 20:28, "He came not to be served, but he came to serve." NLV Rev. Johnson was installed as Pastor in a joyous celebration on April 27, 2008, and is leading the way as we strive to accomplish our mission to Bring God's People Up To God's Standards by Being a Doer of The Word of God. (Isaiah 59:19, James 1:22-25)
Over these many years God has truly showered His blessings upon this church, and it is our prayer that we will continue in His will, and in the building up of His Kingdom here on earth.
... and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
At the turn of the Century without a Pastor, the Church began to divide. For the next eighteen years the Rev. R. R. Cartwright pastored the church, and the church's name Old Oak Grove became official. During Rev. Cartwright's tenure the church flourished and grew. Rev. Cartwright strongly encouraged parents to invest in their children's education and some were sent to high school and college. For a time the church was again without a pastor until the Rev. W.G. Alexander came on the scene in 1920, and he served until 1928. During the next thirteen years, Rev. C. F. Griffin was called to pastor. During his tenure the church was remodeled and various rooms were added. Due to poor finances, the church was only able to have service once a month. Knowing the church's financial situation, Rev. Griffin agreed to preach on the Second Sunday, free of charge. The next year services were held twice a month, and Rev. Griffin was able to be paid for both services.
On September 14, 1958, ground was broken for the New Oak Grove Baptist Church, which was built just behind the old church building. On October 27, 1962, Rev. Griffin was called home to be with Lord, and after a couple of years Rev. Horace Moore was called to pastor. On July 4, 1964, the members entered the newly built church building. On Sunday, May 23, 1976 following the morning worship service, Rev. Moore was called home to be with the Lord. Once again, the church was left without a Pastor for a period of two and a half years. In December of 1978, the Lord sent Dr. Olleo L. Cromwell II as the under shepherd of the flock. Under his leadership the church grew spiritually ally and physically, and many things were accomplished under his leadership. On September 27, 1998 Rev. Cromwell resigned as Pastor, and we were once again left without a shepherd. Holding on to a hope of God's continued blessings towards us, the church continued to flourish. With the aid of our Associate Ministers, Rev. Tyrone Johnson and Dr. Anthony B. Rodgers who did an excellent job in carrying out the ministerial duties of the church, New Oak Grove continued on, striving to keep the faith alive.
In November of 1999 the Lord sent to us Rev. Samuel K. Shaw III, and on January 16, 2000 he was installed as Pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church continued to mature spiritually, and other services and courses of studies such as Preparing For Ministry and New Members classes were put into place to further develop the body for Christian discipleship. During Rev. Shaw's tenure the body embraced the youth of the church, nurturing a more involved youth ministry. A Youth Fellowship service on the third Sunday of each month and Wednesday Youth Bible Study was established, and outlets for creative ministry were formed through a praise dance ministry for the young girls and a mime ministry for the young males. A greater focus was also initiated on behalf of our Seniors, wherein the celebration of Grandparents Day was heightened, eventually leading to an Annual Seniors Luncheon in September of each year. On February 26, 2006 Rev. Shaw resigned as pastor. The Diaconate Ministry, with the assistance of our Ministerial Staff continued to care for and to meet the needs of the body of Christ here at New Oak Grove.
The call for a new leader for the body was answered when one of our own, the Reverend Tyrone L. Johnson was elected Pastor-Elect on March 12, 2008. Reverend Johnson believes that he has been blessed to have received many achievements in his life, but most importantly is blessed to be called a "Fisher of Men." He is most proud that God has allowed him to serve His people in a way that is beyond comprehension, and mimics Jesus' words in Matthew 20:28, "He came not to be served, but he came to serve." NLV Rev. Johnson was installed as Pastor in a joyous celebration on April 27, 2008, and is leading the way as we strive to accomplish our mission to Bring God's People Up To God's Standards by Being a Doer of The Word of God. (Isaiah 59:19, James 1:22-25)
Over these many years God has truly showered His blessings upon this church, and it is our prayer that we will continue in His will, and in the building up of His Kingdom here on earth.
... and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
