New Church in Richmond, Virginia

A new Apostolic Faith Church building was dedicated on June 13, 2004, in Richmond, Virginia. The completion of the building took two years from the time volunteer workers began the construction project.

The congregation worshipping in the new building was formed in February, 1993, when the pastor, Reverend Michael Douglas, along with his wife and son, moved there from Brooklyn, New York, where they had been active in the Apostolic Faith Church. The family's move was preceded by a calling they felt to expand the Gospel into a city where there was no church of this denomination.

The possibility of a new work in Richmond was considered and blessed by several church leaders, including the late Reverend Loyce Carver, Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith work at that time, the late Reverend Isaac Davis, District Superintendent, and the family's pastor in Brooklyn, at that time the Reverend Glory Thomas. To aid in the move, God wonderfully provided a job transfer to Richmond within the company where the pastor worked full time.

From Home to School

After getting settled in Richmond, Bible studies were held in the pastor's home. By the second weekend of June 1994, the church began to hold public worship services in rented space at Henrico High School. Each year from then on, a special event called "Gospel Jubilee" is held on the anniversary weekend. Although Sunday services were initially held at the school, midweek Bible studies were held in the homes of various church members.

Within the first few years of meeting together as a congregation, an effort was made to clearly identify God's purpose for the group of believers. This purpose was clarified as: "To worship God, to win the lost, and to become more like Christ." This is specifically accomplished through five actions: exalt God in worship; evangelize the unsaved among our personal relationships and in the neighborhood where we worship; encourage believers in their spiritual growth through clear practical Bible teaching, fellowship, and discipleship; equip believers for service in God's Kingdom by helping them discern their primary gifts and talents and then helping them to develop those gifts to their maximum effectiveness; and employ believers in the areas of service that best utilize each person's gifts, training and maturity.

Early on, Gospel workers in Richmond reached out to the community through door to door canvassing, hospital visitations, Sunday school, prison meetings, and other means. This has resulted in seeing souls won to Christ and others growing deeper with the Lord. Some of these people have gone on to take leadership responsibilities in the church and also helped as construction volunteers.

Permanent Building Needed

Over time, the desire for a permanent church building grew. An extensive search for an affordable existing building was made, but this search resulted in no viable possibilities. In September 1998, the church purchased land in the Ginter Park neighborhood of Richmond. By the summer of 2002, the land was nearly paid in full, the initial building plans were approved by the city, and work on the building began.

Building Completed

Volunteers from Apostolic Faith branch churches in thirteen states came to help on the construction project. These workers completed about 80% of the work. The beautiful new building passed its final inspection on June 11, 2004. Two days later, Reverend Robert Moore, District Superintendent, was one of over 500 people who were present for the dedication service.

The Apostolic Faith church is located at 3801 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond Virginia, 23227. Reverend Michael Douglas, his wife, and the congregation look forward to welcoming you soon, for everyone is welcome. Directions to the church and a schedule of services are available here.