God has been at work at The Rescue Church for more than sixty years (formerly known as Bethany Baptist Church). In that time, many people have come to know Christ through various ministries such as the school, children’s programs, Bible studies, and of course much gospel preaching.
In 2011 the church began to decline, losing its pastor, and many of the church members. However, God was not finished with us. In 2012, God brought about an unusual answer – a merger with Geneva Park Baptist Church. Over the course of the next several years, the two congregations became one under the leadership of Pastor Mike Ellis, and Easter 2016, a new church name brought a new identity and new focus to the ministry: The Rescue Church was born.
The Rescue Church is now known in the community for reaching those who are in crisis and struggling in life, whether it’s addiction, homelessness, mental health issues, relationship problems, financial struggles, or any of the many other things that life can throw at us. Our goal has been to impact those around us by bringing the hope of Jesus to everyone we encounter, showing them that rescue is here.
In 2017, God called Pastor Mike home to heaven, leaving a gap in the leadership and ministry of the church. Though struggling to continue the work, the church still desired to be a beacon of hope in Portsmouth and Hampton Roads. In March 2018, The Rescue Church called Pastor David Simpson to be our shepherd, and we’re looking forward to how God will continue to use The Rescue Church to further His Kingdom and glorify His name.