“Be bearers and proclaimers of the Gospel,” that is the mission of the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. Let’s delve into the story of this beacon of faith and community.
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church began on December 1 1976. Rev I. C. Green was its founder and first pastor. The first service occurred on December 5 1976. Forty-three charter members attended. They included an associate minister a deacon and twenty choir members.
During that week Rev Milton Robinson found the first building. It was at 34 West 34th Street. The members decided to rent it with the option to buy. The first service there was December 12 1976. Three new members joined at that service. In 1977 the church decided to buy the building. After much effort the building was paid off in 1986.
Over 35 years Rising Star grew in membership and ministries. Now Rising Star has over 1000 members. Fifty ministries address member and community needs. People from different backgrounds join each year. God uses them to impact the church.
Rising Star partners with ministries in Southern Arizona. Church on the Street helps those in need. Goshen Ministries serves African refugees. Rising Star reaches beyond its walls through these partnerships. The church also supports projects worldwide. These include the National Baptist Convention New Initiatives Program and Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia.
In 2005 Rising Star bought land to build a new campus. It is 4.3 acres located at 2800 East 36th Street. The groundbreaking was October 29 2005. Construction finished and the church passed inspections. A victory march occurred on March 31 2007 from the old building to the new campus. The first service was April 1 2007.
God blessed Rising Star with a tremendous turnout. The church built a multi-million-dollar facility to worship and serve. This year the church bought three houses east of the campus. This added parking and gave them five acres.
Pastor Lewis provides visionary leadership. He energizes the church with new life. Rising Star ministers to the whole person with faith hope and love. Servant-leadership sound teaching warm fellowship and genuine love define Rising Star.
Today Pastor Reginald M. Taylor leads Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. He has over 31 years of ministry experience. Known for his preaching he has served as Sunday School Teacher Bible Class Teacher and Choir Director. He became the church’s fourth pastor in 2023.
Rising Star has many active ministries. The Deacon Ministry assists the pastor. They develop the spiritual life of the church. The Deaconess Ministry supports the women and girls. The Enduring Faith Young Adults Ministry helps young adults grow. The Family Ministry Team fosters a loving community. The Greeter’s Ministry welcomes everyone with joy.
The Music Ministry enhances worship. The New Member Ministry integrates new members. The Pastor’s Aid Ministry supports the pastor and his family. The Gathering provides meals after funerals. The Security Ministry ensures a safe environment. The Senior Women Mission Ministry helps the needy. The Trustee Ministry manages church finances. The Usher Ministry exhibits a Christ-like spirit. The Transportation Ministry provides rides to church. The Youth Ministry fosters spiritual growth.
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church continues to grow. It serves its community with faith and dedication. Its members are determined to let God build His church His way for His glory.