How about discovering a church with its finger on the pulse? That’s Abiding Truth Ministries. It stands as an independent, non-denominational church. It is Afro-bibliocentric and culturally aware. The church is spiritually directed and socially connected.
Abiding Truth Ministries started in 1992. Pastors Azuma and Cheryl Beckam conceptualized it that summer. It was formalized and incorporated in September. The first service was October 4th, 1992. It took place in the Beckam’s home. Their home was a 27’x14’ residential storefront. It was located in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia. Nineteen members attended. Sixty-five people were there in total.
After three and a half years, the church grew. It had 45 to 50 members. They needed more space. In June 1996, they moved to the South Philadelphia YMCA. It was located at 1724 Christian Street. Ten months later, membership increased again. They moved to their present location. This is at 57th Street and Washington Avenue. It is in Southwest Philadelphia.
After six years of leasing, they purchased the buildings. The date was June 24, 2003. Soon after, Abiding Truth Ministries began renovations. They replaced pads for sanctuary pews. Upgraded lighting was installed. A general office area was added. They built a beautiful lounge in the lower level. A hospitality room and renovated gym followed. A game room was equipped. It featured ping pong and pool tables. Finally, they enlarged the pulpit. They added a new conference room.
Abiding Truth Ministries has sponsored community programs. They hosted events like the Yet Center. It was an after-school reading program under former Mayor Wilson Goode. They also hosted the Green Tree Learning Center. This was under Senator Anthony Williams. For the past nine years, they’ve housed cyber charter schools. These are The Achievement House and CCA. That is the Commonwealth Charter Cyber School.
ATM sponsors nutrition and health fairs. They also run food banks for the community. These reach hundreds of families. They work with the 18th District Police Department. This is an effort to reduce violence. They are part of the network of churches. They serve with the Chosen 300 Ministries. Pastor Brian Jenkins leads this.
Their Timely Word Publications are innovative. They are socially relevant evangelism tracts. Thousands have been produced. People across all 50 states have received them. Parts of Europe and Israel too. Georgie Woods received tracts. Also, former 76ers player and Coach Mo’ Cheeks. Nate of Boyz II Men also got one. As did Malik Yoba and MC Hammer. Bradford Marsalis received one too. One tract was given to Minister Louis Farrakhan. Pastor Azuma Beckam personally gave it.
Two son churches were formed by founding members. Pastor Leamon Austin created Transformation Christian Center. It is in Virginia Beach, VA. The late Pastor Azuma Beckam founded Genesis Ministries. It is in Runnemede, NJ.
Abiding Truth Ministries states its mission clearly. It aims to win the lost at all costs. They edify the body of Christ. They are ambassadors for Christ. With God’s help, they catch souls. They cultivate and commission them. This is for the work of the ministry. It is for the kingdom of God. They reconnect the disconnected. They franchise the disenfranchised. They set at liberty them that are bruised.
The church believes the Bible is God’s Holy Word. Jesus was born of a virgin. Jesus is the only begotten son of God. Jesus died and was buried. He resurrected and ascended. Water and Spirit Baptism are essential. They believe in the five-fold ministry. Spiritual Gifts are important to them. They believe Jesus is coming soon.
Abiding Truth Ministries remains available to God’s purposes. It stays spiritually directed. It is socially connected. It continues to abound in its calling. It has been uniquely established by His grace. You are welcome to join Abiding Truth Ministries online. Sunday services are at 10:00 am. They offer in-person and live stream options. Wednesday Bible Study is online. Teens and children meet at 6:30 PM. Adults meet at 7:30 PM.