“New Assurance Baptist Church Day” proclaimed. Does that grab your attention?
Welcome to New Assurance Baptist Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community in San Diego.
Originally named New Faith Baptist Church, it was established in 1991. The late Reverend John H. Barnes was the pastor then. In 2007, the church’s name changed to New Assurance Baptist Church. The late Reverend Rickey T. Laster became the Senior Pastor.
In 2022, New Assurance Baptist Church installed a new pastor. Senior Pastor Jared B. Moten took the position. The installation service was held at the Marina Village Convention Center. Over 150 people attended this joyous event. Deacon Tony Conwright and Deacon Michael Boyd coordinated the service. The New Assurance Youth Praise Dancers and the choir performed. Marla Cooper Andres was the ceremony’s mistress.
Reverend J. A. Conner Sr. was the guest speaker. He is the Pastor of Second Baptist Church in El Centro. Several pastors gave charges. These included Revered Dr. Edward Johnson and Reverend Donnell Townsend. Also Revered Dr. Edward Flowers participated.
Pastor Moten isn’t new to pastorship. He was mentored by the late Pastor Rickey Laster. He served as Assistant Pastor at New Assurance. He worked in the Youth Department and Prayer Ministry. He was also a general laborer.
Pastor Moten envisions a more inclusive community. He aims for a transforming ministry. The church continues its food and clothing drives. It seeks to uplift the community. Voting is also a major focus.
The church bolsters its youth. They gain a better understanding of themselves. Each Sunday features a moment in Black history. This helps them understand their origins. It provides them with a vision for their future.
Pastor Moten has concerns about the church and the community. He believes the African American church was once central. It was the cornerstone of the African American community. He wants to restore the church to its former role. He wants it to be a bedrock of information again. Many generations are unchurched now. New Assurance Baptist Church feels obligated to reach out.
June 25, 2023, was proclaimed “New Assurance Baptist Church Day”. President pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe made the proclamation. It was for the Fourth District of San Diego. Senior Pastor Rev. Jared B. Moten described the service as joyous. He was thankful for the recognition.
New Assurance Baptist Church’s story is one of evolution. It is a story of community. It is a story of unwavering faith. It continues to serve as a beacon of hope in San Diego.