THE CHURCH SCHOOL MINISTRY
The Church School is an integral part of Christian Education. The goal is to provide opportunities for every member of the church to participate in fulfilling the requirements of the Scripture to become and then “make disciples”. The Church School is in session for all ages each Sunday morning, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. The classes follow a uniformed curriculum so that every age group is studying the same scriptures and learning how to apply them to their lives.
THE DIACONATE MINISTRY
The Diaconate Ministry functions as the Spiritual leaders of the church. Deacons provide practical service to the poor, needy and those suffering within and outside of the church. As subordinate officers of the church they are committed to serve the Lord, the pastor, and the disciples. They are following the Pastor’s lead in sharing love, forgiveness, compassion, and a life of prayer in their daily living. They support the Pastor in his (God’s) mission, ministry, and purpose and in evangelistic programs of the church. The Mission of the Diaconate Ministry is to serve the Lord, the people, and our pastor. They are always available to serve as God has command. 1Timothy 3:13, Acts 6: 3-4
THE EDUCATION/SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY
The Education/Scholarship Ministry’s mission is to assist MBC graduating high school seniors seeking a higher education in an accredited college program or school. Annually, a non-renewable scholarship is awarded to MBC graduating high school seniors. In addition, it strives to encourage and promote academic achievement for the youth in grades 9-12; offering tutoring to students upon request, workshops to help complete applications for colleges or jobs, and participate with others in college fairs. One of its main goals is to encourage church-wide donations towards the Messiah Baptist Church Scholarship Fund. Donors are also encouraged to establish a Perpetual Scholarship in their name, or in memory or honor of a loved one. Donations are accepted throughout the year.
THE FINANCE COUNTING MINISTRY
The Finance Counting Ministry is responsible for securing; counting and preparing for deposit the tithes and offerings received by the church.
THE FIRST AID MINISTRY
The First Aid Ministry provides temporary care or relief to persons until professional medical help can be obtained.
THE HEALTH & WELLNESS MINISTRY
The Health and Wellness Ministry is concerned about the whole person. This ministry educates the congregation as well as the community on preventive measures for the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state of a person. Health fairs, seminars, forums, as well as printed materials and brochures are made available during the year.
THE MASS CHOIR
The Mass Choir was formed in January 2009 as a merger of the Senior Choir, Ensemble and Gospel Choirs. This united choir provides a broad range of praise and worship selections that includes hymns, anthems, traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, spirituals, and global music.
THE MEN’S CHORUS
The Men’s Chorus was formed in 1979; and continues to serve not only as singers of the gospel but as role models for the young men of Messiah.
THE YOUTH CHOIR
The Youth Choir (ages between six and eighteen) sings with excitement! They love the Lord and enjoy singing His praises. They usually sing on Youth/Young Adult Sunday (fourth Sunday). The choir fellowship during the year.
THE MUSIC COMMITTEE MINISTRY
The Music Committee Ministry is a standing committee of the church whose duty is to ensure excellence in the praise and worship arts and to provide support for the Director of Music to carry out this charge. The Music Ministry has not only provided music and dance for worship services; it has also been the presenter of a variety of concerts, from “An Evening with Mr. Fritz Kramer and Miss Edith Mattis” in 1948 to “An Evening of Jazz in the Sanctuary” in 2014. They continue to build upon the foundation laid by the great musicians of this church, most notably, Mrs. Inez M. Holley, Mrs. Martha E. Gonzalez, and Mr. Lynn C. McGilvary.
THE PRAISE DANCE MINISTRY
The Praise Dance Ministry was formed in February 2001. The Ministry provides liturgical dance experiences for children, youth, teens and adults, male and female. The Praise Dance Ministry has become an integral part of the Messiah Baptist Church worship experience.
THE MISSIONARY MINISTRY
The Missionary Ministry has always been a very important ministry in the Baptist Church. The missionaries visit the sick and shut-in at their homes, hospitals, or convalescent homes. They help make provisions for the needy in the community whenever they can. They attend workshops and are actively ministering.
THE PASTOR’S AID MINISTRY
The Pastor’s Aid Ministry was organized solely to aid the Pastor (spiritually, financially, and otherwise). The Pastor and his family are remembered in special ways during the year.
THE SILVER SAINTS
The Silver Saints Ministry is for men and women, age 60 or older. They fellowship with each other, and maintain active minds and bodies, while engaging in fun activities and friendly discussions.
THE TRUSTEE MINISTRY
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) The Trustee Ministry is responsible for all finances, real estate, compensation, contracts, maintenance and upkeep of the church and its property.
THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY
The Women’s Ministry is dedicated to empowering the lives of the women within the Messiah Baptist Church and throughout the greater Bridgeport area through continuous spiritual growth and development. With the use of Christian biblically based preaching and teaching, the ministry strives to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood within the church, strengthen familial relationships, partake in outreach activities that minister to those inside and others outside our walls and to bring awareness to both personal health and social justice issues effecting the lives of women. These goals are accomplished by providing bible studies, workshops, seminars, retreats, and other appropriate venues that focus on women and issues effecting women.
THE WOMEN IN PRAYER MINISTRY
The Women in Prayer Ministry is composed of women committed to intercessory prayer, Bible Study and service to our fellowman both spiritually and financially in private. Its mission is to become mature Christian women while developing a personal relationship with God; to study the Bible daily, and to pray for others.
THE USHERS COMBINED MINISTRY
The Usher Ministry greet and welcome the congregation, receive the offering, and joyfully serve God, the church, and the Pastor. They spread the Word of the Lord and fellowship among themselves and with ushers across the State of Connecticut.
THE STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY
The mission of the Stewardship Ministry is to encourage our congregation to become a tithing church, using our time, talent, and treasure, which God has already blessed us.
THE CHILDREN/TOT MINISTRY
The Children/Tot Ministry provides a safe space with a spiritual environment for our children who are not quite ready to sit in worship service on Sunday mornings.
THE VAN/TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY
The Van/Transportation Ministry is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the church van, the scheduling of its use and providing transportation to parishioners (as requested) for Sunday mornings and other special worship services.
THE YOUTH MINISTRY
The Youth Ministry is dedicated to spiritually feeding and developing not only the youth of the Church, but also the youth of the community. Through teaching, fellowship, and service, the Youth Ministry strives to develop bold and committed young people. The ministry believes that the fruit of its labor will be youth who live a life for Christ by loving those around them; being a light of hope to all who meet them; and improving relationships with their family, friends, community, and world by living out their faith.