The Church of God of East New York began as a prayer meeting 80 years ago this year (1930-2010). The current facilities formerly a food catering business, served the people of this community, dishing out natural food prior to the Church purchasing it. Today, it still serves as a place of nourishment (soul food), as it houses a growing and thriving congregation where Jesus is Lord. The people in this community and congregation continue to come and find “Bread” in this House. Lives are transformed, renewed and restored through the power of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and the people of God. During the life span of the Church there has been uninterrupted pastoral leadership. There has only been seven pastors, of which the former Pastor (Rev. Lorena C Arch) and the current Pastor, Rev. Clifton McDowell, Sr. represent consistent pastoral leadership for past last 50 years. The Church of God of East New York is both a neighborhood church and an amalgamation of people from different cultures and communities. People from the United States, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, England and the Dominican Republic are some of the cultures represented in this membership. In addition to its primary mission of teaching and reaching out to the community with the Word of God and providing discipleship training for its members, The Church of God of East New York provides and supports ministry in Rwanda East Africa, provides educational workshops in the community on issues of Personal Finances, Insurance, Estate Planning, Family & Marriage Issues, Funeral Arrangements, College & Careers, Manhood Training for boys, Health fairs, Back to School block parties and community carnivals, to name a few. The congregation is committed to sharing the love of God with the community and the City. The church views its surrounding community as our Jerusalem and B.L.O.C.K. (Boldly Loving Our Community with Kindness) is part of our ministry strategy to R.E.A.C.H & L.I.F.T. the people in their Community. In April 2010, Reverend Clifton McDowell & Lady Deborah McDowell marked their 29th year as the Senior Pastor and First Lady of this congregation. This year also marks Pastor McDowell’s 35th year in public ministry which began when he was faithful to follow the call of God on his life. Whether leading or teaching his peers as a teenager, or traveling around the world sharing the gospel, Rev. Clifton McDowell is committed to teaching all people that they can have “an abundant life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Together as a community of faith, God is helping them to be a lighthouse of hope to the community and the utter most parts of the world. In November 2006, excavation began for the construction of a new 4.7 million dollar facility. The 10 foot lighthouse cupola has been placed on top of the tower of the new building as a symbolic picture of the lighthouse God has called The Church of God of East New York to be. The success of the Church of God of East New York and the promise of future growth is a testimony of a Church that started from a “store front” with approximately 12 members and is now a growing congregation of over 250 men, women and children, who now call this church their home. Although very difficult in the current economic environment they remain committed and hopeful to raise the needed funds to complete the construction by the end of 2010. While some wrote off and abandoned this community when it was at its worse, they Church of God of East New York has remained a stabilizing force in the community they call their Jerusalem.
Review from Guidestar