PLEASANT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

PLEASANT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Sponsored By:
PH101 NEW MEMBER MINISTRY

Rev. Heber M. Brown, III, Pastor

430 E. Belvedere Avenue Baltimore, MD 21212 410-435-0851

www.youtube.com/PleasantHopeChurch www.pleasanthope.org

@Pleasant_Hope www.facebook.com/groups/pleasanthope

Copyright © 2012 by Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned,

or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.
First Edition: November 2012

Second Edition: *September* 2013
Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

WELCOME TO PLEASANT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

OUR BELIEFS - God Wants Us To Be Free!

OUR BELIEFS - God Made Us Black On Purpose!

Course Description
Sin – Salvation – Wholeness
Baptism and Communion

WHO WE ARE
The Church
History of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
The Vision
Church Etiquette
Ministries of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
Ministry Fit Inventory

HOW WE LIVE
Interpersonal Relationships
Social Issues
Economics/Material Well Being
War and Peace
CHURCH COVENANT

CHURCH LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

WELCOME TO PLEASANT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

On behalf of the Pleasant Hope Baptist Church (PHBC) and my Family, I
want to welcome you to the beginning of what I pray will be a fruitful
spiritual journey for you. Pleasant Hope is a special place with a rich
history and exciting vision for the future.

Your growth at this church begins with PH101 – this is our version of an
introductory course that will give you information about this church, our
leadership, our services and characteristics of congregational life here.

At the conclusion of these sessions with our New Member’s Ministry, you’ll
have opportunity to decide whether or not you wish to step forward to
become a full-fledged member of this church.

We don’t assume that you’ll want to join before having your questions
answered and obtaining more information about us; so don’t feel pressured
and ask away!

Each session of this orientation will be dedicated to highlighting
components of what makes us distinct in the following order:

Our Beliefs? (Theology/Ideology)
What Is Worship Like Here?
What should I expect from this church and what will this church expect of
me?
What are ways to stay informed and get involved?

Once you complete this orientation and agree to step forward into full
membership, your next step will include being recognized before the
congregation as a full-fledged member. I’ll be praying for you as you
participate in this process.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown, III
Senior Pastor
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

OUR BELIEFS - God Wants Us To Be Free!

The African American churches that many people are most familiar with are
ones that embrace a theological identity known as evangelicalism. This
spiritual ideology places emphasis upon, among other things, an
individual’s personal salvation. The most important goal is to get people to
accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior - believing that personal
conversion and individual piety is more important than anything else.

But what about the community of the converted person? What about
societal injustices that they face? What about racism/White Supremacy?
sexism? gentrification? The impact of European colonization upon
Christianity and the Black experience?

Evangelicalism is often silent about such matters and therefore renders
many Black Churches impotent when it comes to addressing the context
and lived experiences of members of the church. This has rightly
warranted critique from Christians and non-Christians alike.

Here at Pleasant Hope - while we recognize the significance of personal
transformation - we recognize that communal salvation and liberation is
God’s highest aim for humanity. We believe that God is actively on the
See For Yourself!

Read Exodus 3: 1-10 and Luke 4: 14-19 to see how the scriptures present
God and Jesus with respect to their concern for people that are oppressed.
side of those who are oppressed by unjust power arrangements and
spiritual wickedness in high places.

Throughout the entire Bible, God is presented as working in and through
people and their communities to confront injustice and state-sanctioned
oppression. Throughout the story of Jesus, the scriptures describe him as
being primarily concerned with the plight of those that are beat down by
society.

Therefore, we read the Bible with an eye toward what it means for us as a
community that has been historically marginalized and oppressed. We see
the Way of Jesus as a lifestyle that leads us to personal and communal
freedom.

Slave religion perverted the teachings of Jesus and taught Black people to
wait patiently until after death to be experience the fullness of God’s
freedom and blessings. We flatly reject that position at this church. We
believe God wants us free now and are committed to configuring this
church into an institutional power base that helps us to secure that which
God says is rightfully ours.

OUR BELIEFS - God Made Us Black On Purpose!

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, released a song in the 1960’s
designed to engender pride in the Black Community. The refrain of this
wildly popular song said, Say it loud! I’m Black and I’m proud! It was a
revolutionary song for a people that were (and still are) systematically
conditioned to believe in Black inferiority and White superiority. From the
standards of beauty in society to the regular stars of the most popular
movies and so much more; those classified as “White” are lifted up as
exemplars of virtue and genius. The Black community, however, is
regularly presented as being inherently violent, dysfunctional and having no
history worth serious study.

This ungodly view has also been advanced in Christian circles. Racist
Church leaders have long promoted perverted interpretations of the Bible
that were used to justify the subjugation of the African American community
- arguing that God’s displeasure with those of darker hue is evidenced by
the color of their skin. This is completely false, sinful, and racist.

What is equally, though subtly, just as dangerous is the “I don’t see color”
position. Many people think that they’re standing on higher moral and
spiritual ground by stating their inability to see color. However, this is also
a faulty view because the skin of people of African descent is not dark by
accident, but rather a part of God’s intentional design of who we are.

Many passages of scripture also celebrate and help highlight African
identity in the Bible. Read the Song of Solomon chapter 1 verse 5. Read
of Asenath, Joseph’s wife from Kemet (Egypt) in Genesis chapter
41. Read of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Read the birth story of Jesus
in Matthew chapter 2 where Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus flee the
persecution of Herod by hiding out in North Africa. (Anyone attempting to
hide from someone would naturally go somewhere where they can blend

in!) We agree with our Great Ancestor and Pan-Africanist, Dr. John Henrik
Clarke who said, “the Bible is a book of old African stories.”

This is a church that doesn’t wait until February to celebrate African culture
and Black History. As an anti-racist church, we openly advocate for self-
love as we believe God intends for the Black people and all people.

Course Description

This course will provide important information about the foundational beliefs
(salvation, baptism and communion).

Goals:
• To provide the basic doctrines of the Faith
• To connect with the Believer to support him/her in their connection
with Christ and Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, as active members of
a maturing church
• To assist the Believer in reading Scripture

Sin – Salvation – Wholeness

Sin
How would you describe sin?
Does sin really separate us from God?
Ways sin manifests itself.

Salvation
What is Salvation?
What am I being saved from?

Wholeness
What is ‘wholeness’?
What does ‘wholeness’ look like in relationships?

Baptism and Communion

What is an Ordinance?
Why are there only 2 Ordinances of the Church?

WHO WE ARE

Course Description: This course will orient or re-orient new members to
the Christian Church and assimilate them into the Pleasant Hope Family.

Goals:
To give the base tenets of the Christian Church
To give the history of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
To give the vision for Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
To introduce new members to the culture of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
To introduce the Ministries of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
To administer the Ministry Fit Test

The Church

Participants will search the Scriptures to develop an understanding of the
Church. Who/What is the Church. Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 5:30, 3:19

History of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

Participants will be exposed to the development of Pleasant Hope Baptist
Church to the present and how it impacts us as a living body of Christ.

The roots of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church go back to the late 19th
Century when African Americans in what was then Baltimore County,
gathered in the home of Jane and Ike Gassaway for prayer and worship in
their living room. After a year of gathering, the small, but committed group
purchased a facility nearby to continue their worship. They named their
church Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. This was the first African American
Christian church in Govanstown, North Baltimore City.

A little further north, the second African American congregation formed in
1900. Good Hope Baptist Church set down its roots less than a mile from
Mt. Pleasant. The two churches shared good fellowship and even
membership. Family members were active at both congregations during a
time when it was likely that church services didn’t happen every week.

The two congregations enjoyed each other so much that a merger was
proposed. In 1933, the day before the nation celebrated Independence
Day, Mt. Pleasant Baptist and Good Hope Baptist became one church.
Taking portions of both churches names, the new church would be called
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church.

The churches didn’t only combine names, but they also combined
Governing Boards as well. To ensure equal representation, when a
chairperson was selected from one church, the assistant chairperson was
selected from the other church. Pleasant Hope Baptist Church was 100
members strong at the time of its “birth” – a remarkable feat given what
was going on in the nation at the time.

The nation was in the midst of the Great Depression when Pleasant Hope
was born. Jobs were scarce, the economy had plummeted, and some
have even remarked that the masses were in a stupor. For Black
Baltimoreans in the 1930’s, the challenges were compounded by the reality
of discrimination and systemic racism. Like today, unemployment in the
Black Community then nearly doubled that of Whites. The segregated
school system was grand in character, but sparse in adequate
resources. Furthermore, the threat of ethnic violence in Maryland was still
very real when Pleasant Hope was born. Lynch mobs were still very active
in the state during the 30’s and it was not unheard of for bands of Whites to
play judge, jury, and executioner in the case of a Black person who was
even thought to have upset some real or imagined law. But somehow, in
the midst of the challenges and White terrorism, Pleasant Hope Baptist
Church came to be and thrived from the start.

In 1977, the Pleasant Hope congregation recognized the need for a larger
edifice. With God, members of the York Road Planning Committee and
other friends of this congregation, plans were made to erect a new edifice
on the 427 Hutchins Avenue site. A gathering of Councilman Thomas J.
Waxter, Jr.; Mr. Frank Durkee, Senator Theater owner; Reverend John
Sharp and congregation of Govans Presbyterian Church; Reverend

Gamble and congregation of Memorial Baptist Church; Mr. James Hunter
of Baltimore Building and Loan; Mr. Frank Knott of Knott Remodeling
Company; and members of the church’s building committee met to finalize
plans for construction of the new edifice.

Between October 9, 1977 and November 26, 1977 ground was broken; the
$130,000 mortgage was signed and the old edifice at 427 Hutchins Avenue
was demolished. On September 1, 1978, the congregation gathered at the
Senator Theater where they had worshipped during construction and
marched into the new edifice with Reverend Dr. Howard R. Queen leading
the processional. Ten years later the mortgage was paid in full and the
congregation flourished in the new edifice at 430 East Belvedere Avenue,
Baltimore, MD. The “Little Church by the Side of the Road” had gone half
circle from facing north on Hutchins Avenue to facing south on Belvedere
Avenue within the 77 years of the building’s actual existence.

On Thursday, May 15, 2008, a Special Church Meeting was held at
Pleasant Hope. The time had come for the congregation to elect the new
pastor. Officers and members of the Deacons’ Conference of Baltimore
City came out to officiate this process and some 82 members of the church
were in attendance. Reverend Heber M. Brown, III was elected and the
congregation was encouraged to keep God first and to work fervently with
the new Under Shepherd. This occasion marked one more exciting
milestone in the church’s history, preceding Pleasant Hope’s 75th
Anniversary by just two months.

On Sunday, June 1, 2008, Rev. Brown delivered his first sermon as the
Pastor Elect. The church was overflowing and he delivered a powerful
message using Isaiah 1:11-17 as his text. His installation service was held
October 2008.

In July 2013 the Pleasant Hope Baptist Church congregation celebrates its
80th year of service to God and communities. This milestone proves what
can happen when people unite and press forward keeping their focus on
worship and praise! God’s plans for this branch of Zion are still being
evidenced… and this church’s history moves on!
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church flourished under the following Spiritual
leaders:

We celebrate transformative togetherness as evidenced by our strong
fellowship and hospitality. We also are arrested by God’s Vision for our
church to again create something grand in our part of Baltimore for the
benefit of the community and in the midst of less than ideal
circumstances. We don’t believe God is through with us yet. Our greatest
days are before us and once again we’re being called to strengthen our
hands to help rebuild a city. Rooted in our historic belief in and history with
strategic partnerships, we are compelled by a Vision to help support or
create a community outreach center, an independent school, avenues for
the poor to access fresh, organic, healthy food, a viable recreation center
for local youth, and an entrepreneurial incubator that will help give birth to
small businesses and cooperatives.

The Vision is big, but our common refrain is much like what the
congregation told Nehemiah after he shared the depressing condition of
Jerusalem and the compelling vision to rebuild. Like they did then – we say
today: “Let us start building!”

The Vision

Participants will be introduced to the Vision for Pleasant Hope Baptist
Church.

Church Etiquette

Participants will be introduced to rules of conduct and behavior in the
Church.

Participants will be introduced to the Rules of Conduct and Behavior in the
Church.
We define “etiquette” as “the customary rules for conduct or behavior in
polite society.” Church etiquette is the customary rules for conduct and
behavior in a Church of God. It falls into several broad categories:

Honoring the Sanctuary:
Speaking from the Pulpit: Only the ministers or invited speakers are
allowed to speak from the pulpit. Other worship leaders or speakers are
asked to use side lecterns.

Being in the Pulpit: Only the minister or persons authorized by the minister
should ever be in the pulpit. Children should be taught at a young age that
this is a sacred place and can never be used as a play area.
Enter and Exit as Directed: If you must leave or enter the sanctuary during
worship service, do not pass in front of the pulpit. Use the side aisles to
enter and exit to maintain a low profile. Typically, you should not enter or
leave the sanctuary during prayer, sermons, reading of the scriptures,
communion or invitation (unless you are coming forward to join the
church). You are also to remain in service until the closing benediction or
the final prayer ending the service.

Maintaining Silence Before God: The congregation is expected to actively
participate in worship. However, God’s House is a place for reverence and
worship, not participating in loud idle conversations between each other or
using cell phones.

Treatment of Church Bibles and Hymnals: Bibles and Hymnals that are
placed in pews are to be treated with care and respect. They should not be
written on or used to dispose trash. The bindings should be cared for. The
spines of Bibles and Hymnals should be protected. They are the property
of the church and should not be taken home.

Treatment of the Communion Table: The communion table is used for one
of two Holy ordinances (ceremonies and rites) of the Baptist
Church. Ministers and others who are in charge of the Communion service
are the only persons permitted to use it.

Treatment of the Baptismal Pool: Baptism is the other important ordinance
of the Baptist Church. The baptismal pool is covered and drained of water
until the day of the ceremony. No one is to ever go into the baptismal pool
unless they have specific instructions to do so by church leadership
(ministers, deacons).

Treatment of the Pews and other seating: Comfortable seating is in place
during each worship service; we should treat them respectfully.
No Food, Beverages or Chewing Gum in the Sanctuary: Use of these
items is another way of disrespecting the sanctity of God’s House; these
practices are too casual in church and run the risk of ruining church
property, thus wasting tithes made to God on repairs that would not
otherwise be necessary.

Honoring the Church Building:

Be certain to keep the church (interior and exterior) clean and respect all
furnishings, appliances, and utilities as a way to honor God for all he has
provided.

Eat only in designated areas: Follow the church’s rules for eating in the
church building (See item 9 above).
Honoring Each Other:

Treat One Another with Kindness: God wants us to be good to one another
so you should greet each other kindly in God’s name when you meet in
church.

Don’t Say Bad Things about God’s People: God warns us against gossip
and backbiting. We should try to remember this in all aspects of our lives,
but especially in God’s House.

Dress Appropriately: While the 21st Century Baptist Church still tends to
be somewhat informal, it recognizes that it is still most important for
members to be present in worship in a manner that is appropriate and
honors God. To that end, we are expected to wear our very best, whether
it is dressy or casual. We should always dress as if we are going to meet
someone important (and there is no one as important as God).

Ministries of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church

Participants will be introduced to the Ministries and their purposes and
goals.

Christian Education Ministry – Sunday School, Tuesday Night Bible Study,
Thursday’s Noon Day Bible Study - Provides training for members to learn
to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ through dedication of continuous
learning and studying of Christian doctrines and beliefs as we develop
understanding, attitudes and skills each member needs to become an
effective Christian with God and others. Proclaims the message and carries
out the mission of Jesus Christ through Bible study, teaching and
evangelizing God’s Word. Contact Person: Rev. Denise Sanders 443-721-
8409

Diaconate Ministry – Consisting of Deacons and Deaconess who shall be
servants for the Lord committed to the Spirit of God and endeavoring to
strive to support all aspects of Kingdom building, providing spiritual
leadership to the congregation, assisting the Pastor in his holy service,
offering continuous prayer and to the ministering of the Word. Contact
Persons: Deacon Isiah C. Sanders 410-218-0859 and Deaconess
Cinderitha Payton 410-366-2029.

Education Fund Committee – Returns education to the forefront of the
church membership; to help the youth and other church members meet the
demands of the future with ongoing education.

Kitchen Ministry – Ministry of those who serve the physical needs of the
church and community. Providing meals for worship experiences and
outreach initiatives is the major function of this ministry. Contact Person:
Trustee Minnie Little 410-821-1321

Men’s Ministry - Bringing men into the Body of Christ, working in service to
the Lord. Contact Person: Pastor Heber Brown, III,
[email protected]

Music Ministry - Mass Choir, Praise Team, and Youth/Young Adult Choir –
Praises the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through ministering
in song.

New Member Ministry – Encourages new the member to become a Disciple
of Christ, by helping to develop an intimate relationship through a fuller
understanding of Jesus Christ through His Word and what their
responsibilities are in participating in the building of His Kingdom. Contact
Person: Sis. Tanya Snow 443-600-0018

Pastor’s Aid Ministry – Meet the needs of the Pastor, his family, other
“sitting” and visiting ministers of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church through
prayerful service as they strive forthwith in the advancement of God’s
Kingdom. Contact Person:

Prime Timers Ministry – Seniors committed to ongoing fellowship and
outreach. Contact Person: Sis. Marion Whitehurst 410-485-4028

Transportation Ministry – Meets the needs of the Church by providing
transportation services and spiritual fellowship among Church members
needing assistance to attend worship services and other Church
activities. Contact Person: Bro. Cecil W. Payton 410- 366-2029

Trustee Ministry – Ministry of those who are entrusted to be good stewards
of God’s resources as they are collected or received by the church. Not
only does this Ministry serve in a fiduciary capacity for the church, but they
also minister to the financial needs of the community. Contact Person:
Trustee LaVerne Barrack (410) 299-5033

Ushers Ministry – Being workers for the Lord, vigilant in service, attitude
and spirit. Present a Christ-like attitude in service as gatekeepers. Contact
Person: Sis. Gwen Mayo 410-319-8907

Vacation Bible School – Presents Biblical teachings and principles, building
a basis for Christian growth and understanding including daily life
experiences. Contact Person: Sis. Deborah Jackson-Johnson 410-532-
8893

Women’s Ministry – Develops a deep spiritual and personal relationship
with Christ and with women who share the commitment to work closely with
one another, relinquishing our will and heart desires to God. Contact
Person: Sis Debbie Gardner 410-561-3278

Welcoming Committee Ministry – Acts as “good will” ambassadors of the
Church to ensure that all visitors are greeted with a smile and cordial
welcome to Pleasant Hope Baptist Church. Contact Person: Sis Ellen
Curtis 410-488-7117

Ministry Fit Inventory

Participants will become aware of their spiritual gifts and how it can edify
the body of Christ.

HOW WE LIVE

Course Description: This course provides information about the day-to-day
lifestyle of a Follower of Jesus Christ. Ancient spiritual practices such as
prayer, study, meditation, humility and worship are discussed. In addition,
the class will also begin a discussion on how following Jesus might impact
your relationships, community involvement, politics and understanding of
economics, war, peace and justice.

Goal: To orient new Followers of Jesus Christ to the impact that the
practice of Disciplined Christianity has upon every facet of one’s personal
and public lives.

Suggested Reference Materials:

New Living Translation Bibles
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Scenes from The Matrix (DVD)
Mission by Heather Zempel, National Community Church (Audio Podcast)
How to Read the Bible by Marilyn McEntyre “Sojourners Magazine”

Course Outline:

Interpersonal Relationships

Matthew 5:21-25, 20:25-28, Luke 6:27-38
How do these Scriptures express Jesus’ teachings on our relationships with
others? How might these Scriptures impact our relationships with others?

Social Issues

Luke 4:16-21, Isaiah 1:10-31, Jeremiah 7:1-11
How do these passages communicate God’s social priorities?
How might these Scriptures impact our lives together and with those
around us?

Economics/Material Well Being

Matthew 22:15-22, Luke 18:18-23
How do these passages express Jesus’ thoughts on money and material
things? How do these teachings impact your thoughts on money and
material things?

War and Peace

Matthew 5:9, 5:43-47
How do these passages express Jesus’ teachings on violent and peaceful
relationships? How do these teachings impact your thoughts on war and
peace?

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord
Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the profession of our Faith, having been
baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most
solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in
Christ.

WE ENGAGE, THEREFORE, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together
in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in
knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality;
to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute
cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the
church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel through all
nations.

WE ALSO ENGAGE to maintain family and personal devotions; to
religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of family, friends, and
acquaintances; to walk with awareness in the world; to be kind and just to
all, faithful in the service we promise others, and exemplary in our conduct;

to avoid fruitless communication and excessive anger; to abstain from the
abuse of any foreign substances or immoral behavior that could harm our
bodies, endanger our families, cripple our communities, or tarnish our
witness, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of God.

WE FURTHER ENGAGE to watch over, pray for, and exhort each other in
love; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian
sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to give or take
offense, but mindful of the rules of our Savior we stand always ready to be
reconciled back to our sister or brother without needless delay.

WE MOREOVER ENGAGE that if we leave this church, we will as soon as
possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of
this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

And now unto The One, who brought again from the dead, our Lord Jesus,
be power and glory forever. Amen.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY