OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“The mission of New Hope Baptist Church is to ENGAGE people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ENCOURAGE spiritual growth through powerful worship, biblical teaching, and meaningful relationships building, EMPOWER believers to live with purpose, serve with passion, and lead others to salvation—transforming lives, families, and communities for the Kingdom of God.”
OUR VISION STATEMENT
“New Hope Baptist Church envisions a transformed people and a renewed community—where lives are ENGAGED by the life-changing love of Jesus Christ, faith is ENCOURAGED through authentic worship and discipleship, and believers are EMPOWERED to boldly impact the world for God’s glory. We see a church that moves beyond its walls, reaches the forgotten, restores the broken, and leads every generation into a growing relationship with Christ.”
OUR CHURCH’S HISTORY
On Saturday August 22, 1970 the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church was duly organized with Pastor E. Ray Cox Sr. as the founder. The organizational meeting was held at Saint Mark A.M.E. Church,brother Lee A Williams was the moderator. We had no building of our own for worship and we moved from building to building for our accommodations. We were blessed to have our groundbreaking on October 29, 1972.
In memory and celebration of our long journey of mission to our own building with Godly pride, humility and acknowledgment of spiritual dedication we met at our first place of worship the Saint Mark AME Church and walked to our new church at 395 Old Great Neck Rd in Virginia Beach. On that December chilly day, we took in hand all responsibility for our church. For God had made us receptive to all that he had to offer us at that time. From that Sunday morning until this present time, we yet run with a faith that has not shrunk though pressed by every foe that would not tremble nor complain even beneath chastening rods.
Pastor Cox servant style leadership began with only 35 faithful members and continues to grow today.
Our Founder (Dr. E Ray Cox Sr.)
Dr E. Ray Cox, Sr. was a native of Greenville, NC. He was married to Maxine Cox for more than 50 years before his demise on March 18, 2023. They shared 3 sons, Ryan Keith Cox whose life was cut short during the mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center on May 31, 2019, Ervin Cox Jr. and Tony Mills.
Pastor Cox was an anointed called man of God who was not afraid to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever he found himself. You would often find him conversing in supermarkets, restaurants, and even banks about the love of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. He was a visionary and constantly thought of ways to improve his service to God, our congregation and to the greater community. He believed strongly in equipping yourself with knowledge which gives you power.
He earned a Doctor of Divinity degree from Virginia University Lynchburg VA, a Master of Divinity from Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA, a master’s degree in Christian education from the Presbyterian Graduate School of Christian Education, Virginia.
Dr. Cox was highly respected as a community leader. He led by example and dedicated his life to win souls for Christ. Pastor Cox servant style leadership began with only 35 faithful members and continues to grow today.
