OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to Enlighten, Equip, and Empower Believers to walk in the Spirit reaching out to individuals and families as instruments of God’s peace, impacting communities in seeking to unite, to rebuild and to spread the Gospel.
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 of leadership began with only 35 faithful members and continues to grow today with a congregation of over 500.
OUR PASTOR
Dr. E. Ray Cox Sr. a native of Greenville, North Carolina. He resides in the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia with his lovely wife of more than 40 years Maxine Cox. Together they are the proud parents of two sons Ervin Cox Jr. and Ryan Cox, both of Virginia Beach. They are also the proud grandparents of six grandchildren, Jamaris, Maxi, Phillip, Mason, Codi and Logan.
Pastor Cox is an anointed called man of God who is not afraid to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever he finds himself. You may often find him conversing in supermarkets, restaurants, and even banks, about the love of Jesus Christ and his saving grace. Pastor Cox is a visionary and is constantly thinking and working on ways to improve his service to God, not only to our congregation, but also to the greater community.
He believes strongly in equipping yourself with knowledge which gives you power. Pastor Cox holds an earned Doctor of Divinity degree from Virginia University, Lynchburg, Virginia a Master of Divinity from the Samuel D Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, a Masters Degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian Graduate School of Christian Education. Virginia.
Pastor Cox is passionate about the youth of our church. He often states that the youth are the church of today, not the church of tomorrow. He exhibits his support in many ways, one of which is his established annual contribution to the Scholarship fund.
Pastor Cox has led New Hope Baptist Church to a unique sense of mission and outreach. A God fearing man of vision and a determination to fulfill God’s mandate to preach and teach the Word of God in an effort to bring Gods people to a greater awareness of His Love.
Pastor Cox is highly respected as a community leader. He is one who leads by example by the life he lives and the service he gives and has dedicated his life to winning souls for Christ.
