Elm Grove Baptist Church has a rich history and heritage of which we are all proud. We recognize that whatever efforts are put forth in this era is a continuation of the work that was set forth by those who walked this way before us. However, as we look back with admiration we are also forced to look forward to the future. This view has allowed us to see the need to work while it is day so that we might leave an inheritance for our children and their children. We are trying to bring to life the Scripture that says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22).

In an effort to continue a legacy and develop a vision for the people, Pastor Domingue introduced what is known as “The Next Phase of Faith”. This five-part plan’s goal is to promote education, healthy living and economic empowerment over the coming years. It is his belief that the church has a responsibility-a divine mandate to positively impact and transform its community spiritually, morally and economically. The members of Elm Grove have embraced and engaged in this initiative for we know that it is our calling to follow the example set by Jesus Christ to empower people to live the abundant life (John 10:10) that Christ offers to all who will believe Him. First and foremost, our goal is to see all people embrace salvation through relationship with Jesus Christ. However, we recognize that our Lord’s ministry was focused on helping people live whole and fulfilled lives.

The Next Phase of Faith includes the following initiatives: Abundant Living, Educational Initiatives, Economic Empowerment, and a Space for Worship and Ministry. Each initiative offers guidance and focus to assist in restoring and building God’s kingdom.

The Abundant Livinginitiative is meant to build upon the work of the already established Abundant Living Ministry. This element’s purpose is to expand our efforts of improving the physical well-being of people. The goal/focus is to assist in establishing a healthy and positive lifestyle through nutrition, physical fitness, and medical screenings. Some of our efforts will include: nutritious cooking classes, health screenings, informative seminars/workshops, wellness retreats, and fitness activities.

The Educational Initiativespurpose will promote the importance of education among God’s people. Its goal is to provide opportunities and resources for all ages to be successful in their academic pursuits. This is another expansion of what is already at work at Elm Grove. At present we successfully supplement the educational process of students by offering tutorial assistance with a reading comprehension component. The short term goals include expanded tutoring, reading seminars, test prep courses, G.E.D. certification, and scholarship preparation. This initiative will lead to the operation of an elementary level day school.

The Economic Empowermentportion is divided into three separate but connected parts. We have endeavored to own and operate the EGBC Credit Union, the Nehemiah Society Community Development Corporation, and the Ujamaa (Swahili for cooperative economics) For-profit Corporation.

EGBC Credit Union

This enterprise will encourage financial investments and to protect our people from predatory lenders such as payday loans and check-cashing businesses.

EGBC Community Development Corporation

This is a major step in re-establishing community in the areas surrounding the church through financial literacy education, homeownership counseling, and providing affordable dwellings for purchase.

The Ujamaa For-profit Corporation

This enterprise will allow us to successfully own and operate a business that will generate continuous funds for the work of the ministry of the Church. Some of the ventures under consideration include: a banquet/reception facility, cleaning business, bus line, laundry services, book store/coffee shop, and a small restaurant franchise.

The final initiative, a Space for Worship and Ministry is meant to provide room and facilities that might allow us to accelerate the advancement of the Kingdom of God through our spiritual and numerical growth. The plan is to purchase acreage that will allow for building a divinely inspired, sacred space with the necessary furnishings and equipment to worship God, and plan and execute ministry in this our generation; as well as to pass on a legacy for those who will walk this way after us. This effort is to be funded by the Legacy Fund – a carefully planned and supported stewardship program that will allow room for us to grow today and to leave an inheritance for our children’s children.

We have engaged ourselves by putting our hand to the plow in contributing our time, knowledge, resources or whatever the Lord has equipped with us to help glorify Him by empowering His people to walk free of poverty economically, physically, and socially.