NEW ASSURANCE BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY (2007-2022)
New Faith Baptist Church was established in 1991 under the pastorage of Reverend John H. Barnes. At the time there was a small but faithful band of ten worshippers. Church services were held at the home of Brother and Sister Othell Laster, in San Diego, CA. In this small adequate Christian home, the word of God provided the light to guide their path and the love of fellowship. These excited pioneers spread the good news far and near and membership steadily increased. Recognizing the need for a larger church the congregation moved to a new building and the congregation continued to flourish and made great strides under the pastorage of Reverend John H. Barnes. The membership continually growing to have enough space for the growing Christian the congregation relocate on Imperial Avenue. They remain at that location until Rev. Barnes decided to step down because health issues. Reverend Rickey T. Laster was installed as the new Pastor of New Faith Baptist Church.
In April 2007, Reverend Gregory Brown Pastor of Blessed Assurance Baptist Church where Pastor Rickey Laster served as his Assistant Pastor was asked by Rev. Gregory Brown to take over Blessed Assurance because he can relocate to another state. Pastor Laster accepted the position to become the Pastor of Blessed Assurance. Pastor Laster became the Pastor of two (2) churches. Decision time, Pastor Laster said he prayed and prayed for God to instruct him with the answer. God answered him “Merge the two churches”.
On Sunday. April 22, 2007, the birth of a new church was born on the corner of 70th and Amherst Street. “New Assurance Baptist Church”, this name is part of both churches. God wasn’t finish yet with his decision; He equipped Pastor Laster with a Mission Statement church could benefit. “New Assurance strives to give hurting people new hope, a new life, and a new way, for the purpose of glorifying God”.
Late Reverend Rickey T. Laster, Senior Pastor
April 22, 2007 – May 31, 2018
During an eleven (11) year period, Pastor Rickey T. Laster provided dynamic leadership, visions, and zeal for the Lord. Pastor Laster also initiated a host of specialized programs and outreach ministries designed to enhance and enrich the spiritual/educational growth of our church and community.
“Onto each life some rain must fall.” Late Pastor Reverend Rickey T. Laster was suddenly called home for a journey with God on Sunday, May 29, 2018. Pastor Rickey T. Laster was our beloved Pastor, teacher, spiritual leader and friend. Pastor Laster departed this life doing what he loved to do (preaching and relaxing at home).
The Chairman of the Deacons Board, the CEO/CFO and the Board of Trustees elected several interim ministers, while NABC conducted a formal search for a new Pastor. We prayed that God would continue to sustain us through this difficult period, as He had done in the past. During the new Pastor search, NABC made a journey through turbulent waters for twelve months (12) months, but NABC knew the Lord would grab their hands and provide a way.
After twelve (12) months, during November (2019), New Assurance Baptist Church elected Pastor Reverend Rodney Robinson, as the NABC Senior Pastor. Pastor Robinson served as Pastor for approximately 2 years.
NABC is seeking God’s guidance by praying for God to send a Pastor to NABC. God heard the prayers and sent NABC a Pastor. On Sunday, September 18, 2022, the Pastoral Installation Service was held for Reverend Jared B. Moten (as our new Senior Pastor of New Assurance Baptist Church)."
Reverend Gregory A. Brown, Senior Pastor
Blessed Assurance Baptist Church
April 2007
Late Reverend Rickey T. Laster, Senior Pastor
New Assurance Baptist Church
April 22, 2007 – May 31, 2018
Reverend Rodney Robinson, Senior Pastor
November 2019- November 2021
Pastor Jared B. Moten, Senior Pastor
September 2022-PRESENT
Rev. Jared B. Moten is the previous Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for eight years.
Pastor Moten serves as the Director of Evangelism for the Western Baptist State Convention of California under the leadership of President Rev. Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick; He is the First Vice Moderator of the Southwest District Association of San Diego, and Director of Evangelism under the leadership of Rev. Joe Conner.
Rev Moten began a ministerial career in Chicago IL, at Greater Omega Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ira M. Wheaton Sr. in 2003. Upon relocation to San Diego, CA, Pastor Moten joined Bethel Memorial AME Church. There he was active in the Prayer Ministry under the direction of Rev. C. B Johnson, a member of Men Of Bethel Men’s Ministry (MOB). While at Bethel AME he served for nearly 3 years under the leadership and direction of Rev. Antony Hughes.
Upon the Lord’s direction, Rev. Moten became the Assistant Pastor at New Assurance Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Rickey Laster. While at New Assurance, the Lord was preparing Rev. Moten for his future, as he served in many capacities to include: Assistant Pastor, Youth Department, Prayer Ministry and General Laborer of the Lord.
Pastor Moten has a strong passion for helping and encouraging community youth. As a direct result of his passion, he created a Mentoring Program called CIPC (pronounced Sip C), which stands for Connecting, Interacting, Planning and Changing. This program was adopted by the Grossmont Union School District at Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley CA. CIPC was designed to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Black, Brown, Poor and Disadvantaged Youth. Pastor Moten provides youth a real understanding of the value of education and how it can positively change their lives. Through the CIPC program hundreds of youth have springboarded their lives becoming Professionals, College Graduates, Parents and positive functioning members of our communities.
Pastor Motens community outreach extended to be an active participant and leader in National Action Network (NAN) of San Diego, a Social Justice organization founded by Rev. Al Sharpton. The mission of NAN is to address and eradicate social injustice wherever it may exist.
Most recently, Pastor Moten was honored by being selected as the Senior Pastor of New Assurance Baptist Church. Pastor Moten stated after his selection “Only God could have provided the grace, patience and love necessary to have endured on this tedious journey, I am thankful God brought me home.”
Among Pastor Moten’s greatest accomplishments is being the father of three dynamic children Chenoa Mari, Jared Brandon & Jordyn Reese Moten, and the Grandfather to Evren & Micha Lopton.