25th Church Anniversary

New Creation’s twenty fifth anniversary turns the whole room toward praise, memory, and gratitude. Praise and worship begins under the leadership of Doctor Cotton, and that opening sets the tone for the day: God has been good, and the church has reason to sing. The acknowledgements also show that New Creation has never stood alone, because neighbors, friends, Baptist partners, and former members all have a place in the story.

New Creation’s history begins on January 12, 2001, under the leadership of Doctor Billy J. Bell and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The name of the church and the call of the church came through prayer, with a clear mandate to faithfully teach God’s Word, make disciples, and build up the body of Christ according to Ephesians 4:12. The first gathering in Doctor and Mrs. Bell’s home, with twenty eight charter members, shows that the work started small but not weak. The Lord gave the church people who joyfully committed themselves to advancing the gospel and making disciples.

God’s faithfulness marks every move in the life of New Creation. The church worshiped in a home, then at Southern Dallas County Skate Center, then at Dallas Can Academy downtown, and then the Lord provided a permanent home on Ferguson Road. The building, the land, and the ministry opportunities all stand as evidence that the Lord has carried the church through each season. The repeated line is simple and strong: “God has always been faithful.”

Gratitude also turns toward the people who laid the foundation. The charter members are honored because their labor still speaks, even when some now “sleep beneath the silent side.” Sister Joyce Bell receives special honor because New Creation would not be what it is without her administrative gifts, her hidden labor, and all the work Doctor Bell could not do. Her faithfulness reminds the church that visible ministry often rests on quiet, steady service that holds everything together.

New Creation’s family identity stretches beyond current membership. Former members are still treated as family, because “once you come, it’s always home.” Even the challenges of keeping up the building, the cold sanctuary, and the AC issues become another place to testify that God is still working. New Creation stands as a “small, strong congregation,” trusting the same Lord who started the work to lead the church into the next chapter.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God has always been faithful. [27:19] God’s faithfulness is not treated as a slogan, but as the thread running through the whole story. The church’s moves, needs, transitions, and provisions all become witnesses that the Lord has not abandoned His work. Faith looks back honestly at every hard place and still says that God carried His people through. [27:19]
• 2. Small beginnings can carry gospel weight. [24:53] The first worship service in a home with twenty eight charter members shows that size is not the measure of spiritual significance. A church can begin quietly and still be planted with a clear mandate from the Lord. The weight of the work rests not in numbers, but in obedience to teach God’s Word, make disciples, and build up the body of Christ. [24:53]
• 3. Hidden service builds lasting foundations. [40:22] Sister Joyce Bell’s labor shows how much of faithful ministry happens away from the front. Administrative gifts, bylaws, order, and steady support may not always receive public attention, but they preserve the health of the church. The body of Christ needs those quiet builders whose service makes the visible work possible. [40:22]
• 4. Church family leaves a deep mark. [41:25] Former members are honored as family, not treated as people who simply passed through. Spiritual community forms bonds that time, movement, and new assignments do not erase. A healthy church can bless those who have moved on while still recognizing the real labor they gave. [41:25]
• 5. Present needs still meet faithful God. [42:10] Even building issues and uncomfortable circumstances become part of the testimony. The cold sanctuary and AC problems do not cancel God’s provision; they simply reveal another place where dependence is needed. Faithfulness is learned not only in big anniversaries, but also in the practical costs of keeping ministry alive. [42:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:19] - Dr. Cotton Leads Worship
• [15:46] - Anniversary Acknowledgements Begin
• [20:04] - DBA Greeting and Friendship
• [23:07] - New Creation History Video
• [24:35] - Founded Through Prayer and the Spirit
• [24:53] - First Worship Service and Charter Members
• [25:14] - Early Meeting Places
• [25:45] - Permanent Home on Ferguson Road
• [26:28] - Leadership Transition in 2019
• [27:03] - Seeking First God’s Kingdom
• [33:34] - Twenty Five Years of Ministry
• [37:50] - Honoring Charter Members
• [39:26] - Honoring Sister Joyce Bell
• [41:25] - Welcoming Former Members Home

1. According to Ephesians 4:12, what is the purpose of equipping believers? How does this connect to New Creation’s original mandate to “teach God’s Word, make disciples, and build up the body of Christ”? [24:35]
2. The sermon highlights that New Creation started with 28 charter members meeting in a home. What does this reveal about how God often works through small beginnings? [24:53]
3. Sister Joyce Bell’s administrative gifts and “hidden labor” were emphasized. What specific roles did she play that supported the church’s visible ministry? [40:22]
4. How does the church’s attitude toward former members reflect its understanding of spiritual family bonds? [41:25]

1. Why might small beginnings (like a home gathering of 28 people) be significant in God’s plan for a church? How does this challenge cultural assumptions about success?
2. Ephesians 4:12 emphasizes equipping believers for ministry. How does hidden service (like administrative work) “equip the saints” even if it’s not publicly visible?
3. The church honored former members as family, saying, “once you come, it’s always home.” Why is it important for a church to maintain these bonds even after people leave?
4. The sermon mentioned ongoing challenges like AC issues and a cold sanctuary. How do practical struggles like these deepen a congregation’s dependence on God’s faithfulness? [42:10]

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness in a difficult season. How does looking back at His provision strengthen your trust for current challenges?
2. Sister Joyce Bell’s “hidden labor” kept the church running. Are there areas in your life or community where you can serve quietly without seeking recognition? What might that look like?
3. The church described former members as family. Is there someone in your spiritual journey (a mentor, friend, or group) who impacted you deeply but is no longer nearby? How could you reconnect or express gratitude?
4. New Creation’s building issues became a testimony of dependence on God. What practical need in your life or community could become an opportunity to trust God’s provision?
5. The church started small but focused on obedience over numbers. Are there areas where you’ve hesitated to act because the task seemed too small? How might faithfulness in small things matter?
6. How can you intentionally honor those who serve behind the scenes in your church or family? What specific action could you take this week to encourage them?