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Our Story

Follow Our Believers Missionary Baptist Church Journey

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

Our Founding Pastor

Willie A. Graves, Jr.
Founding Pastor
February 12,1934 – February 7, 2016

Pastor Graves was a man of integrity, compassion. He loved the Lord and delighted in preaching God’s word and was the epitome of service and caring to all who knew him. Having heard the voice of God, he answered the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was licensed at New Light Missionary Baptist Church under the auspices of Rev. Dr. Cardes H. Brown Sr., and was ordained at Harris Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Siler City, N.C. He served as Chaplain for Duke University Hospital and Moses Cone Health System for more than 25 years. Pastor Graves was commissioned by God to start a Street Ministry in early 1989 where he visited men under the trees by East Side Grocery, located on East Market in Greensboro. With God’s protection he had bible study with them ensuring they knew they were somebody. The men looked forward to Pastor Graves sharing the Word of God. During the mid-part of 1989, while Pastor Graves was meeting with some street people under the trees, a sudden revelation from God appeared to him to start Believers Missionary Baptist Church.

Historical Dates and Timeline

1989

God gave the vision and the name “Believers” to Minister Graves in his sleep.

1989

January 12, 1990

The first official meeting was held to discuss God’s Plans for Believers at Shoney’s Restaurant on 16th Street in Greensboro.

January 12, 1990

March 4, 1990

The first Worship Service was held at 2800 B East Market Street. Pastor Graves’ subject was “Thank You Lord.” The text was taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18.

March 4, 1990

January 13, 1991

Minister Melvin Nelums conducted service on behalf of Pastor Graves in his absence while he was away with his son.

January 13, 1991

June 30, 1991

Believers began having services at East Market Street Seventh Day Adventist Church due to growth and exceeding capacity at the 2800 B East Market St location.

June 30, 1991

Febuary 1993

Property located at 227 Ward Rd (235 Ward Rd.) was shown to church members. After discussion, they agreed that Believers would purchase the site to build the church.

Febuary 1993

Febuary 26, 1993

The land was closed on, Major S. Sanders, Jr., AIA Architect was contacted about designing an affordable building structure for Believers. Robert Stanfield of S & P Construction of Burlington, N.C. was secured as contractor.

Febuary 26, 1993

November 25, 1993

Grading of the land began.

November 25, 1993

December 12, 1993

Groundbreaking ceremony.

December 12, 1993

Summer 1994

Construction began and site was visited daily by members.

Summer 1994

December 4, 1994

First worship service was held at 235 Ward Rd.

December 4, 1994

December 6, 1998

Mortgage Burning Ceremony.

December 6, 1998

March 26, 2006

Dedication of the new Fellowship Hall.

March 26, 2006

2011

With the decline of Pastor Graves’ health, Minister Melvin Nelums agreed to minister to the congregation at Believers.

2011

Febuary 7, 2016

Pastor Graves was called home to be with the Lord.

Febuary 7, 2016

June 10, 2018

Minister Melvin Nelums was installed as the new Pastor at Believers Missionary Baptist Church.

June 10, 2018

November 18, 2018

The Fellowship Hall was dedicated in honor of Pastor Willie A. Graves Jr.

November 18, 2018

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