Ministries

 Deacon Board

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2Timothy 3:13

The mission of the Haven of Rest Baptist Church Deacons is to assist the Pastor in maintaining and promoting the spiritual growth of the Church. The Deacons, serve as the armor bearers for the Pastor and assist in furthering his mission and vision as a servant of God. The Deacons lead in service to the church, while supporting and meeting the needs of the Pastor and church community.

Mission Ministry

“For we are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9

The Mission ministry of Haven of Rest Baptist Church embraces the charge to go and teach throughout the world the grace and love of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son. It is the work of the Mission Ministry to encourage the study of God’s word, prayer for one another and meet the needs of men, women and children, while maintaining a life that is pleasing to God.

We embrace our undertaking as referenced in Matthew 25:35-40 which tells us to feed those that are hungry, visit the sick, clothe and provide care for those who are in need and to visit those in prison which is our reasonable service. The Mission ministry serves to provide Christian education and opportunities toward meeting the mission of the church and making disciples for Christ.

Pastor’s Aide

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The Pastor’s Aide ministry serves to provide wisdom, guidance, and support to the members of the church as well as to support the needs of the Pastor.  Our Pastor’s Aide ministry also coordinates and implements projects that celebrate and recognize our Pastor and family.

Ushers & Health Ministry

“For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10

We the Haven of Rest Church Usher Board take great pleasure in this ministry.  The word of God confirms that an Usher is one of the four vital ministries in the church.  Preaching is the first, teaching second, music third and ushering fourth.  The church usher is first and foremost a servant.  An usher is one who exercises their spiritual gift for the ministry of ushering or referred to the gift of helping. Galatians 5:13 clearly states” by love serve one another” and John 12:26 states” If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

We endeavor to greet everyone that enters Haven of Rest Baptist Church with a warm smile, and friendly hand shake or hug which indicates that we are glad you’re here. It is our goal to consistently and prayerfully promote an atmosphere where all who enter the church will feel welcomed; and where the spirit of worship is strengthened as we meet the needs of the Pastor and congregation during service. In addition, ensuring that the sanctuary is respected.   

The Usher’s Ministry is comprised of Christian women, men and youth who have been called to serve. Our ministry is comprised of two groups, Senior Ushers and Youth Ushers.

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14

Remember that your body is God’s temple (1 Cor. 6:19). Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) We, the Nurse’s Guild believe that with the necessary support and guidance, God’s people can maximize their health spiritually, physically, emotionally/mentally, socially and economically. Community Collaborate and/or partner with other organizations (faith- based and broader) that have a similar mission of promoting wellness, preventing illness, and encouraging early interventions. “God desires us to care for our health-spirit, soul, and body.”

Music Ministry

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” Psalms 95:1-2, KJV

Our mission is to offer Christian music that enhances the atmosphere of the worship experience and other scheduled activities of the Church.  The Music Ministry is comprised of the Inspirational Choir, Male Chorus, Ladies Chorus, Junior Choir and Mass Choir. This ministry engages our services in praise and worship and serves to usher in the Holy Spirit.

The Josephine E. Nelson Library

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2Tim.2:15

This library in our church is dedicated to the first lady Emeritus Sister Josephine E. Nelson. From its inception, Sister Nelson served as the church coordinator of Haven of Rest Baptist Church from 1978 until her untimely passing on March 23, 2020. The library serves as a resource dedicated to providing biblical materials and books for the study of God’s word and to enhance the Christian experience.

Josephine Elizabeth Nelson

The beautiful, Mrs. Josephine Elizabeth Nelson was born on April 12, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas, to Joe Mooney and Aloise (McLaurian) Mooney. She was born into the church under the pastorage of her father, the late Rev. Joe Mooney at the Church of the Living God, CWFF.  She served as pianist, Sunday School and Bible Study teacher and was also Secretary to the Bishop of the 7th District for 10 years. She always professed a strong hope and faith in Jesus Christ. 

She served as the First Lady of Haven of Rest Baptist Church for over 40 years, always exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit.  She served as the Church Coordinator, organist for all the choirs, Director of the Drama Department which presented plays such as the “The Church Business Meeting”, “Misconception” and “Grandma’s Bible”. She worked with the Sunday School, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School programs. She served twice as the President of the New Era District Minister’s Wives and Widows Fellowship, first under Rev. Gerald Schiele and then Rev. John M. Miles as Moderators. She was also the President of the Minister’s Wives Division of the New Era District Congress of Christian Education. At the time that she passed, she was Assistant Secretary for the New Era District Minister’s Wives and Widow Fellowship.

Josephine was also the Treasurer and a member of the Minister’s Wife and Widows Auxiliary of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri. She was generous beyond belief and brought loyalty and commitment to all that she did.  She was the epitome of what we all strive to be as children of the King. She attended Dickerson Business School, Penn Valley and Longview College thus completing her degree in Secretary Studies. She was joined in holy matrimony to Reverend Nathaniel Nelson, founder and pastor of the Haven of Rest Baptist Church. They were married for 55 glorious years and shared five wonderful children. In 1992, Josephine retired from the Water & Pollution Control Department where she was the administrative assistant in charge of the Payroll Department for 31 years. She was a formal Hallite Toastmaster, winning several competitions.  We all knew that she was classy, elegant, dressed with style and loved to shop.  She enjoyed spending time with friends and family and will be forever cherished for her patience, strength, kindness, generosity and faithfulness.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her family, and church family.