WELCOME TO THE REPHIDIM MINISTRY
OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CROWN HEIGHTS - BROOKLYN

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST!

Our Roots

The First Baptist Church of Crown Heights was founded in 1953 for the purpose of proclaiming a gospel message relevant to man’s need in a changing society. We preach a risen Christ who works toward the liberation of men from all forms of oppression whether it be spiritual, social, political or economic.

In that spirit, the Rephidim Ministry was launched in 2016 to provide information and inspiration to First Baptist congregants and the greater community. The name “Rephidim” refers to a prayerful experience of refreshing, renewing, and resetting. It declares that individuals will have a new chance to move forward in their lives in a loving, non-judgmental, encouraging and confidential environment.

We work to create a "safe and empowering space" for individuals with relatives and friends who are, have been or might be incarcerated, and also for individuals who are "coming home" from incarceration and need the supportive community a caring church can be.

The Rephidim Ministry started as a "partnership" between First Baptist Church and the Office of the Brooklyn District Attorney. It has now evolved into a broad group of concerned individuals representing different houses of worship and all walks of life.

Please join us by supporting our efforts to make a measurable difference in the lives of others.

-- Contact The Ministry Via Email --

-- Contact The Ministry By Phone --

EXPERIENCING A FRESH START ...
CREATING A NEW CHAPTER ...

At The Rephidim Ministry at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, we believe in acting with urgency to raise public awareness about pressing issues facing today’s society -- the successful re-entry into our communities of those individuals who have experienced incarceration, and the end of mass incarceration.

As one of our first steps, we choose to use people-centered language to refer to anyone impacted by the legal system. Accordingly, we encourage everyone to end the use of language such as "inmates," "prisoners," "convicts," "felons," "ex-offenders," "parolees," etc. We are all God's children and need love to overcome life's challenges.

At our monthly meetings, there are discussions regarding issues, legislation, advocacy and healing. Despite the pandemic, we have been meeting to develop and implement a strategic plan -- a plan to provide greater access to information and resources for individuals and families who seek our assistance.

On a family-by-family basis, our communities have needed opportunities to heal and rebuild since long before the COVID pandemic. We have experienced an incarceration pandemic and everything is needed -- housing, greater food security, education, job training and employment opportunities, family reunification assistance and mental health support -- both resources and love.

The Rephidim Ministry is committed to the empowerment and betterment of all of our community members -- and this includes our family, friends and neighbors who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

This website will support you by providing timely and helpful information for criminal justice-related issues, including links to resources and opportunities. Feel free to visit this site often for updates and share this information with others. (CLICK HERE to read about the Rephidim Ministry's early days.)

Please join us in making a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis.