Welcome to New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C.
CHURCH HISTORY.
New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ is one of America’s premier churches. Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood was inspired by God as a teenage sanctified preacher to begin a work among youth.
Reared in Holiness all his life, Thoroughgood knew the life changing power of Jesus Christ and wanted to share it with all, especially his peers. So moved, he began to hold prayer meetings where young people like himself could fellowship together. The prayer meeting became known as the Youth Consecration Band (YCB). The YCB met every Saturday night in the living room of the home of the Late Mother Elsie Tann, which still stands on South Birdneck Road to this day.
Being led of God, on the first Sunday in January 1970, Bishop Thoroughgood opened a small three-room flat top building that was previously a community store as a house of worship. On the opening Sunday, two men were extended the right hand of fellowship as the first two members of the New Jerusalem Holiness Church. It wasn’t long before word began to spread and people packed that little building. Soon remodeling began with the knocking out of a wall to double the size of the sanctuary.
In May of 1971, just a year and four months after the initial launch of the church in a threeroom flat, construction began on a third sanctuary. The capacity for this new structure would seat approximately 100 hundred persons. Later that year the sanctuary was completed and New Jerusalem officially became affiliated with the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC). The Late Bishop David C. Love, Presiding Prelate of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, State of Virginia, COGIC, came to dedicate the church as the New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ.
During the years 1972-1974, the congregation continued to grow. When visitors attended services, there was standing room only. New Jerusalem moved to the Second Jurisdiction, State of Virginia, under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr. Elder Thoroughgood became the District Superintendent of the Virginia Beach District, Second Jurisdiction and New Jerusalem became the district Headquarters. In 1975 the church began to expand, and new construction began to increase seating capacity by more than 200 seats.
Between 1979-1983 funds were raised to purchase surrounding properties. In 1983 the foundation was laid for a 1.6 million dollar project. In 1988, though not complete, we began having worship services in the new sanctuary due to a large influx of members. The church has continued to grow becoming an integral part of the greater Hampton Roads religious community. Our church continues to serve the needs of the community at large. The STOP Organization, a federally funded community action program for the entire city of Virginia Beach is housed a New Jerusalem. The social ministries of the church remain active, providing for those in need until funds are exhausted. As the only full-time church in the area, New Jerusalem continues to meet the spiritual needs of congregants as well as residents of the community on a daily basis. Under the leadership of Bishop Thoroughgood, New Jerusalem has become a nationally known church as well as internationally for the mission work in the country of Haiti.
At present, we have more than 1800 members, 1100 active, and more than 500 families. The organizational structure of the church has grown to include several departments and auxiliaries. Today five pastors, five elders, six ministers, twenty-three deacons, and nearly fifty missionaries – ranging from junior to licensed evangelists – serve our church. In 2004 we completed a new fellowship hall, and in 2005 we will begin construction on a new chapel, administrative and educational annex. As of 2006, Bishop has outlined his vision which calls for a Christian academy, women’s shelter, daycare center, and a family life center. For thirty-six years, the New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ has served as a beacon for countless numbers of lives. Its effects have been felt around the world. From a three room flat to a 1700 seat auditorium we’ve trod, and there’s more to come. We are ambassadors of faith, love and deliverance, encouraging all we meet — FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.
Be happy
As you navigate through the website, utilize this empowering tool to learn about our church history, our founder, the Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood, and our calendar of events. You can also donate to the ministry and use our Text Message option to link directly to our ministry and be updated on services, events, and other information that will keep you connected to this fellowship. We will continuously improve our site and add additional links in an effort to serve you better (or better serve you).
Help others
I extend an invitation to you and your family and friends to join us for a life changing, Spirit-filled worship experience. New Jerusalem Church is a Holy Ghost driven ministry dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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We are determined to make a positive impact upon the city of Virginia Beach by creating an atmosphere where all individuals and families can grow and flourish and discover God’s plan for their lives. On behalf of the New Jerusalem Church Family thank you for visiting our website.
Our Staff
Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood
Founding PastorCelebrating the life & legacy of Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood. Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood was called home to glory on February 5, 2012, shortly after delivering an impassioned sermon to his beloved congregation at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach and after a lifetime of faithful service to God. He was the son of John Thomas Thoroughgood, a preacher, and his wife, Mildred B. Cooper Thoroughgood. Barnett Thoroughgood began to preach and teach others at a young age, becoming licensed as a minister and ordained an elder in the church of God in Christ while he was a teenager by Bishop David C. Love in 1970. Barnett Thoroughgood founded the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ with two members in the Seatack community. He was officially appointed the pastor of the church two years later. Under Bishop Thoroughgood’s inspired leadership, New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ grew in faith and numbers, becoming one of the largest churches in Virginia Beach at the time of his passing with a wide variety of missions to serve the greater community.
Bishop Thoroughgood served the Church of God in Christ denomination in various capacities and most recently as Second Administrative Assistant to Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr., and District Superintendent of the Virginia Beach District. He took an active role in community affairs, serving on the Virginia Beach Planning Commission and working alongside community leaders and city officials to help those in need. Throughout his life, Bishop Thoroughgood pursued knowledge and education, graduating from Union Kempsville High School, earning bachelors and masters of divinity degrees from Norfolk Theological Seminary and College, and receiving certificates from Boston University School of Theology and other institutions. He earned numerous awards and accolades for his distinguished service to the church and community, including two honorary doctorates, the American Legion Distinguished Achievement Award, and resolutions, certificates, and proclamations from various entities.
Bishop Thoroughgood touched the lives of countless individuals over the course of his remarkable life and ended his days as he lived them, sharing his love while teaching and preaching to others. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 39 years, Mother Ernestine Thoroughgood; children, Bertram, Emmanuel, Jonnathan, and Mekia, and their families; numerous other family members and friends; the children that he and Mother Thoroughgood adopted, and helped through the Social Services Foster Care Program; the congregation of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach Va.; and the National Church of God in Christ family.
Even though the body of Christ is saddened by the loss of our beloved spiritual and community leader, Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood taught the members of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ to live a life of Holiness, have a heart of forgiveness and live a Godly life on Earth so we can not only see him again, but we will see the face of King Jesus and rest in our eternal home in Heaven.
Elder Adam Lavell Thourogood Sr.
Former Pastor Elder Adam Lavell Thourogood, Sr. was born June 18, 1970 in Virginia Beach, Virginia to Mr. Otis Olando Thourogood Sr. and Mrs. Sylvia Patricia Thourogood. He received his educational training through the Virginia Beach City School system and is a graduate of First Colonial High School. He attends Tidewater Community College and is pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a degree in Theology. Under the leadership of his uncle, the Bishop Barnett Karl Thoroughgood, Elder Thourogood accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of seven years old. He served faithfully at New Jerusalem as a choir member, a member of the youth department, the usher board, the acolytes, and the junior ministers training core. Elder Thourogood was licensed as a minister on January 2, 1994. Elder Thourogood along with some of his close friends in Christ were named “The Sons of Thunder” by the late Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood because of their zeal and explosiveness to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were later ordained as Elders in the Church of God in Christ by the Prelate of the Virginia 2nd Jurisdiction Bishop Samuel L. Green Jr. on August 16, 1998. While his constituents in the gospel moved on to be pastors in ministry, Elder Thourogood remained faithful in serving diligently at the New Jerusalem COGIC. While serving he was promoted as one of the assistant pastors and was appointed as Pastor of Ministry, which oversees all ministries of the church. He started the school of ministry, which was designed to develop the young ministers in the church doctrines and ordinances of the church. This was implemented to prepare them for ordination. Elder Thourogood was the chairman of the Young Adult Fellowship founded by Bishop Thoroughgood. The purpose of the Young Adult Fellowship was to effectively train young men and women on how to live a life of single piety. He was then enrolled in the School of the Prophets founded by Bishop B.K. Thoroughgood.
Elder Thourogood served in the United States Army from 1989-1993 and was employed with the City of Virginia Beach for 15 years. Inspired by the prophecy of Prophet Kevin J. Harris, he in faith, resigned from the City of Virginia Beach to pursue his own business. He is now President and Founder of ACTGOOD, Inc., which partners with FedEx Ground parcel & delivery services. Because of his pride in the quarter in the Piedmont region and also was invited to a “Best in the business Banquet” to meet with FedEx Ground top officials. ActGood, Inc.currently employs six employees.
Pastor Adam has been married to Lady Charmyn Thourogood for twenty two years. Together they have parented six children, Adam Jr. (A.J), Charnell, Jessica, Aaron, James, and William. He is the second child of six siblings, OtisJr. (Lisa), Karl (Vanessa), Katinee (Hollis), Andre, Amy (Seth), Patrece (Jason), with a host of nieces, nephews and one great nephew. His godmother, Mrs. Sharon McAllister has played a vital role, and is a great influence, in his life.
On May 19th 2012, Elder Adam Thourogood was officially appointed to the office of Senior Pastor of the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, where he has followed in the footsteps of the Founder, and continues to fulfill the dream that was set for this ministry. Elder Adam is a man that seeks the heart God. He has a heart for God, His people, and the ministry. The vision that God has birthed in him is that of developing men and women in their spiritual, financial, and physical lives. He passionately seeks to spread love among the body of Christ and the world. If he could be described in one scripture, it would be the sentiments of David in Psalms 37:23-24: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Supt. Dr. YD B. Thoroughgood, D.D., D.Th.
Senior PastorPastor Waddee “YD” B. Thoroughgood was born in the Fall of 1951 to the late Missionary Mildred Beatrice Cooper and the late Pastor John Thomas Thoroughgood in Virginia Beach, VA. Dr. Thoroughgood attended Union Kempsville High School and graduated from First Colonial High School. Dr. Thoroughgood is a Vietnam Veteran of Honorable mention.
He is a past student of Regent and Hampton Universities. He attended Tidewater Community College, where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Community and Social Services with emphasis on Social Work. He received a Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Rhema Seminary and Bible College. In 2006, he received a Doctorate Degree in Theology. He is an Old Testament scholar. Pastor Thoroughgood has received numerous awards and recognition locally and abroad.
Pastor Thoroughgood served under the leadership of his father at Bright Star C.O.G.I.C., now Church of the Advent. Pastor Thoroughgood not only assisted his father, in the capacity of adjutant, he was a Deacon, and later an Elder under his father’s ministry. After the sudden death of his father, in 1979, Bishop Samuel L. Green appointed him Pastor of Bright Star C.O.G.I.C.
Following the leading of the Lord, Pastor Thoroughgood changed the name of the church to Church of the Advent, which means “Church of the coming of the Lord.” Under the Leadership of Pastor Thoroughgood, Church of the Advent acquired an edifice for worship in the Bells Mill section of Chesapeake, VA.
The Lord gave him the theme for the church: “It is through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fell not…” (Lamentations 3:22). Thereafter, the Lord gave Pastor Thoroughgood the mission statement of the church: “Declaring the truth and the power of Jesus Christ with excellency; challenging believers to live victoriously, grow spiritually, know God intimately, in preparation for the coming of the Lord.”
Currently, Pastor Thoroughgood serves as Superintendent of the Virginia Beach District, National Adjutant Overseer of the Church of God In Christ, and Vice-President of the Virginia Beach Minister’s Forum. He is the past president of the Virginia Beach Minister’s Forum, past committee member of the Virginia Beach Ethnic Relations Committee and Chaplain of the Virginia Beach Police Department.
Pastor Thoroughgood married Shylene Smith Thoroughgood in August of 1971. Four children were born of this union: Jennifer Thoroughgood (deceased), Díyan Ward, Yvette Thoroughgood, and Waddee B. Thoroughgood, Jr. Pastor Thoroughgood also has five grandchildren. Pastor Thoroughgood is a loving husband and father. He is a philanthropist and is concerned with the enhancement of mankind.
