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Prosperity, promotion amid pandemic at New Sardis

Three years ago in March, Pastor Darell Harrington took the mantle of leadership at New Sardis Baptist Church from his mentor and “spiritual” father, Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr.

All was well as Harrington’s second anniversary approached in March 2020.

Then, the pandemic hit, affecting everyday life in a myriad of ways as governments tried to slow the spread of the deadly virus that has claimed, 3,487,037 lives globally, including 596,943 in the United States, 12,393 in Tennessee and 1,668 in Memphis/Shelby County as of Wednesday (May 26) morning.

“It was extraordinary,” Harrington said. “The whole world stopped and took a sharp pivot. We knew immediately it was a time for prayer. We needed direction, and there was extreme fear concerning what the future held.”

Harrington said church leaders made a vigorous effort to reach out to elderly members in that first month, making sure they had prescriptions filled, groceries in the house and other daily living needs met. Town hall meeting to answer COVID-19 questions were staged to keep both church members and community residents informed.

Pastor Darell Harrington graduated from Memphis Theological Seminary this past Saturday with a masters in Divinity. (Courtesy photo)

“I don’t know how it happened, but God caused New Sardis to do better financially in 2020 than we did in 2019,” Harrington said. “And, I graduated Saturday with my masters in Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary much earlier than anticipated. 

“For the New Sardis family, 2020 was a year of prosperity and promotion in the midst of turmoil.”

Harrington credits the “invaluable teachings and guidance” of Dr. Gray, which helped him meet the challenges of leading a congregation of God’s people through the pandemic.

“We talked about it quite often — being the change you want to see,” said Harrington. “We worked to bring back the common touch and sense of real family and community in the church. Dr. (Martin Luther) King (Jr.) talked about ‘the beloved community,’ and that’s what we tried to do.”

Harrington has reached out to other congregations that have struggled through the past year and is seeking to build partnerships to make each congregation stronger. 

Even across denominational boundaries, he has offered assistance.

“I think God forced us to consider whether or not we had a real relationship with the Lord, or just practicing religion,” Harrington said. 

“Denominational divides have become irrelevant. This pandemic stretched us and tested our mettle. We had to ask some questions: ‘How do we pursue God’s ministry moving forward?’ and ‘What lessons should we take from this pandemic?’”

Harrington said the efforts of “a faithful few” has sustained the church. About 85-100 members come on Sunday, although the church has not officially opened yet. Services streamed online have garnered new members, both locally as well as in other cities. 

“We’ve had 12 or 13 individuals who live in other states join our congregation online,” said Harrington. “Our youth leader has kept our young people connected online. That’s how they communicate. 

“In this season of sorrow and loss, God has given us a refreshing oasis of spiritual growth and community. We can see God’s goodness in the midst of the chaos.”

Not even personal loss could cloud Harrington’s sense of optimism and gratitude. Right before there was common knowledge of the coming pandemic, he lost the sister, who raised him in the place of his mother.

“I lost my older sister early in 2020,” said Harrington. “She was so precious to me because my mother passed when I was very young, and this sister raised me. Although it was a terrible loss, I was grateful for God letting us keep her for 12 more years. She had a kidney transplant in 2008, and I asked God not to take her then, for my sake.”

As mask and social distancing restrictions are lifting in Shelby County, churches, community centers and other corporate meeting spaces are opening back up.

Harrington said New Sardis will probably not officially reopen until sometime in July. A grand reopening will be announced, he said.

 

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