As the youth pastor with a local congregation, Reverend Riccardo Harris loved the work that God had called him to. He loved the idea that God was using him to make a difference in the lives of the young people he had been assigned to. It was a very rewarding experience, so much that when he heard the voice of God telling him that it was time to go higher, Rev. Harris was reluctant to come out of his comfort zone. "It is time", God told him, "to shepherd a flock that I will send to you.
At first, he questioned whether it was God speaking to him. He felt unprepared to accept such a task as this...even though he knew in his spirit that it was, indeed, God's will for his life. His obedience was rewarded. On March 5, 1995 New Life Ministries Christian Center held its first service. Humbled by his new role, Pastor Harris wore his title reluctantly.
As with most new congregations, the laborers, which consisted of mostly family members, were few. Pastor Harris had prepared himself for the task of building a congregation. On occasion, his wife and children were the only ones in attendance. The small group began meeting on Sunday mornings at Minisa Park and Boston Park. A year later, God blessed the church with a permanent building located at 1223 E. Harry. The building was a whopping 750 square feet. After a few years , the ministry began to grow. First, the children's ministry, then later the adult bible study. In April 1999, the food and clothing outreach ministries were started. God was doing amazing things in this one-roomed edifice. Pastor Harris knew that, given the growing congregation and the success of the various ministries, that it was time to search for a larger building. In February of 2000 the congregation purchased a building at 1624 E. Central. This building was vastly different than the previous one. It was 17,000 square feet. It needed a lot of work. The congregation joined together and completed the renovation. It took 2 months to complete the work. God is good. Church membership reached an all time high of 150 members. The ministry continued to grow and flourish until 2005 when the church hit a financial crisis. The church could no longer keep up with the bills. New Life had to downsize. The church once again had to regroup and meet in a park recreation center. After a year and a name change, the church moved to its current location at 907 S. St. Francis. Resurrection Community Church was birthed out of New Life Ministries Christian Center. Although the building has changed and the people have changed over time, Pastor Harris is committed to the work of the ministry. Resurrection has a vision to lead people to Christ and help them to be delivered from their oppression. With God's help and guidance, Resurrection will make a tremendous impact on the city and the world.