CHURCH HISTORY
In August 2001, Beth Rapha unfolded and revealed itself in the heart and spirit of Senior Pastor Jacqueline E. McCullough. Shortly thereafter, in October 2001, Daughters of Rizpah, under the direction of Pastor McCullough, took the WordAlive Medical Mission to Portmore, Jamaica. During the Mission, Reverend McCullough announced her call to the Office of Pastor.

The Beginning
Beth Rapha had its humble beginning at Biblion – The Family Bookstore in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, New York, where the first gathering was held on Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. The founding members were Rev. Percival and Evangelist Keturah Phillips (the parents of Pastor McCullough), Pastor Robyn Edwards, Pastor George Hyman, Pastor Cleveland Taylor, Rev. Margaret Taylor, Rev. Wanda Moses, Rev. Robert Eaddy, Rev. Jackie Eaddy, Rev. Angel Hush, Sis. Alexandria Richardson, and Bro. Paul Moses.

The service was not without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Pastor McCullough announced the name of the church, its meaning (The House of Healing), and its foundational principles (Worship, Instruction, Fellowship and Evangelism) from a concept developed by Chuck Swindoll. The inaugural message was entitled, “Behold, The Souls Are Coming,” taken from John 4:29-32. The message defined Beth Rapha’s agenda to bring to the Father “whosoever,” including reaching the rejects, breaking down barriers, going where the souls are, going where people are needy, and touching people where they are. This powerful message emphasized that if an individual’s spiritual needs are met, then they will be satisfied. Hence, Beth Rapha’s aim is to target the unpopular, and to be a place “Where Spiritual Virtue Is Imparted.”

First Public Service
Beth Rapha convened its first public service on November 4, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in East Elmhurst, New York. There were more than 150 people in attendance. The theme was “A Higher Place of Praise,” taken from Psalm 71:14, “But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”

The Second Service
On Sunday, November 11, 2001, Beth Rapha moved its services to the Holiday Inn, located at 329 Route 303 in Orangeburg, New York. During our stay at the Holiday Inn, the gathering consisted of 60-75 people and the services began promptly at 10:00 a.m. This location remained the host site for Beth Rapha’s services until March 24, 2002, on Palm Sunday, when we relocated to 1540 Route 202, in Pomona, New York.

Present Day
Today, Beth Rapha is 200 members strong and growing. The motto for Beth Rapha is “Experience Healing To Heal By Loving Christ.” We believe that healing begins when we seek God with a change of heart and a desire to please God. We know that if such a change does not occur, lasting healing will not be realized. The presence of the Holy Spirit in Beth Rapha allows one to experience the Word and worship of God. Since its inception, Beth Rapha has welcomed more than 1300 visitors through its doors and account for more than 200 new converts in the Kingdom.

God has truly honored and confirmed His Word to Pastor McCullough, who has ministered the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for over 30 years. Some of the ministries available include Church Life, Prison and Outreach Ministry, Youth Ministry, Music Ministry, Christian Education, Media Ministry, The Ministry of Hospitality, the newly launched Beth Rapha Bible Institute, The Heritage Awards, The Phillips Scholarship Fund and the WordAlive Medical Mission. These ministries are equipped to clearly define the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, and edify the Body of Christ. Plans for future expansion are in progress as Beth Rapha seeks to acquire new worship facilities.