Pastor McKizzie
BY KAY SCHROVEN
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation-
old things have passed away.” 2 Corin.5:17
When Reverend Daniel B. McKizzie, Sr. Pastor, felt a calling to the ministry, he hesitated, resisted. He asked for guidance and for signs. He received them, some symbolic, almost like road signs. The fact that he asked for guidance indicates that he was already a believer and was now being called to a higher commitment and purpose. He surrendered.
When Pastor McKizzie’s grandmother became ill with dementia, he began visiting and ministering to her and other dementia patients at Walker Methodist Nursing Home (Mpls.). Here, he met with a group of like minded brothers and sisters who would play an important role in creating the future New Creation Baptist Church (NCBC).
Pastor McKizzie is a native of Minneapolis, having graduated from Washburn High school, attended the University of MN and received a Masters of Divinity from Luther Seminary (St. Paul). He also holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from St. Thomas Christian College, in Jacksonville, FL. (2009.) McKizzie was ordained at Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church (2001, Mpls). Upon entering the ministry he stated, “My goal is to serve God by preaching, teaching and reaching the lost for Jesus Christ.” His first sermon was titled “You can Run but You Can’t Hide.” McKizzie reached out to other churches with a goal of sharing space with one of them. He was at the end of the list when the last one he contacted was open to it and they joined with Epiphany Lutheran Church.
NCBC congregation
Pastor McKizzie believes that helpful guidance came through connections, unexpected surprises and gifts from those he knew in the past (teachers, ministers, fellow students) as well as new acquaintances. Through a “contract for deed” followed by a Capital Campaign, the group was able to purchase the property at 1414 E. 48th St.
and New Creation Baptist Church became owners of the property in 2013. There are many types of Baptist churches, the two largest being the American Baptist Church and the more conservative Southern Baptist Church. McKizzie and his fellowship chose not to join these or other organized Baptist groups, preferring independence.
The Baptist religion began in the 17th century, a Protestant, Christian denomination that separated from the Church of England. The first Baptist church in the U.S. formed in 1638 in Providence R.I. The bible and scripture are the key authorities and baptism is at the center of the religion. Baptists believe in liberty and the separation of church and state. Unlike many Christian churches where babies are baptized shortly after birth, Baptists regard baptism as a decision that is made by the individual; a decision to follow Christ and his teachings. This decision is not taken lightly and often there are educational offerings to assist in understanding what baptism means. It is an act of obedience. This is known as “Believers Baptism.” Furthermore, Baptists are Trinitarian, which means they believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God revealed in three persons. Baptists are evangelical, promoting conversion, often through missionary work. When it comes to governance, there is no central authority and each church is autonomous, that is, self governing.
Today’s ministry at New Creation Baptist Church is wide and diverse, led by Pastor McKizzie, his soul mate and wife, Sister Annie McKizzie, two additional reverends, Joan Austin and Marcia Wog; and three ministers, Tierre Caldwell and Will and Brittany Nieman. Their ministry serves youth, the elderly, the hungry, couples, and nursing homes with programs such as D.I.V.A.S. (Daughters of Integrity, Virtue and Spirituality,) B.A.D. B.O.Y.S. (Baptized and Delivered, Blessed, Obedient Young Soldiers) and the Restoration Ministry, for anyone struggling with life’s hurts, hang-ups, habits, etc.
A tour of the NCBC property reveals a lovely chapel where approximately 80-90 parishioners worship on Sundays, a community garden (directed by Shelly Emmel, a Master Gardener) and an impressive Food Shelf (since 2011.) When Pastor McKizzie said
The NCBC food shelf inclludes fresh fruits and vegetables.
“It’s difficult to reach the spirit when the stomach is hungry” I was reminded of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” with food, water, warmth and rest at the base of the human needs pyramid. The outreach that the church developed not only addresses such needs, but has also brought local neighbors into the church, which was not the case initially. The church’s food shelf is located in the basement of the church with an entire wall of industrial size refrigeration filled with vegetables, meat, dairy and eggs. In addition there are shelves of dry goods and supplies such as soaps, toiletries, etc. Food is purchased from Second Harvest Heartland & The Food Group. NCBC also receives monetary donations from Calvary Reformed Church and Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Food is donated from multiple sources including parishioners and outside supporters such as Lunds & Byerlys and Target.
Also in the basement of New Creation Baptist Church is the baptism pool or “Baptistery” where new believers receive a full emersion experience. Reaching the pool requires walking up a few stairs to the platform that holds the baptism pool. Pastor McKizzie says, “This can be an obstacle for some elderly or disabled individuals. In these cases, Lake Hiawatha works just fine!”
Newcreationbaptistchurchmn.org
1414 E. 48th St. Mpls.
612-825-6933.
Services: Sunday school, 9:30, Service 10:45 and Youth Sunday school at 10:45.
The food shelf, coordinated by volunteers is open to those in need the first and third Friday (10 a.m. to noon) and Saturday (10 a.m to 2 p.m.) of the month. No need for an appointment.
