Our History

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Our Beginning:
A Passion to Plant Churches

Multiplication of efforts to reach the cities and towns of New Jersey with the Gospel was what brought about the harmonious division of the New York-New Jersey District in 1954. The December 1953 District Messenger article, Division of District Proposed explained, "The rapid development of our churches in recent years has brought demand for this which was voiced at our last District Council. The vast territory of our two states has made administration considerably difficult. At least two new assemblies have been opened each month for the past 18 months. To keep pace with this, it is felt that a division of our territory would further enable us to make greater strides forward in the coming years."

At the 11th District Council of the combined Districts, held in Paterson, New Jersey, "separation in order to facilitate a forward advance to new horizons in our District work" was approved. Reverend Richard J. Bergstrom, former coal and ice businessman-turned-pastor, was elected the first Superintendent of the newly formed district. He served from the first district office located in Washington, New Jersey. Within four years, the new district grew from 70 to 100 churches. Utilizing the concept of "Mother Church Planting," he encouraged churches to start other churches. World Missions, long a major emphasis of the Assemblies of God, was included in our commitment to church planting.  Missionaries to Taiwan Robert and Evelyn Bolton first itinerated through our district in 1955.  In that same year, 90% of our churches gave at least one offering to World Missions.  Undoubtedly, Rev. Bergstrom's leadership contributed to the great growth in our district. He resigned in 1960 to accept a pastorate in New England.
 
Our Growth:
Expansion of Ministries

Growth continued and ministries expanded in the district's second decade. The district office moved from Washington to Trenton.  Reverend Frederick Eide became District Superintendent in 1960. Ministries that expanded included Sunday School, through the dedicated leadership of Rev. Hilda Simokat. Youth Rallies and Conventions with dynamic speakers such as David Wilkerson inspired young people district-wide. Camp ministry and the purchase of Schooley's Mountain Camp in 1965 provided the setting for many young people to be saved, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and called into ministry. World Missions giving increased from $83,692 in 1954 to $169,933 in 1964.  The Royal Rangers of New Jersey, a developing ministry to boys, held its first district Pow Wow in 1967. The Deaf Ministries of the district advanced under the capable leadership of Reverend Croft Pentz, who also served as chaplain at the state-operated Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf. Teresa Sisco managed the Metropolitan Bible & Book Room.

Expanding ministries led to property purchases.  During the 1970s and 1980s, many New Jersey churches relocated to new facilities, purchased property, or expanded their facilities to accommodate developing ministries.  From 1978-1979, Reverend John Paproski (elected District Superintendent in 1972) supervised the construction of a new district office on Federal City Road in Trenton, which was expanded again in 1987.

Our Diversity:
A Changing Population

Reverend Joseph Beretta became District Superintendent in 1988 and led the district during significant population growth.  New Jersey's population is, and has always been, one of the most ethnically diverse in the nation. Invariably, the New Jersey District Council and our churches reflected that diversity. Hispanic, African-American, Philippine, Haitian, and Native African congregations were counted among churches started in the cities and towns across the state. Churches reached out through practical as well as spiritual ministries to help body, mind, and spirit. Feeding programs assisted many who were struggling with poverty, joblessness, homelessness, and disease. Teen Challenge turned addicts into men and women of God. Day Care and Christian Schools brought quality education in a Christian environment to many communities. New Jersey chaplains served across our state and around the world, many receiving national endorsement by the A/G Chaplaincy Department. Diverse people, diverse needs, diverse methods, and diverse ministries; but the same Gospel message changed lives across the state.   Arising from our diversity came gifted leadership such as Reverend Zollie Smith, who in 1999 was elected Assistant Superintendent.

Our Destiny:
It's All About Souls

In 1998, Reverend Carl Colletti was elected District Superintendent with a vision to plant, stabilize, and grow the ministers and ministries of New Jersey. The last several years have demonstrated that when a district focuses on intentional and strategic church planting, encourages partnering together for the stabilization of struggling works, and offers valuable events to grow local church ministries, souls will be added to the kingdom.  Specifically, the If Not Now, WHEN? campaign, launched in 2001, raised $3.7 million in cash and pledges which has resulted in 48 new churches planted in five years. Clifton partnering with Belleville, Marlton partnering with Somerdale, Vineland partnering with Mays Landing demonstrates that the Body of Christ is sufficient to help one another reach their respective communities. Pastor's School, Sectional Council Seminars, Youth Ministers and Children's Ministries Institutes, Church Planters and Revitalization Boot Camps, etc. all point to a coordinated effort to inspire, educate, and equip local church ministry.  In 2004 with the relocation of the District Office, the New Jersey District Council launched a new phase of ministry as the New Jersey District Ministry Resource Center.

The beginning of the New Jersey District originated with a passion for planting churches. The 21st century finds 204 churches in a state with 8,414,350 people made up of 132 race groups. Yet, the harvest is still great. Our past, our present, our future is still all about souls!  From History to Destiny the New Jersey District Council continues its advance across New Jersey, fulfilling the Great Commission!