From Twelve Families on Atlantic Avenue
New Born Fellowship Church, Inc. traces its roots to 1992, when Dr. Warren E. Meeks, Sr., his immediate family, and twelve other founding families gathered for an inaugural worship service at 889 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester, New York. From the start, the church was framed around four commitments: faith, family, fellowship, and community, built on the Word of God with a desire to strengthen families, empower individuals, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1996, the congregation purchased its first church building at 123 Barberry Terrace, giving the ministry room to grow. By 2005, continued growth led to the purchase of a second, larger facility at 1550 North Clinton Avenue, which today serves as the main Rochester campus. Each step, leaders say, marks more than a change of location; it represents answered prayer, perseverance, and a story that continues to be written.
Two Campuses in Two States
Today, New Born Fellowship gathers at two locations. The Rochester campus at 1550 North Clinton Avenue hosts Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. and a Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. Both Rochester services are livestreamed through New Born TV and the church's YouTube channel, extending the congregation beyond the room. A second campus in Casselberry, Florida, meets at 118 Live Oak Boulevard on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Built for Purpose
The church's motto, Believe. Belong. Build., captures its approach to ministry. Leaders teach that God created every person with purpose, and the congregation's work is to help people discover and grow into that calling. As followers of Jesus Christ rooted in the love of God, New Born Fellowship is passionate about building people of power, purpose, and praise. Even a mustard seed of faith, they believe, can transform lives.
The mission is to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. That mission is lived out through teaching the gospel, equipping disciples, and creating a community where believers do not walk the journey alone.
What New Born Believes
New Born's statement of faith begins with one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is confessed as true God and true man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, who died on the cross as the complete and final sacrifice for sin. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now serves as High Priest and Advocate at the right hand of God.
The Holy Spirit's ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by convicting of sin, regenerating the believing sinner, and indwelling, guiding, instructing, and empowering believers for godly living and service. Salvation is offered through the shed blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ; only those who receive Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and become children of God. The church also holds to the personal, pre-millennial, and imminent return of Jesus Christ.
Water baptism by immersion is practiced soon after accepting Christ as a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to new life. The Lord's Supper is observed as a memorial of Christ's death, shared by believers.
The Event Center
Beyond worship gatherings, New Born Fellowship operates a full-service event venue that hosts memorial services, concerts, community events, and private celebrations. The Mainstage Venue spans 5,000 square feet and comes equipped with a full audio and visual system, high-quality sound, microphones, projection screens, and a dedicated stage and band area suited for live performances, speakers, and ceremonies.
Two additional spaces serve smaller needs: a 2,000-square-foot Event Center accommodating up to 150 guests, and a 1,000-square-foot Meeting Room for workshops, small gatherings, and intimate receptions. Weekday, weekend, and memorial service packages are available, with pricing that varies by date, duration, and event type. Catering is provided in partnership with Table Thirty Four Catering Services, located at 26 Bastian Street in Rochester.
Youth Empowerment
Through its Youth Empowerment ministry, the church invests in the next generation. The program partners with organizations in the wider Rochester community to develop young leaders grounded in faith and purpose, walking alongside them as they discover what God has for their lives.
Giving and Becoming Part of the Family
Tithes and offerings can be given online through Pushpay, by mail to New Born Fellowship at PO Box 1109, Webster, NY 14580, or in person. Gifts support the local church, specific ministry interests, and partner organizations involved in global relief and development. The church has noted that giving by stock, wire transfer, donor-advised funds, and cryptocurrency is coming soon.
For those exploring belief, a Salvation response is available, along with a partnership process for becoming part of the New Born family. The invitation is the same for newcomers and long-time believers: come as you are.
Leadership
New Born Fellowship is led by its founders, Drs. Warren E. Meeks Sr. and Perdita Meeks, who serve as Senior Pastors. Drs. Wilbert Harley and Celestine Harley also serve as Senior Pastors and Founders. Together with a team of pastors, elders, ministry leaders, deacons, and directors, they shepherd a multi-campus congregation rooted in the same foundation on which it began: faith in God, love for people, strong families, and a commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.