New Salem Baptist Church sits on Cleveland Avenue in the Linden neighborhood of northeast Columbus, Ohio, where for more than a century it has anchored a community through Sunday worship, weekday Bible study, one of the area's largest food pantries, and a development foundation that has helped house thousands of families. The church, which calls everyone to "lead a connected life," is both a traditional Missionary Baptist body and a heavily networked community ministry, with live captioning in the sanctuary, a smartphone app, weekday prayer calls, livestreamed services, and partnerships with Ohio State University and the City of Columbus that reach well beyond the building at 2956 Cleveland Avenue.
117 Years on Cleveland Avenue
In 1909, at the corner of Spruce and City Avenues, a group of baptized believers under the leadership of Reverend Hamlet joined together and formed New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. The young congregation moved twice in its first twenty years - to City and Charles Streets in 1920, and then in 1929 to 329 North Garfield Avenue, where the members briefly changed the name to Big Bethel Baptist Church before returning to the name that has endured.
The roll call of New Salem's early pastors reads Reverend Hamlet, founder; Reverend Brown; Reverend Robinson; Reverend Cook; Reverend Harris; Reverend Payne; Reverend Edward; Reverend McCoy; Reverend Johnson; Reverend Ransom; Reverend Davis; Reverend Trotter; and Reverend Cleveland. Reverend Frank C. Cleveland, Sr. served on New Salem's deacon board for seven years before accepting the call to ministry in 1958. On August 7, 1960, the congregation moved to 487 North Champion Avenue, holding its first worship services in the lower auditorium, paying off that mortgage in 1964, and finishing the upper level of the building in 1966. After Reverend Cleveland was called home in March 1983, the church prayerfully invited Reverend Keith A. Troy to become its new pastor. He accepted and began his pastorate on the first Sunday of October 1983.
Under the new pastorate, the church launched a capital campaign with the theme "A Positive Past, A Fantastic Future" in March 1987 and voted in January 1988 to purchase a larger facility. The final baptism, communion, and church service at the Champion Avenue location was the Easter Sunrise Service on April 3, 1988; afterward, more than 200 cars formed a motorcade to the current home at 2956 Cleveland Avenue. The years that followed brought a weekly half-hour radio program on 106 FM, the annual Beatrice Bess music workshop, the Young David's program for boys ages 12 through 18, the Guild Girls program for girls of the same age, the New Salem Epistle newsletter, the Puppets of Praise, a singles ministry, a drug and alcohol ministry called N.A.I.T.I. (Not Around It Through It), and a community development corporation that has since become the Community of Caring Development Foundation. Across its history, New Salem has ordained eight deacons and six ministers, paid off its mortgage a second time, given away tens of thousands of dollars in community grants, and ordained additional women and ministers for gospel service.
The church's mission is to "connect with people at the intersection of the sacred and the secular." Its vision is to be regarded as the most holistic, relevant, and impactful organization in its communities, embodied through joyfulness, fearlessness, graciousness, inclusiveness, and drive. The values statement is built around the belief that salvation begins with connections and that those connections produce worship, discipleship, fellowship, and stewardship.
Sunday Morning: 10 a.m. Worship, 8 a.m. Sunday School
The weekly rhythm of New Salem begins well before the 10 a.m. Worship Experience in the main sanctuary. Online Sunday school for adults starts at 8 a.m. and in-person adult Sunday school starts at 8:15 a.m., so that learners can move directly into corporate worship after class. Pre-worship music begins at 9:50 a.m., and the service itself begins promptly at 10 a.m. The service is livestreamed, with a dedicated watch page and live captioning available through the Captional app for those who are hard of hearing or who benefit from visual support. Amazon Fire tablets are available at the back of the church for anyone who would like to follow captions on a larger screen.
The Magnification Department oversees everything that happens in the sanctuary each week, including the Praise and Worship team, the Voices of New Salem choir, the FCC Male Chorus, and dance ministries. Music is described by the church as drawing on traditional and contemporary gospel, spirituals, and anthems. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can be checked into Promiseland during the adult service, where they learn the books of the Bible through scripture, music, and creative arts.
For youth in grades 6 through 12, the second and fourth Sundays of the month are reserved for THE WELL (Wired to Evangelize, Learn, and Lead) youth service at 10 a.m., with the Divine Purpose Youth Dance Ministry and the Youth Praise Ensemble providing music for those gatherings.
The Magnification Department: Worship and Arts as a Whole Ministry
Worship is organized at New Salem as its own department, called Magnification, led by Director Rev. Ian Morgan. The department's stated purpose is to "inspire the people of God and incite them to worship Him," anchored in Matthew 5:16 ("Let your light so shine before men") and 1 Samuel 15:22 ("Obedience is better than sacrifice").
The department is unusually broad. Praise and Worship is the weekly adult team and is open to anyone 18 and older who passes an audition. Voices of New Salem is a self-directed choir that rehearses and ministers monthly and is open to youth in grades 6 through 12 and adults, covering traditional and contemporary gospel, spirituals, and anthems. The FCC Male Chorus rehearses and ministers quarterly and is open to men 18 and older. The Youth Praise Ensemble rehearses monthly and leads worship at the WELL services. Joyful Noyze is the salaried accompanist team that supports congregational singing every week. The Prayer Ministry leads Sunday corporate prayer and the daily prayer calls and meets quarterly to set direction. Two dance ministries (Divine Motion for grades K through 5 and Dancers of New Salem for grades 6 through 12 and adults) rehearse on varying schedules and minister throughout the year. Puppets of Praise, the long-running puppet ministry, rehearses and ministers as assigned.
From Promiseland to The Well: Children and Youth
Promiseland is New Salem's children's ministry for kids from birth through fifth grade, overseen by Director Min. Brenda Troy. It operates during the adult worship service and uses a curriculum designed to teach the books of the Bible through scripture, music, and creative arts. The ministry's guiding scripture is Matthew 19:14 ("Let the little children come to me").
For older students, the Life Development Department (the youth ministry) is led by Director Tiffane Warren and walks alongside young people in grades 6 through 12 to help them discover who they are in Christ, bring light to their gifts, and find belonging. It includes the Divine Purpose Youth Dance Ministry, NSI Sunday School for youth (currently held virtually), the WAVE Wednesday Night Youth Fellowship (which combines Bible study with life-skill development, civic engagement, and conversation), the monthly WELL worship service, and the Youth Ambassadors leadership program.
Outside the church, New Salem partners with St. Stephen's Community House and the City of Columbus to run the Linden Sports Leadership Academy, a Saturday program housed at 1500 East 17th Avenue that targets middle school youth in grades 6 through 9 in and around the Linden community. Sessions rotate between chess, fitness, martial arts, boxing, and basketball, and students receive breakfast and lunch. The academy is designed to develop critical thinking, decision making, work ethic, team building, and life skills, and is closely aligned with New Salem's outreach in the neighborhood.
Care Groups and the New Salem Institute
Care Groups (Christ-like Actions Reaching Everyone) are New Salem's small group ministry and are described as "the core of our church." Groups meet weekly for Bible study, prayer, and member support, and include men-only and women-only groups, young adult groups, couples groups, singles groups, and shared-interest groups. Many groups also serve in outreach within and outside the church, and the church emphasizes that deep and abiding friendships often grow out of these gatherings over time. The Maturity Department oversees Care Groups as part of its broader Christian education work and is led by Director Rev. Dr. Monica Lowe.
At the center of adult learning is the New Salem Institute (NSI), which serves as the church's hub for Christian education and operates the Sunday school program, Bible Sampler courses, and specialty classes, both online and in-person. Specialty offerings are taught by pastors and ministry leaders; recent examples include a six-week study on spiritual leadership for the 21st century, taught in person by Rev. Dr. Annette Jackson, and a seven-week study on biblical rest, taught online by Rev. Dr. Monica Lowe. Trainings, webinars, and workshops on non-biblical subjects such as finances, career, and digital resources are also offered, and the church pursues partnerships with local colleges and universities to expand the program. Stewardship teaching is grounded in 1 Corinthians 16:2 ("on the first day of each week, set aside some of what you have earned") and Luke 6:38 ("Give, and it will be given to you").
The Marriage Refresh is a twelve-week journey designed for couples of all ages and stages, from newlyweds to fifty-year veterans, that meets online on Sunday mornings and walks participants through re-engagement, reconnection, and renewal rooted in Scripture.
Women of Power: A Boutique, a Dinner, and a Prayer Network
The Women of Power Ministry, directed by Min. Brenda Troy, is one of the most visible ministries at New Salem because it reaches beyond the church walls each week. The Community Dinner serves a free meal to the Linden and surrounding communities each week, and during the meal hours, the team connects guests with social services. The WOP Clothing Boutique, located inside the Mission House, provides free clothing for women, men, and children each Wednesday evening, with donations accepted at the church Tuesday through Friday.
The ministry also runs MOMS2B, a partnership with Ohio State University that works to improve the health of historically disadvantaged communities by empowering pregnant women to deliver full-term, healthy babies and to reduce disparities in infant mortality. The MOMS2B team meets at the church each Monday morning at 9 a.m.
Other initiatives under the Women of Power umbrella include an anti-human trafficking ministry that serves as a liaison between victims and social service providers in the United States and internationally, Xtreme Transformation's "I Choose to Live" program (a fifteen-week Bible-based study on health, food, prayer, and movement for those seeking to care for their bodies) and an annual women's retreat featuring anointing prayer, Bible study, encouragement, and fellowship. The guiding scripture for the entire ministry is Matthew 25:35-36.
Beyond the Walls: The Community of Caring Development Foundation
Just as central to New Salem's identity as the Sunday worship service is the Community of Caring Development Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by an independent board and led by Adam Troy, the church's Director of Missions and the Foundation's CEO. The Foundation is the community and economic development arm of the church and has been investing in the lives of individuals and families throughout Columbus and the Linden community for more than two decades. Through public and private partnerships, it has helped provide affordable housing for more than 2,000 families, served over 500,000 meals, secured more than $250,000 in community grants, and presented more than $70,000 in academic scholarships. The Foundation also acts as convener and thought leader in the revitalization of Linden and has aligned its programs with the City of Columbus' One Linden Plan.
The Foundation's "beyond the walls" platform brings programs in community wealth building, education, housing, health and wellness, and a real estate development advisory project portfolio of more than $100 million. Three flagship initiatives sit under this umbrella. Linden 100 is a workforce development model that emphasizes equity stakes in local businesses for non-entrepreneurial members of under-resourced communities, working with an advisory group of corporate, government, and economic development leaders. Leadership Linden is a neighborhood-based leadership development program that runs twelve weeks of educational and interactive programming for emerging leaders, who then work in teams on Community Impact Projects. Saints on Streets (S.O.S.) grew out of the 2016 DARING Faith Campaign and uses Street Teams to build long-term, healthy relationships with neighbors through the principles of See, Serve, and Sow.
The Foundation also partners with Lott Carey for global mission engagement and connects the church's local ministries with the broader missions vision of the church.
Bread of Life, the Linden Fresh Market, and Daily Outreach
As an extension of New Salem's "beyond the walls" approach, the Bread of Life Food Pantry is one of the two largest food pantries operating in the Linden community. The pantry is managed by the Foundation, and volunteers assist with food selection, stocking shelves, and helping clients take groceries to their cars. It is open on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Linden Fresh Market was established in 2018 as part of the One Linden Plan and partners with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to distribute free food. The market provides free, fresh, healthy produce to any household earning less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. It is located at 1464 Cleveland Avenue and is open Mondays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. New members can sign up on their first visit by bringing a photo ID.
Volunteers for the food pantry sign up through the church's online form, and donations to support the pantry can be made through the Calling All connectors donation portal.
Five Membership Classes from Discovering Jesus to Discovering My Ministry
Anyone wishing to join New Salem is led through a five-part membership pathway, taken in order, with each class required for membership. Class 101, Discover Membership, introduces newcomers to a relationship with Jesus Christ and to New Salem's mission, vision, and values, and is taught by Pastor Keith A. Troy. Class 201, Discovering Spiritual Maturity, focuses on growth as a mature believer, including Bible study, prayer, devotional life, giving, and Care Groups, and is taught by Rev. Landon Adams, the Director of Membership. Class 301, Discovering My Ministry, helps members identify their spiritual gifts, ministry areas, and S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences), and is taught by Elder Jami Jones Ervin. Class 401, Missions, walks members through sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and is taught by Adam Troy, Director of Missions. Class 501, Magnification, frames worship as a lifestyle and explores the names of God and the worship experience, and is taught by Rev. Dr. Merlyn Ruffin.
Registration for the membership pathway is handled through the church's online form, and newcomers can also indicate interest through the Connect With Us link.
Daily Prayer Call, Noon Bible Study, and the Church App
New Salem's rhythms extend well beyond Sunday morning. A daily prayer call runs Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., accessible by dialing (267) 807-9601 with access code 966614722. A weekly Noon Day Bible Study is led by Pastor Keith A. Troy on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the church and is open to all. The Sunday worship service is also accessible by phone through the Worship Line at (605) 313-4100 with access code 3886898 for those who cannot join online.
Members and guests are encouraged to download the New Salem Connects App, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app lets users explore upcoming events, give securely, view the church calendar, and connect with ministry leaders and groups. Prayer requests can be submitted through the app or through the church's online prayer request form, and a Congregational Care form allows members to share births, hospitalizations, illnesses, and bereavements with the pastoral team.
Hospitality, Communications, and the Pathways of the Ministry Department
The Hospitality Ministry, led by Director Min. Brenda Troy, is charged with welcoming members, guests, and friends with humility, joy, comfort, and a servant's spirit, reaching both the churched and the unchurched to remove barriers to worship. The ministry includes welcome, ushers, transportation, security, nurses, and the wedding ministry, and is grounded in Romans 12:13 and Hebrews 13:2.
The Communications Ministry, led by Director Min. Michael McGee, manages media and communications across social platforms, the electronic newsletter, and other digital channels, with a vision to be "an evangelistic arm of the New Salem Baptist Church" reaching both the in-person congregation and the virtual community. Its guiding scripture is John 21:6 ("Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some").
The Ministry Department, led by Director Rev. Dr. Annette Jackson, exists to call, equip, and refine servant-leaders for Kingdom impact. Anchored in Ephesians 4:12 ("Equipping the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ") and 1 Peter 4:10 ("As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another"), the department recruits gifted individuals into their God-given assignments, nurtures spiritual maturity, and shapes character, skills, and faith through training, mentorship, and accountability.
Together, these pathways reflect what New Salem means when it invites everyone, members and neighbors alike, to lead a connected life, in the sanctuary, in the classroom, on the basketball court, at the food pantry, on the prayer line, and through the week that follows Sunday morning.