Organized April 8, 2007
The Spirit of God began to raise in Elder Tommy Terrell, III the awareness of his pastoral call and anointing while at a ministerial retreat. Elder Terrell give voice to that awareness by approaching his pastor Bishop Michael V. Kelsey, Sr. about the possibility of a New Samaritan Baptist Church plant.
While waiting for God to move, Elder Terrell continued to serve in a spirit of excellence. The Holy Ghost then spoke the name “Shechem” to Elder Terrell in the fall of 2005 while he was studying at Howard University School of Divinity. He made note and filed the name not knowing that two years later God would tell him this was to be the name of his ministry and also reveal to him the founding scripture Joshua 24: 1 – And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
During a meeting with Bishop & Co-Pastor Kelsey, Elder Terrell shared “that the Kingdom of God is calling him” and “that he either leave now or die.” It was time for him to be released and go do what God had called and prepared him to do, establish the Shechem Covenant Outreach Ministries. Bishop and Co-Pastor Kelsey agreeing with the Kingdom agenda released him and several charter members.
Needing a place to hold worship service and bible study a facilities search committee was formed. During this time much organizing, strategic planning and prayer were going forth. God provided the John Eagar Howard Elementary School located in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Shechem Covenant Outreach Ministries held her first bible study class on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. Consistent door to door and market place evangelistic efforts were made to introduce the community to Shechem.
The Shechem Covenant Outreach Ministries was formally launched on Resurrection Sunday, April 8, 2007 at 4:00pm. Elder Tommy Terrell, III was installed and consecrated as the Senior Pastor. Blessings and prayers were bestowed upon Pastor and Minister Terrell and fifteen other saints of God that joined them as they embarked on this historic Kingdom ordained mission.
Shechem Covenant Outreach Ministries held her first Sunday Morning Worship experience on Sunday, April 15, 2007. The church Vision is founded on the core Principles: Empowerment, Evangelism, and Edification.