OUR HISTORY

FROM THE HEART CHURCH MINISTRIES OF RICHMOND

From the Heart Church Ministries of Richmond, Virginia came into existence as a result of the Reformation Teachings by the late, Dr. John A. Cherry (1940 – 2019). Christians in Richmond began to respond to the message that the church needed to be reformed. As a result, some left their former churches out of their desire to receive the uncompromised Word of God. A Focus Group was formed from these Believers. They met weekly for Bible Study where they viewed a videotape of the previous Sunday’s message taught by Dr. Cherry at the Parent Church in Maryland. The group began to commute to Temple Hills, Maryland to attend the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service at the FTHCM Parent Church.

Shortly after Dr. Cherry decided that it was time to establish a local church in Richmond, Virginia. On Sunday, May 21, 2000, 11 people from the Richmond Focus Group joined at From the Heart Church Ministries in Temple Hills, Maryland. On the following Sunday, May 28, 2000, From the Heart Church Ministries of Richmond had its first service at the Wyndham Hotel. From the Heart Church Ministries of Richmond purchased their first church building located at 2401 Byron Street and on September 3, 2000, the first service was held in the new church home.

On Sunday, February 11, 2001, Reverend John A. Cherry, II was appointed to be the pastor of From the Heart Church Ministries of Richmond. Reverend Cherry, II also continued to serve as the assistant pastor of the Parent Church. At that same meeting, it was announced that the first staff person — a church secretary was hired. The first ten service ministries were also established which included: Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Media Ministry, Membership Care Ministry, Men’s Fellowship, Music Ministry, New Converts Ministry, New Members Reception Ministry, Helps Ministry, Special Services Ministry, and the Usher Board.

Due to the church growth, a full-time pastor was needed. On June 1, 2003, Reverend James Z. Ransom was appointed as pastor. Pastor Ransom, his wife Tresa, their four children (Traya, Trakaya, Trinity, and Samuel) and mother, Tiny Jenkins (1938 - 2021) came from Cornerstone Family Church in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was the Assistant Pastor for eight years. Prior to his service at Cornerstone, Pastor Ransom also served as the pastor of the Body of Christ Christian Worship Service on the campus of Iowa State University for five years.

Under the leadership of Pastor Ransom, From the Heart Church Ministries of Richmond has continued to grow spiritually, administratively, and financially. Tuesday Noon Day Exhortation and Prayer began on April 4, 2006. The following 13 ministries have also been added: Women of God: Lifegivers Fellowship, Church School, Eagle’s Nest Toddler Ministry, None Like Us Children’s Ministry, Health and Healing Ministry, Golden Eagle’s Senior Ministry, Dance Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Safety and Security Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Ministerial Care Ministry and Multimedia Ministry.

On March 6, 2012, an Expansion Location Bible Study was started in Fredericksburg, VA on Tuesday nights. Sunday services began on May 3, 2015. Reverend Terence Jennings was appointed as the Elder-in-Charge of the Expansion Location from 2012 thru 2017. Reverend Brian Gullins was appointed as the Elder-in-Charge of the Expansion Location on Sunday, October 29, 2018. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic that occurred in 2020, services were discontinued.

In 2014, the church purchased approximately 17 acres of land and architectural plans were developed for a new building. In 2023 a church property located on 38 acres came on the market. Purchasing and renovating this existing property would not only provide more space, but it would also be less expensive than building a new construction.  As a result, the direction changed, and the property located at 3300 Neale Street was purchased for the new location.

On February 26, 2023, church members visited our new church home.  After extensive exterior and interior renovations, the first Bible Study was held on January 31, 2024; the first wedding was held on February 3, 2024; and the first Sunday Service was held on February 4, 2024.  The building dedication service was held on Sunday, February 25, 2024.  Episcopal Pastor, Bishop John A. Cherry, II presided over the service.  The service was attended by many members of other From the Heart churches and many visitors.

The Word being taught uncompromisingly is the catalyst for the continuous growth of the church. The growth is evidence that Christ Jesus is faithful when He says, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). From the Heart Church Ministries of Richmond is a church of spiritual, administrative, and financial excellence where Jesus Christ is Lord!