Serving Central City since 1937
A beacon of light in Central City
For nearly ninety years, Israelite Baptist Church has gathered this neighborhood for Sunday worship and put that faith to work in the streets around it. Come as you are. There is a seat for you.
Join us this Sunday
Sunday Worship
2100 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd, New Orleans. Free parking across the street.
Cannot make it in? Dial the audio worship line at 10:15 AM: (732) 434-2240, no access code.
Welcome home
You logged on for a reason. We are glad you did.
The Israelite Baptist Church family welcomes you. We are a Purpose Driven Church, so Sunday worship is where things start, not where they end. Whatever brought you here, a sermon you wanted to hear again or a week that wore you thin, you are welcome exactly as you are.
Our mission is to bring unchurched people to Christ and help them grow into His image.
We take John 10:10 at its word: Christ came so that people might have life, and have it in abundance. That abundance shows up here as worship on Sunday and as food, recovery, tutoring, and a hand up the rest of the week.
Rooted worship
Gospel preaching and full-hearted music in a sanctuary dedicated in 1986 and rebuilt after Katrina.
Real recovery
The Sons of Blood 'n Thunder ministry has walked with men through addiction back into family and work.
Youth first
Our Community Youth Center on Simon Bolivar gives kids tutoring, summer camp, and mentors who show up.
Neighbors fed
Crusaders' Outreach and monthly meals feed and clothe families across Central City all year long.
Every Sunday
Worship & Communion
Church School at 9, morning worship at 10, and the Lord’s Supper on the third Sunday. Preaching that speaks to Monday, not just Sunday.
Recovery & men
Sons of Blood 'n Thunder
A drug-recovery and men’s ministry that teaches sobriety, leadership, and work skills. Its male chorus grew from more than forty men rebuilding their lives.
Women of Wisdom
WOW Ministry
Study, exercise, and outreach built by and for the women of the church. A circle of support that stretches from the sanctuary into the neighborhood.
Children & teens
Youth Ministry
After-school tutoring, summer camp, and the Community Youth Center on Simon Bolivar. Read this month’s youth spotlight on the news page.
Music & praise
Music Ministry
From the Martin B. Fortner Chorale to the Men of Honor Male Chorus, our choirs carry the room. Rehearsals run through the week for every voice.
Community
Outreach & Projects
Monthly meals, clothing, shelter vouchers, employment help, counseling, and the annual Mind, Body and Soul Health Fair for the whole community.
1937
Founded by Rev. Lamar V. Brown with a few dedicated Christians.
1986
New sanctuary dedicated on Martin Luther King Boulevard after years of prayer and work.
2004
The church tower was lit as a beacon for the whole neighborhood to see.
2005
Waters spared the sanctuary in Katrina; we reopened Sept. 25 and hosted damaged congregations.
Today
Under Pastor Emanuel Smith, Jr., still committed to bringing this community back.
Our leadership
Meet Pastor Emanuel Smith, Jr.
Pastor & First Lady Diana Smith
Installed as pastor on November 5, 1999, Pastor Smith brought a habit of thinking outside the usual church box. He earned his Doctorate of Divinity in 2003 and has spent decades in community leadership across New Orleans, from the Superdome to Southern University.
Under his ministry the church built a youth center, opened its doors to flooded congregations after Katrina, and was featured by Ebony magazine in 2006 for staying open through the storm. His prayer for the church is simple: bring this community back while spreading the gospel of Christ.
Your first Sunday
What to expect when you visit
New to church, or just new to this one? Here is exactly how a Sunday morning goes, so nothing feels unfamiliar when you walk in.
Find us on MLK Boulevard
We are at 2100 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd. Park free in the lot across the street and follow the lit tower.
Come as you are
There is no dress code and no pressure. Some dress up, many do not. Bring yourself and whatever you are carrying.
Church School, then worship
Bible study starts at 9. Morning worship follows at 10 with preaching and music. Communion is served the third Sunday.
Stay and meet the family
Introduce yourself to a greeter or the pastor. Ask about a ministry. You will leave knowing at least one name.
What a blessing to be a member of the Israelite Baptist Church. May God continue to bless my church family.
Sis. Lillian G. Brown, member
The recovery ministry gave me back my mornings and my family. I came in broken and left with brothers.
Member story
My kids get tutoring after school and I get a Sunday that feeds me. This place shows up all week.
Parent story
Life at Israelite
Moments from our church family
Morning scripture
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
This Sunday at 10 AM
There is a seat with your name on it
Worship with us in person, catch the service by phone, or give toward the work happening every day in Central City. Start wherever you are.