Evangelicals ECCU Tried To Foreclose On New Birth

During a recent sermon, Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant shared a remarkable story about faith, resilience, and standing firm in one’s convictions. Speaking before a packed congregation, Bryant recounted how New Birth Missionary Baptist Church faced an unexpected financial challenge shortly after he assumed leadership in 2019.

According to Bryant, when he arrived at New Birth, the church was carrying a mortgage debt of approximately $32 million. Only 90 days into his tenure, he said the church received a certified letter from Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU), the financial institution that held the loan. The letter allegedly informed the church that the loan was being called due immediately.

Bryant claimed that the reason provided was not financial performance or missed payments, but rather ideological differences. He told the congregation that ECCU identified itself as an evangelical organization and expressed concerns that New Birth’s new pastor did not align with its evangelical beliefs.

The pastor further alleged that representatives indicated the church could avoid foreclosure if he publicly renounced support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Bryant said he refused to comply with the request.

“I refuse to do it,” he declared, drawing applause and cheers from the audience.

Rather than compromising his principles, Bryant said he chose to remain committed to his beliefs and focus on improving the church’s financial position. He reported that since 2019, New Birth has reduced its debt from $32 million to approximately $8 million without grants, special favors, or outside interventions.

The achievement became a central illustration in his sermon about integrity and perseverance. Bryant emphasized that maintaining one’s convictions can ultimately lead to long-term success, even when doing so creates immediate challenges.

“When you hold on to your integrity and hold on to what God has called you to do, there’s nothing the enemy will be able to take away from you,” he told worshippers.

The pastor then expanded his message beyond the church’s financial journey, encouraging listeners to remain hopeful in difficult circumstances. He reassured members of the congregation that setbacks and obstacles do not necessarily determine the final outcome of their lives.

As the sermon continued, Bryant shifted to a broader discussion about dreams, goals, and purpose. Drawing on biblical themes, he argued that God-given dreams are fundamentally different from personal ambitions.

According to Bryant, a goal primarily benefits the individual pursuing it, while a true dream benefits others as well. He challenged his audience to evaluate whether their aspirations extend beyond personal gain and create opportunities for broader impact.

“The difference between a dream and a goal is a goal only benefits you. A dream benefits other people,” he said.

Bryant suggested that many people mistakenly label personal objectives as dreams when they are actually focused solely on self-interest. He encouraged worshippers to consider who would benefit if their plans and ambitions came to fruition.

“If it is only you, God ain’t in it,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of service and community impact.

Throughout the message, Bryant repeatedly urged attendees to reject opportunities that might offer immediate rewards but require sacrificing core values. He argued that some of life’s most significant mistakes occur when people choose short-term convenience over long-term purpose.

To illustrate this point, Bryant referenced the story of Roy Raymond, the founder of Victoria’s Secret. He explained that Raymond sold the company for a relatively modest sum, only to watch its value increase dramatically in later years. Bryant used the example to demonstrate how accepting an offer too quickly can prevent individuals from realizing a much greater future opportunity.

The pastor described Raymond’s story as a cautionary tale about understanding potential and resisting the temptation to settle prematurely.

Building on that theme, Bryant outlined what he described as three circumstances in which people must be willing to say “no.” The first and most important, he said, occurs when achieving something requires compromising one’s vision.

“You have to say no if you have to compromise your vision to get it,” Bryant told the audience.

He then returned to the New Birth experience as a real-world example of that principle. For him, refusing to publicly renounce a movement he supported represented a decision to protect his vision and integrity, even at significant financial risk.

The sermon resonated strongly with congregants, many of whom responded with enthusiastic applause and verbal affirmations throughout the message. Bryant’s account served not only as a testimony about the church’s financial recovery but also as a broader lesson about leadership, faith, and conviction.

Whether viewed as a story of religious perseverance, financial turnaround, or moral courage, Bryant’s remarks highlighted a central theme: success achieved at the expense of one’s principles may ultimately come at too high a cost. By contrast, he argued, remaining faithful to one’s beliefs can create opportunities for growth that would otherwise be impossible.

As New Birth continues its financial recovery, Bryant presented the church’s journey as evidence that steadfast commitment and integrity can overcome even the most daunting challenges. For his congregation, the message was clear: sometimes the most powerful word a person can say is “no.”