Elizabeth River Baptist Church
601 Sparrow Road     Chesapeake, VA    23325
(757) 420-8478     Fax: (757) 420-5402
 
Pastor:  Dr. Sanford Martin
 email:doctorsandy@elizabethriver.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome!
A Place Where You are Always Welcome
 

Whether you are brand new to the church thing or you’ve been around church for a while, we want to say welcome! Our goal at Elizabeth River Baptist Church is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life. When you visit with us at Elizabeth River Baptist Church our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here!

 

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

COME AS YOU ARE.

We want you to feel at home. You are welcome in this place. We tell everyone to come as you are. While we want to be respectful of the place of worship that we gather in, we also want to be sensitive to all those who may need prayer, food, encouragement or a place to call home. So please come as you are and experience the awesome presence of Jesus.

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SBC Disaster Relief Training

Get your credentials so you can respond on the front lines of a disaster.

The SBC of Virginia offers training to equip members of SBC of Virginia churches, so they are able to respond during times of disaster. Each training offers necessary instruction for volunteers to respond with other Southern Baptists around the world. The training is practical and allows one, 18 years and older, to serve with confidence. Because of our partnerships with FEMA, Salvation Army, Red Cross, IMB, NAMB and other SBC State Conventions, we have a credentialing process that allows us to respond.

Types of Training Available

  1. Basic Training– his training provides an overview of everything required to be deployed with a Disaster Relief team, including, Biblical foundations, evangelism, organizational protocols, and working as a member of chainsaw team, flood recovery team, and feeding team. This training can be taken in 2 ways: 
      1. In-person at an SBCV church. 
      2. Online for new volunteers and those re-credentialing.
2. Advanced Training-In-person training may be conducted for lead cook, unit leader, DR Chaplain, Quick Response Feeding Unit and/or chainsaw operator at each location. This is a one-day, 8-hour event is held on Saturday. The cost is $30/person for materials and lunch.
 3.Chaplaincy Training-being a volunteer chaplain to those who have experienced loss and pain is a rewarding ministry, but it can be very challenging because of the emotional and spiritual demands involved. In order to maintain a high standard of excellence while providing emotional and spiritual care and operate in accordance with expected standards of the disaster community, all SBCV DR volunteer chaplains will need to complete the minimum training requirements.If the Basic Chaplain course is held during the DR Training weekend, the host church will provide overnight accommodations for the SBDR Basic Chaplain Trainings which will give you a feel for ministering during deployment.

World Changers

July 21 – July 26, 2025

About this Project

Chesapeake VA is a construction-based project. These projects specialize in serving a community by meeting a physical need. Groups most often serve by working on someone’s home through work like painting, handicap ramps, and more. Students are equipped and encouraged to build relationships with homeowners and community members in hopes of sharing the gospel. All programming like a speaker and worship, in addition to food and lodging, are covered in the registration fee.

 
Christmas In August 2025
Helping Missionaries Reach Out to Their Communities
How Christmas in August Works

Every year WMU and the North American Mission Board partner to select missionaries who will be featured in Christmas in August. The missionaries provide a list of items they need for ministry and outreach, and the lists of requested items are posted online. More information will soon be available

Operation “INAS Much” Saturday, October 25, 2025  8:00 -Noon

What is Operation Inasmuch?

 

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Operation Inasmuch is a worldwide ministry that comes alongside churches and pastors to equip and motivate them to obey the biblical mandate to minister to the “least of these.” Using the Inasmuch model of compassion ministry, we empower believers to live out their calling to serve others and experience the joy that comes from serving. We encourage pastors who want to see their church connected in their community but don’t have the time or training to do it on their own. We show believers how they can create opportunities to share the gospel by doing the gospel.

Operation Inasmuch is focused on the entire body of Christ and provides tremendous opportunities for people to serve for the first time, families to serve together, and even congregations from multiple denominations to come together to be the hands and feet of Jesus and become the Body of Christ.

 
Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Ministry

The Power of a Simple Gift!

Operation Christmas Child returns! Elizabeth River Baptist Church is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse to pack shoeboxes for kids all around the world. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, which brings Good News and great joy to children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes. It is a tangible way to share God’s love and the good news of Jesus Christ to children in need worldwide!

Why Should You Help:

We especially need your help this year! Children and families who in poorer countries simply do not have the resources we do here in the U.S. If each Elizabeth River family could commit to at lease one shoebox, we can make a big difference and help bless many kids.

Gift Suggestions: A list is available online.

Pray: Most importantly, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.

Please also prayer for:

  • Their family to also be receptive to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
  • The pastor of the church who delivers your shoebox gift.
  • Their community to be transformed by the Gospel.

A donation of $10 per box is critical to cover evangelism materials, shipping, and other project costs.

Deadline to return your filled boxes is Sunday, November 9, 2025

 

WORSHIP!

 SUNDAY AT 11:00 am

Elizabeth River Baptist Church is a church where we love to worship. Not just on Sundays, but every day of the week. Come worship the Lord with us! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BREAKFAST &BIBLE STUDY

 SUNDAY AT 9:30 am

Elizabeth River Baptist Church is a church where we love to studythe Word of God. We believe that God’s will, plan and purpose are revealed in His Word.

 

 

FELLOWSHIP

The Bible advises us to continue in fellowship with other believers. There is a reason for that! It edifies is, keeps us accountable, makes us more transparent and unplugs us from our secluded self-centered lives. We learn to share, invite-in, commune and interact with other believers. 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

GENEROSITY

We are givers at heart and we model that in our lives. We do not believe in creating a mega church with lots of beautiful buildings and facilities. Rather, we believe in giving back. A healthy community is ripe to hear God’s Word. We invite our members to give to any of our community programs on a regular basis. 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

GROWTH

If you attend Elzabeth River Baptist Church and there is no spiritual growth in your life, then we did something wrong. That is why it is very important to us that you take away real life application not just spiritually, but for your family, finances and all areas of your life. God is our source of joy, and our deliverer.