“The Seed Bed”

Testimony

In 2018 the Holy Spirit began to deal with me regarding transition, fresh anointing, deeper commitment, and ministry. Although this very specific drawing of God was new and uncomfortable at times, I knew he was at work in my heart. While continuing to serve where I was and consulting with my pastor at the time, the Lord began to humble me in ways only he could, in order to gain my full attention. It was on February 7, 2019 after a full 7 days of laying before God in prayer on an absolute fast, listening for God’s direction, for what I thought would be a new direction for just my family and I—it was on my bathroom floor, on my knees that the Holy Spirit began to fill the room, and speak to me concerning his plan, commanding me in the spirit, “plant my church!” Frightened, I immediately jumped up and foolishly said aloud, “No Lord!” (full disclosure, it’s never a good idea to tell God no!) His power and presence became so intense in that moment, I could physically feel my body collapsing under the pressure of his anointing! Lying on my face in tears and shaking uncontrollably, I humbly said to God, “but, I’m not worthy, I’ve made way too many mistakes in life, and besides, I don’t even know how to found a church” and it was just then the Holy Spirit said, “Psalm 87”! I quickly opened my bible to the passage, which I honestly did not know… and it read” His Foundation is in the Holy Mountain, the Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee oh City of God.” In other words, you don’t have to found the work, I have already done it! As I read the full psalm, my heart melted within me, and just like that he settled me, and his commission to plant was perfectly clear and my answer was “YES Lord”! After much spiritual preparation and guidance from established pastors and bishops in my life, my wife and I got to work! The first service was held on March 17, 2019, in the dining room of my home with 17 individuals in attendance. The church was dedicated on April 7, 2019, and on Easter Sunday April 21, 2019, the church was planted in the “Seed Bed”. We began regularly holding Sunday services and Thursday night Bible Enrichment classes from that day forward at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Did you know the word seminary is from the Latin word seminarium, which simply means “Seed Bed”? It was in that rich soil we planted and began to flourish and grow. From the Seminary the Lord prepared a place for us in the Hampton Inn and Suites in Glen Allen, VA. While serving as a Northside Outreach Center board member in the Highland Park Community of Richmond, VA, one faithful night at a board session in 2021 all unbeknownst to me, the former board president expressed that he was stepping down that night and wanted to make his last recommendation and motion on the floor…He stated, “It is hereby my desire to put forth a motion to have Pastor Sterling Burton and his church move into this building immediately. Don’t worry about cost or rent or any other financials we’ll take care of that Pastor Sterling!” So the Lord created yet another way for our young burgeoning church, and just like that we were in a newplace of worship! A newly-built 9000 square-foot, elevator-equipped, building, at 3080 Meadowbridge Road Richmond, Virginia! The Lord promised early in our inception that “Everywhere our foot trod, he’d it give it to us!” Standing on that word, he’s done just that! In the 5th Year of existence, “The Year of Great Grace”, on October 27, 2024, we moved into our New Tabernacle! A 20,000+ square foot edifice, equipped with yet another elevator! …on 19 Overbrook Road in Battery Park, still Northside Richmond, Virginia! Remember I said, “Don’t get too comfortable, because I feel a tingle in my feet…there was a permanent home on the way!” All praise to God, because he did just what he promised!

-Pastor Burton