Josh Gerard

Discover Hope in “The Promise of Deliverance”

December 1, 2025 Josh Gerard Thoughts from the Pastors

Life often presents us with challenges, moments where we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or searching for a way forward. It’s in these very seasons that we yearn for relief, for a helping hand, for deliverance. Our new sermon series, “The Promise of Deliverance,” dives deep into the ancient yet ever-relevant truth that God is a God who delivers. Join us as we explore powerful stories and profound teachings from scripture, uncovering how God intervenes in the lives of His people, offering freedom, rescue, and a pathway to peace.

This series isn’t just about looking back at historical accounts; it’s about understanding how the promise of deliverance applies to your life today. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, seeking spiritual breakthrough, or simply desiring a deeper connection with God, “The Promise of Deliverance” offers hope and practical insights. We believe that no situation is too big or too small for God’s redemptive power, and through this series, you’ll be encouraged to trust in His unfailing ability to set you free.

Don’t miss the beginning of this transformative journey. We invite you to watch the series intro below and then join us each week as we uncover the incredible ways God fulfills His promise to deliver. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and reminded that true freedom is found in Him.

Summer Camp 2025 Info + Registration

June 3, 2025 Josh Gerard Roots Youth Group, Super Kids

We’re thrilled to have the wonderful opportunity of offering Christian summer camps to our children and youth. Open Bible Central, our denomination and region, partners with a wonderful Christian campground in Iowa to give kids a fun-filled time to grow closer to Jesus.

Hidden Acres is a camp center with loads of fun activities and modern buildings. Campers enjoy things like a lake, waterslide and “blob,” indoor pool and hot tub, game room, gym, hiking paths, climbing tower, and more. Hidden Acres manages a large hospitality staff and volunteer nurses to make sure time at camp is safe, fun, and spiritually nurturing. It is the largest camp in the state of Iowa.

Parents, this could be a key time in the spiritual life of your child. Many kids choose to commit his or her life to Christ for the first time at camp. Most will deepen their faith and make lasting friendships. Open Bible has created wonderful programs for your children to help them understand God’s love for them.

Kids, get ready for an awesome summer!

Kids Summer Camp: Miracles

Dates: July 28 – July 31, 2025
Location: Hidden Acres Christian Center – Dayton, IA
Cost: $220 registration // additional $30 late fee added after June 30th — Registration CLOSES after July 14th.
Registration cost includes: All meals, lodging, services, camp t-shirt, activities, snack shack, and camp materials.

KIDS CAMP INFORMATION

REGISTER FOR KIDS CAMP (no payment due)

Youth Summer Camp: Choose

Dates: July 21-25, 2025
Location: Hidden Acres Christian Center – Dayton, IA
Cost: $255 // additional $30 late fee added after June 24th — Registration CLOSES after July 7th.
Registration cost includes: All meals, lodging, services, camp t-shirt, activities, snack shack, and camp materials.

YOUTH CAMP INFORMATION

REGISTER FOR YOUTH CAMP

*no payment due at registration

We are so excited for this season! We hope to see you at camp!

Please reach out to our Children’s Pastor, Tracey Gerard, with any questions.

Breakaway Recap: Winter Retreat 2024

January 7, 2025 Josh Gerard Roots Youth Group

Roots closed out the year with a powerful retreat in Des Moines through the Open Bible Conference. The theme this year was ELEVATE: Take your faith to new heights. The goal was for students to be encouraged to take that next step UP in their faith walk. Our Breakaway Speaker, Jeff Grenell, gave our students practical advice to help them ELEVATE their faith, and confidently continue UPWARD in their daily walk with Jesus.

We sent ten Roots kids from our youth group and three leaders to Breakaway, and the church heard testimonies the Sunday after. It was an incredible time of God speaking and moving among all who were there.

Open Bible Central shared,

Over these past few days, 315 students and 95 adult leaders gathered together in Des Moines, IA for our winter youth conference: Breakaway!

A special thank you to the worship band from First Church of the Open Bible in Clear Lake, IA for being with us, and providing an incredible atmosphere of worship for everyone who attended. Another special thank you to Jeff Grenell, our event speaker, for bringing a powerful set of messages, and teaching us practical steps that we can take to deepen our faith, and grow closer in relationship with Jesus Christ!

A special thank you to Sydnie Sanford for filming, editing, and making this video!

Our Roots Youth Group is for those who are going into 6th grade – 12th grade. We have a fantastic ministry for this age based on Biblical teaching with lots of fun thrown in. We are very blessed with a great group of kids, and there is always room for more!

In the Beginning

January 3, 2025 Josh Gerard Thoughts from the Pastors

On January 12, we’re kicking off a new sermon series focusing on the first 12 chapters of Genesis. These chapters are packed full of important stories that are foundational to our faith. We’ll be taking a deep dive into the scriptures, studying chapter by chapter and verse by verse, with a focus on answering questions and gleaning the most significance for our lives.

Join us Sunday!

“I love these first 12 chapters. I love that God’s story for us has such an incredible beginning, and how it answers so many questions we’re still asking today. That’s why we’re going to examine it closely, and read it for understanding. Our goal is to help each of us grow closer to the heart of God by seeing His heart for His creation.”
—Pastor Josh Gerard

Many of us are familiar with the famous opening of Genesis: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. We’ll start there, uncovering God’s will for His creation and how even when humanity faltered again and again, God remained faithful. From Adam and Eve to Noah, we’ll follow the journey of humankind as their Creator blessed them even in the midst of a curse, the consequence of their deviation from Him.

We hope you join us!

Watch the Promo

More About New Beginnings

Our church in Brooklyn, Iowa, exists to draw people to Jesus. We bring those looking for more meaning to Him through the Word, worship, fellowship, and encouragement. With a goal of turning hearts toward Christ and growing us all to follow Him more closely, we continue to reach out to the people of Brooklyn, Grinnell, and surrounding areas. All are welcome. Learn more about us here.

Many Things: A Play by Josh Gerard

November 18, 2024 Josh Gerard In Brooklyn

Our pastor, Josh Gerard, is also a playwright who has made several of his plays come to life at the Brooklyn Opera House. This Christmas is no different, as he brings his comedy called Many Things to our community.

The concept of the play is from the story of sisters Mary and Martha in the Bible, with the title coming from this verse:

"Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one..."
Luke 10:42-42

It’s the perfect play to get you in the holiday spirit with plenty of Christmas music, decor, and, ermmm, some less-than-expected seasonal moments. With a refreshing reminder on what this season is really about, this play has something for all ages. Bring your family, your small group, your bestie, or your coworkers.

Tickets can be bought at a discount online now, and we highly encourage you to reserve your seats while you can! Please visit the Brooklyn Opera House to grab yours.

SHOWTIMES

Did You Hear Pastor Josh on KSKB?

October 8, 2023 Josh Gerard In Brooklyn

Last week, our pastor had a chance to speak on KSKB Brooklyn about our church and help the radio station out with their share-a-thon at the same time. For anyone searching for New Beginnings Church or Pastor Josh on KSKB, we wanted to have a page for you to land on. So, welcome! Glad you found us!

This is a great place to begin to learn more about our church.

Find sermons here.

And general info for newcomers here.

You may have heard Josh talk about our Sunday services that begin with testimonies. He said, “We don’t have a traditional service. We actually start with times of testimony of what God is doing in each other’s lives. I believe God is constantly making himself known to his children. He’s constantly reminding us of his goodness and his mercies, and we spend a good 10-20 minutes just doing that.”

He also mentioned our prayer time before the service, which all are welcome to come to, half an hour before the service starts. We meet in the church kitchen (look for the door with the sign about prayer), and we want you to know you can pop in that room and join in any time.

Check out our events page for details.

No, we are not in the Big Apple, we’re in the sweet and small rural town of Brooklyn, Iowa. We hope to see you soon!