Soul Reviving Missionary Baptist Church

Mission Statement

Spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to make disciples, baptize, nurture, and teach believers to observe all things as declared in the Word of God.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28: 19-20 (KJV)

Church History

1952 - 1974: Reverend Henry Rucker

In 1952, under the leadership of Reverend Henry Rucker, who was a member of a group who sang for the Lord called the Soul Revivers; the church was organized and named Soul Reviving Missionary Baptist Church.  The singers and their families became the church’s first members.  The humble beginning, the basement of one of the singer’s home, located at 1400 South Harding, provided the worship place for the members.     

Over the following years, as a result of increased membership, the church moved to 5700 South State Street, then to 2400 South State Street.  At this location, Reverend Rucker saw a great opportunity to share the Gospel with the children who frequently visited the candy store next door to the church.  As a result of these interactions, the children and their parents were invited to Sunday school.  Again the membership grew, and in 1964, the church moved to

Seven East Twenty-Fourth Street.  In 1968, the building was sold and the church moved to 71st and Emerald Avenue.  In 1972, the church moved to its present location, 9537 South Perry Avenue.  Reverend Henry Rucker was called home to be with the Lord in 1974.

1974 – 1996: Reverend William T. Rucker

Reverend William T. Rucker was elected to succeed his father as pastor of Soul Reviving Missionary Baptist Church.  Continuing on the path that the Lord had set before him and the commitment and willingness of the church, Reverend William Rucker established a foundation in the name of his father which was dedicated to help foster children find loving God-fearing homes.  Reverend Rucker followed his father’s vision by caring for these children until his death in May 1996.

1996 – 1999: Reverend John D. Ellis, Sr.

Reverend John D. Ellis, Sr. served as Interim Pastor from June 1996 until April 1997 when he was elected by unanimous vote pastor of Soul Reviving Missionary Baptist Church.  Under his leadership, the church flourished and began to organize into a mission driven church by caring for the needs of the community and by following the Great Commission.  The Lord called Pastor Ellis home on October 30, 1999.

2000 – Present: Reverend Larry Linder

Reverend Larry Linder was elected as the fourth pastor of Soul Reviving Missionary Baptist Church on November 12, 2000.  With the aid of Divine direction, Reverend Linder has continued to shepherd God’s children through faithfulness, humility, and perseverance while seeking to nurture each member through the knowledge of God’s word, prayer, and fellowship.

To assist with the work of the church, five deacons have been ordained: Deacon Willie L. Porter, Deacon Jerome McFall, the late Deacon Leroy Hurndon, Deacon Brenda Brooks, and Deacon David Williams.  Chairman Deacon Willie L. Porter went home to be with the Lord on May 6, 2021.

Under Reverend Linder’s leadership, the church continues to represent the Lord through evangelism, “corner prayer walks”, daytime and evening Vacation Bible School, Reverend Henry Rucker Leadership School, Reverend John D. Ellis Scholarship, and Eddie Frances Sanders Mission.  The church has intentionally developed relationships with community members through the bimonthly Feeding and Clothing Outreach Ministry started by the late Sister Eddie Frances Sanders.   By lifting the name of Jesus and putting his teachings into practice, members of the community and their families have become members of the body of Christ.  Each member, both past and present, has played an important role in the ministry of the church working along with the pastor, deacons, mothers, deaconesses, trustees, clerks, secretary, financial secretary, treasurer, and the leaders of church departments and auxiliaries.

Recognizing the importance of our relationship with faith-community at large, Soul Reviving is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Salem Baptist District Association of Chicago, and Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association.

With Divine direction, Reverend Linder led the church through the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 which caused the church to move to virtual and teleconference media platforms.  Through it all, we know that it is God who kept us during these uncertain times.  The words, “We Are the Church,” were evidenced by the faithfulness of the membership both near and far through worship, service, love and care for one another.  

Since the year 2000, God has blessed Pastor Linder and Soul Reviving MB Church to make many needed improvements inside and outside of the church building.  As the church moves forward as 21st Century kingdom builders, calling men, women, youth, and children to a personal relationship with Christ, we will remember to give thanks and to give God our best because He gave us His Best.  When this has been done we can declare like the Apostle Paul in

1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”