The membership continued to grow. While worshipping at Cavalier Manor Elementary School, the need to build and expand was pressed upon the members. The church was able to purchase land on Rapidan Street, in the Cavalier Manor subdivision of Portsmouth. The ground breaking ceremony was held in 1979, the congregation marched from Cavalier Manor Elementary School into their new sanctuary at our current location of 403 Rapidan Street. Shortly afterwards, New Testament Baptist Church, became non-denominational and changed its name to New Testament Church. Bishop Bowens went home with his Lord Jesus Christ in the year 2001, and Elder Jerome L. Williams, an original and home grown member, and then minister, became our new pastor.

Currently under Elder Williams’ leadership and pastoral ship, the mission, vision and membership has grown to over 700 members. Through much prayer and member's support, God has allowed NTC to complete the first phase of renovation. Beginning as a vision from God through Bishop Bowens, the improvement of the sanctuary, parking lot, and addition of a multi-purpose room has come to pass under the leadership of Pastor Williams.

Being led by the Holy Spirit, and a new leadership, Pastor Williams, the Ministerial Staff, Deacons, Evangelists and the entire congregation of New Testament Church (NTC) Ministries, are equipped with the whole armor of God to fulfill our mission of “BRINGING SOULS TO CHRIST.”

NTC Ministerial History
Bishop was ordained a minister during the 1950’s. He was the former pastor of New Hope Baptist Church-St. Julien’s Creek and Little Zion Baptist Church, Driver, VA.
In 1974, Bishop Bowens founded and pastored New Testament Baptist Church. For over 26 years, he devoted his time to teaching the Word, helping members grow spiritually, building a temple to worship and establishing
a Kindergarten to prepare boys and girls for public or private school.

Bishop Bowens, II was a prominent citizen of Portsmouth for over 70 years. He graduated from I. C. Norcom High School, attended Norfolk State University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Virginia State University, spent time in the U. S. Navy and then graduated with a Master of Arts Degree from Hampton University. Bishop Bowens taught at Crestwood High School and at Western Branch High School where he retired. He was a member of the Portsmouth School Board, NAACP Cavalier Manor Civic League and many other civic organizations.