Our Story: A Legacy of Faith Since 1953

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For more than seven decades, a remarkable story of faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and the power of God has been unfolding in Bay Shore, New York.

What began in 1953 as a small congregation with a pioneering pastor and a vision to reach its community would grow into one of Long Island's longstanding Pentecostal congregations, leaving a lasting imprint on generations of families and believers.

Through seasons of growth and challenge, building and rebuilding, celebration and sacrifice, one truth has remained constant: God has been faithful.

Today, that extraordinary legacy continues as CHURCH UNLEASHED | BAY SHORE.

In 1953, Pastor Eugene Benjamin answered the call to establish a Pentecostal congregation in Bay Shore, New York. Beginning in a small rented property in downtown Bay Shore, Pastor Benjamin and the founding congregation took their first steps of faith, laying the spiritual foundation for a ministry that would endure for generations.

Later that same year, the congregation relocated to 211 Bay Shore Road, establishing the location that would become its permanent spiritual home. Under Pastor Benjamin's visionary leadership, the original church auditorium was constructed, providing a place where the congregation could gather for worship, prayer, biblical teaching, and fellowship.

As the ministry developed, the need for expanded facilities became evident. During the 1960s, Pastor Benjamin led the construction of a new and larger auditorium, demonstrating a bold commitment to the future of the congregation.

In 1964, the church formally affiliated with the Assemblies of God, joining a worldwide Pentecostal fellowship committed to the authority of Scripture, the power of the Holy Spirit, evangelism, discipleship, and missions.

Pastor Benjamin's 18 years of pioneering leadership established both the spiritual and physical foundations of the church. His willingness to believe God, build for the future, and invest in the next generation helped establish Bay Shore Assembly of God as an enduring presence in the community.

He did not simply establish a congregation. He laid a foundation upon which generations would build.

In 1972, Pastor Leone Cooke became the pastor of Bay Shore Assembly of God, stepping into a ministry with a strong foundation and tremendous potential.

One of the defining accomplishments of his pastorate was the completion of the interior of the new auditorium, bringing to completion the building project begun under Pastor Benjamin.

But Pastor Cooke's contribution went far beyond finishing a building. With a heart for people and a commitment to reaching the surrounding community, he helped bring the congregation into the newly completed auditorium and led a season of congregational growth. The building that had been envisioned and constructed under Pastor Benjamin became a gathering place filled with people under Pastor Cooke's leadership.

His decade of ministry demonstrated the power of faithfully building upon the work of those who came before. Pastor Benjamin built the auditorium. Pastor Cooke completed it and brought the people in. Together, their ministries helped establish a strong foundation for the decades that would follow.

In 1982, Pastor John Johnson assumed leadership of Bay Shore Assembly of God, beginning what would become an extraordinary 42 years of pastoral ministry. Few congregations experience the continuity of having one pastor faithfully shepherd them for more than four decades. Pastor Johnson's tenure became one of the defining chapters in the church's history.

During the mid 1980s, Pastor Johnson oversaw a significant renovation of the newer auditorium, renewing the church's worship facilities and preparing the congregation for continued ministry. In September 1984, Bay Shore Christian School was established, extending the church's mission into Christian education and providing an opportunity to invest in the spiritual and academic development of children. Through the school, the church's ministry reached beyond its regular worship services, touching families and students throughout the surrounding community.

Over the decades, Pastor Johnson provided consistent pastoral leadership through changing generations, cultural shifts, and the evolving needs of the congregation. For many, Bay Shore Assembly of God became more than the church they attended. It became the spiritual home where they worshiped, raised their children, developed friendships, and experienced significant moments in their walk with Christ.

In 2024, Pastor Johnson retired at the remarkable age of 90, concluding 42 years of faithful pastoral leadership. His extraordinary tenure remains a testimony of perseverance, dedication, and lifelong commitment to the call of God. Forty two years. Generations of ministry. A legacy of faithful shepherding.

Following Pastor Johnson's retirement in 2024, the congregation entered one of the most challenging and consequential seasons in its history. After decades of ministry, Bay Shore Assembly of God had experienced a significant decline in attendance and faced serious challenges that threatened its ability to continue into the future.

It was during this critical season that Pastor Mike Burnette stepped into leadership. Under his direction, the congregation entered a new chapter as LIFEPOINT CHURCH | BAY SHORE, beginning an intentional effort to stabilize, strengthen, and restore the ministry. Recognizing both the historical significance of the congregation and the challenges it faced, Pastor Burnette and his leadership team made substantial investments of financial resources, ministry support, and organizational leadership.

Their commitment was more than a change of name or a new ministry approach. It represented a determined effort to preserve a congregation with more than 70 years of spiritual heritage. Through sacrificial generosity, practical support, and dedicated leadership, they helped bring stability to a struggling church and provided resources essential to its continued existence.

Without those investments and the willingness of Pastor Burnette and his team to step into a difficult situation, the future of the congregation would have remained deeply uncertain. Their efforts helped preserve the church's presence in Bay Shore and created an opportunity for a new generation of ministry to emerge.

This chapter deserves to be remembered with profound gratitude. What could have become the closing chapter of a historic congregation instead became a season of preservation, restoration, and preparation for a new beginning.

In August 2026, Pastors Todd and Mary Bishop assumed pastoral leadership, marking the beginning of another significant chapter in the congregation's remarkable history. Then, on November 1, 2026, the church entered a historic new season as CHURCH UNLEASHED | BAY SHORE, becoming one of the Church Unleashed locations.

After 73 years of ministry, the congregation that began in a small rented property in downtown Bay Shore was stepping forward with renewed vision, fresh expectation, and a continuing commitment to reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This new chapter is not a rejection of the past. It is a celebration of everything God has done and a commitment to build upon the foundation established by generations of faithful believers.

The pioneering vision of Pastor Eugene Benjamin, the growth and development under Pastor Leone Cooke, the extraordinary longevity of Pastor John Johnson, and the sacrificial restoration efforts of Pastor Mike Burnette have all contributed to the story that continues today.

Under the leadership of Pastors Todd and Mary Bishop, CHURCH UNLEASHED | BAY SHORE embraces its heritage while looking toward the future with faith and expectation. The church's name has changed through the years. Its facilities have been built, expanded, and renewed. Its leadership has transitioned from one generation to another. But the Gospel has never changed. Jesus Christ remains the foundation. 

The Holy Spirit remains our source of power. And reaching people remains our mission.

From a small rented property in 1953 to a permanent home on Bay Shore Road, from the construction of the first auditorium to the building of a larger sanctuary, from generations of pastoral leadership to seasons of challenge and restoration, the history of this congregation is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.

We honor Pastor Eugene Benjamin, who pioneered the work. We honor Pastor Leone Cooke, who completed the vision and helped fill the house.

We honor Pastor John Johnson, whose 42 years of pastoral ministry provided an extraordinary legacy of commitment and continuity. We honor Pastor Mike Burnette and his leadership team, whose sacrificial investment helped preserve the congregation through one of its most difficult seasons. We honor the countless members, families, volunteers, ministry leaders, and faithful believers whose prayers, generosity, service, and commitment helped carry this ministry through more than seven decades.

And we celebrate the opportunity before us as Pastors Todd and Mary Bishop lead CHURCH UNLEASHED | BAY SHORE into a new season of Kingdom impact.

We do not take lightly the foundation upon which we stand. We recognize that we are beneficiaries of sacrifices we did not make, prayers we did not pray, and battles we did not fight. We stand upon the faithfulness of those who came before us, and we accept the responsibility to carry the Gospel forward for generations yet to come.

The same God who established this congregation in 1953 remains faithful today. And we believe that the greatest days of reaching people, building lives, strengthening families, and advancing the Kingdom of God are still ahead.

We honor the past. We embrace the present. We are unleashed for the future.

Established in Faith. Sustained by Grace. Unleashed for the Future.

"Thus far the LORD has helped us." — 1 Samuel 7:12