Memphis Ministries

We develop partnerships with ministries that lead to mutual transformation and help foster community among our church, the organizations we serve, and our neighbors.

Two students sitting at a desk in a classroom, working together on an open textbook with colorful illustrations.

Brinkley Heights Ministries

Brinkley Heights Ministries serves and supports the physical and spiritual needs of neighbors living in the Brinkley Heights area. The Ministry Center includes a clothes closet, food pantry, and spiritual counseling program. The Urban Academy provides a safe, Christian educational setting for at-risk children. Street Reach coordinates mission trip experiences for groups where volunteers lead summer day camps serving over 2,200 inner-city youth ages 3-14. At the center of it all is the Brinkley Heights Baptist Church. 

Second Baptist collects food and clothing all year long for the ministry center. Collection containers are located outside the church office. We sponsor a month-long collection drive for new socks in the spring and new underwear in the fall. There is also a school supply drive in July and a Christmas toy drive in December.  Second Baptist hosts the annual graduation ceremony for Brinkley Heights Urban Academy. 

Six women standing behind a table displaying handmade products at a Thistle & Bee market booth inside a church with stained glass windows.

Thistle & Bee

Thistle & Bee is an organization committed to supporting women survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction as they rebuild their lives through safe housing, holistic care, and meaningful work.  As a part of their program, survivors learn job skills by supporting their social enterprise. Although the social enterprise began by selling honey, the product line has expanded greatly.

Second Baptist partners with Thistle & Bee by providing space for offices and production. Learn more about the mission of Thistle & Bee at www.thistleandbee.org.

Group of people standing behind boxes of food donations in a room with a chandelier and beige walls.

Christmas Baskets

Each December, our deacons coordinate the sorting and delivery of over 100 baskets of food to food insecure families throughout Memphis. Recipients are referred to us by various ministry friends and partners. 

Baskets are comprised of shelf stable foods along with perishables. Our Christmas Basket ministry is a beautiful and tangible way for Second Baptist to love our neighbors at a season when we celebrate a God whose love was delivered to all of us.  

The Heights Neighborhood

“The Heights” is a general name for the area covering the Highland Heights, Graham Heights, Mitchell Heights and Brinkley Heights neighborhoods. At one time, these were thriving neighborhoods. However, in a twenty year period from 1990-2010, the neighborhoods saw a 41% loss in owner occupied housing and a 197% increase in vacant properties. According to the 2010 census data, 32% of residents live below the poverty level.

In recent years, God has opened doors for Second to walk alongside and empower neighbors who live and work in The Heights and who want to improve their neighborhood. Opportunities to meet neighbors and support this work are numerous. Some of them include:

  • Tutoring or working in the gardens at Treadwell Elementary

  • Working on projects or giving financially to The Heights Community Development Corporation which provides quality, affordable housing.

  • Working with neighbors in local community gardens and street cleanup projects

  • Becoming at mentor for students through Streets Ministries

  • Meeting with and praying for neighborhood leaders