RISING STAR MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Where We Have Come
For more than six decades, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church has been a place where people encounter God's love, grow in their faith, and discover the joy of serving others. Since its founding, Rising Star has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while building a Christ-centered community rooted in worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service.
Throughout our history, God has expanded the ministry of Rising Star to meet the needs of our congregation, our community, and the world. From local outreach across Denver to missions throughout the United States, the Bahamas, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, we remain committed to sharing the hope of Christ wherever He leads us.
Where We Are
Today, under the leadership of Pastor Reginald M. Taylor, Rising Star continues to honor its rich legacy while embracing God's vision for the future. Through biblical teaching, passionate worship, authentic relationships, and community impact, we seek to be a place where every person can belong, believe, and become all God has called them to be.
As we deepen our impact within the church, we are also renewing our commitment to the communities we serve—reestablishing our presence throughout Aurora and the surrounding region through outreach, partnerships, and ministries that meet both spiritual and practical needs. We believe the Church is called to be present beyond its walls, sharing the love of Christ wherever God opens the door.
As we celebrate more than 60 years of God's faithfulness, we continue to move forward with gratitude, confidence, and expectation, trusting His promise as we Face the Future with Faith (Isaiah 43:1–3).
Where We Are Going
As we look toward the future, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church remains committed to being a church for every generation. Our mission is to be a place of redemption, a place of fellowship, and to equip believers to live, share, and serve as followers of Jesus Christ. From nurturing our children and empowering our youth, to strengthening young adults, supporting families, and honoring our seniors, we believe every season of life has purpose in God's Kingdom.
Our vision is to to draw all people closer to God by advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With unwavering devotion, we place Jesus at the center of our lives and worship while cultivating a community that reflects God's love through faith, service, gratitude, and compassionate outreach.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." — Matthew 28:19–20
Our prayer is that Rising Star will continue to be a place where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and our community experiences the hope, love, and saving grace of Jesus Christ for generations to come. Together, we move forward with faith, trusting that God is still writing the next chapter of our story.
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Reginald M. Taylor
Pastor Reginald M. Taylor is the Senior Pastor of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. He has been in the ministry of Jesus Christ for thirty-one years. Pastor Taylor is described as an anointed, dynamic, humble, teaching, and preaching Pastor. Highlighted in his Spiritual Resume; Pastor Taylor served as Sunday School Teacher, Acting Sunday School Superintendent, Bible Class Teacher, Deacon, Choir Director, Choir President, and President of the Young Adult Department. He is the proud father to his son, Peyton.
At the age of nineteen, Pastor Taylor accepted his Call to the Gospel Ministry under the pastorship of Pastor Bartholomew Orr at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in South Haven Mississippi. In 1997, Pastor Taylor joined Rising Star Baptist Church as an Associate Minister. He was ordained in 2014 and served as Assistant Pastor under the late Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith. On June 11, 2023, Pastor Taylor was installed as the fourth Pastor of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church.
The Rising Star Vision Statement is “To draw everyone closer to God by advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With unwavering devotion, we place Jesus at the center of our lives and worship. We strive to cultivate an atmosphere of praise that highlights God’s love for all through service, gratitude, and faith.
Our History
Early Years
The Vision Realized
Exponential Growth
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was founded on August 29, 1963, in Reverend George T. Brinkley’s home in Denver, Colorado. Within 30 days, the congregation grew to ten, prompting a move to Pastor Brinkley’s garage. Nine months later, they bought their first building at 1618 East 38th Avenue. Pastor Brinkley served for 8 years before
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was founded on August 29, 1963, in Reverend George T. Brinkley’s home in Denver, Colorado. Within 30 days, the congregation grew to ten, prompting a move to Pastor Brinkley’s garage. Nine months later, they bought their first building at 1618 East 38th Avenue. Pastor Brinkley served for 8 years before resigning in 1970.
In 1971, Reverend Alexander Riley became pastor until 1978, after which Pastor Brinkley was recalled in March 1979. Five months later, the church purchased 1596 South Dayton Street.
*(75 words)*
Exponential Growth
The Vision Realized
Exponential Growth
At their new Dayton Street location, Pastor Brinkley and the members were excited about the property’s potential. Led by Deacon L. Abrams, they cultivated a church garden to serve the community. Pastor Brinkley envisioned future expansions, but he passed away on October 1, 1985. Reverend Martin Malone was then elected minister-in-charge.
O
At their new Dayton Street location, Pastor Brinkley and the members were excited about the property’s potential. Led by Deacon L. Abrams, they cultivated a church garden to serve the community. Pastor Brinkley envisioned future expansions, but he passed away on October 1, 1985. Reverend Martin Malone was then elected minister-in-charge.
On September 7, 1986, Jules E. Smith was called as the new pastor and installed on November 1. In his first year, membership grew by 466%, with new Deacons and Deaconesses, sanctuary upgrades, and the launch of the Youth Involvement Program (Y.I.P.).
Church Expansion
The Vision Realized
The Vision Realized
On June 5, 1988, Rising Star retired its $230,000 mortgage and added a new parking lot, lawn, carpeting, and lighting. The church acquired 2.2 more acres in 1992, and a Ground-Breaking Ceremony was held on Easter 1994. By November 1995, a $243,000 bond was retired.
In April 1996, a $1 million loan was secured for Phase I of a new 11,800 sq
On June 5, 1988, Rising Star retired its $230,000 mortgage and added a new parking lot, lawn, carpeting, and lighting. The church acquired 2.2 more acres in 1992, and a Ground-Breaking Ceremony was held on Easter 1994. By November 1995, a $243,000 bond was retired.
In April 1996, a $1 million loan was secured for Phase I of a new 11,800 sq. ft. facility, which was dedicated on Easter 1997.
Phase II began in March 2001, adding 12 classrooms, a library, and an elevator. This expansion was dedicated on August 26, 2001.
The Vision Realized
The Vision Realized
The Vision Realized
After the heartfelt passing of our beloved Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith in October 2022, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church proudly welcomed Rev. Reginald M. Taylor as our new Pastor in June 2023.
We are truly thrilled about the bright and promising future that lies ahead for our church community. As we continue to grow and expand our outrea
After the heartfelt passing of our beloved Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith in October 2022, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church proudly welcomed Rev. Reginald M. Taylor as our new Pastor in June 2023.
We are truly thrilled about the bright and promising future that lies ahead for our church community. As we continue to grow and expand our outreach efforts, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact we can make in the lives of those around us and within our community.