BISHOP REFORD MOTT
Building Bridges … Uniting Communities
Founded by Rev. Dr. Reford Mott 31 years ago, Generations Church NY (formerly Family Christian Center) stands as a beacon in the heart of New Rochelle. Serving a congregation of about 400 at its main campus in New Rochelle and another 75 at a second site in Mt. Vernon, Generations Church prides itself on being a mission church, both locally and internationally.
Under the leadership of Bishop “Ray” and his wife Sherrie, the non-denominational church has grown steadily since its founding. A native of Jamaica, Bishop Mott migrated to the United States in 1974. With a Cuban father, he proudly clings to both sides of his heritage. “I am very fierce about my heritage,” Bishop Mott told The New York Christian Times.
As part of its mission outreach, the church adopted the only shelter in the city, providing both food and spiritual support. Following the Ferguson riots, Generations Church launched the New Rochelle Clergy Rapid Response Team, a coalition of half a dozen dedicated pastors who serve the city in times of crisis. “Another ongoing thing we do at Generations,” says Bishop Mott, “is to support people who, in times of death, have nowhere to turn. We even offer the use of our church for free to ensure they are able to provide a dignified burial for their loved ones.”
A close partnership with the city’s Jewish community is another hallmark of the church’s outreach. Monthly conversations between rabbis and pastors help bridge divides, and on occasion, unity services have been held. At the Mt. Vernon campus, a soup kitchen operates in partnership with a local nonprofit, while the Christmas Child Project provides toys for children across the world.
Internationally, Generations Church has established a strong presence in India, with four congregations mostly in the southern part of the country. The Lebanon Project, launched in 2012, is a joint effort with 20 other churches. Annual medical missions are also a staple of the church’s global ministry investment.
Bishop Mott’s word of encouragement for these times is directed especially to those who have been hurt by the church. To them he says: “Church hurt is not God hurt. It’s time to come back to God!”
