After experiencing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a deeper yearning for the Word of God, many individuals from the Harrisville Community began to search for a deeper move of God. In 1977, stoked by these desires, Kent and Sybil Yarbrough decided to start a Bible study and prayer meeting. They would meet weekly in their Harrisville home and the home of A.C. and Margaret Thacker.

In 1979, they decided to visit New Covenant Church in Ridgeland, where they met Bill and Jane Langford. After Kent shared about all God was doing, they formally made plans to plant a new church in Harrisville, Mississippi. This group included Sarah Lee Ball, Tommy and Linda Beard, Prior and Rosella Berry, Kim Stringfellow, Bill and Jane Langford, Gary and Karen Neely, Randall and Cindy Neely, Herbert and Margaret Muirhead, Jim and Martha Muirhead, Robert and Glenda Muirhead, Harold and Sissy McWilliams, Sheila Phelps, A.C. and Margaret Thacker, and Kent and Sybil Yarbrough. In September 1979, this group met in Bill and Jane Langford’s home, where Pastor Marc Limbaugh, Assistant Pastor of New Covenant Church in Ridgeland, was the speaker. The new church was organized that day. Kent Yarbrough and Randall Neely were both asked to be the new Pastor, but both declined. Finally, in January 1980, Marc and Jan Limbaugh became the first pastors of New Covenant Church in Harrisville.

Meetings were held in the home of Gary and Karen Neely until a building could be obtained to house the new Church. The first permanent building for the church, formerly Bridge’s Quickstop, was purchased on July 14, 1980 for $15,000 from Billy Joe and Amy Bridges. Randall Neely’s loaned Winnebago was used as the first Nursery and Children’s Sunday School. Later that year a metal building was purchased to replace the Winnebago, and the metal building was replaced in 1981 with a house trailer. The first Advisory Board members were Pastor Marc Limbaugh, Bill Langford, Kent Yarbrough, Prior Berry, and A.C. Thacker. Margaret Thacker led worship, Linda Beard played piano, Gary and Karen Neely were Youth Pastors, Jan Limbaugh ran the nursery, Mike Anderson became the first Associate Pastor, and Bill Langford kept the books.

The Church continued to grow and prosper under the leadership of Marc and Jan Limbaugh, and New Covenant Church began needing space to expand. On September 14, 1981, the adjacent property was purchased from James B. Williams for $4,000. In 1983, they began construction on a new steel building to house the sanctuary and classrooms needed. The approximate cost of the steel framework was $17,700. All this construction and cost was accomplished debt free, thanks to the countless hours the people of New Covenant spent volunteering their time and resources.

In 1983, Mike Anderson resigned to Pastor a Church in Kentucky, so in 1984, Kent Yarbrough was installed as the Associate Pastor. During the 1980’s, New Covenant Church had many outstanding drama performances including, “The Bride” and “The Book of Acts,” also, expressive worship, mostly led by Freddie Brown, played an important part in these early years. Pastor Marc was known by the congregants as a man who was wise beyond his years, and he played an important part in laying the foundation of practically applying and living out the Word of God in one’s life. God’s hand and favor was on this little Church in Harrisville, Mississippi.

Pastor Marc and Jan Limbaugh resigned in December 1988 to Pastor a Church in Carrolton, Georgia. On March 5, 1989, Kent and Sybil Yarbrough were appointed the second senior pastors of New Covenant Church. The ministry continued to grow and prosper, and dramas such as “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” were popular. During the 1990’s New Covenant Church began to partner with and support ministries in both Mexico and Guatemala. Puppets were a large part of the Children’s Ministry, and the Church also partnered with Twin Lakes to support a yearly summer camp for young people. Through the leadership of Kent and Sybil Yarbrough, the need for expansion was once again realized. On November 10, 1995, New Covenant Church purchased 10 acres of land on Highway 469 for $30,000 from Charles L. Rogers. Finally, they broke ground in March 2001 and began construction on a new facility. There were so many Church Members who volunteered countless hours of labor to make this happen. Once again, because of its members and the blessings and favor of God, New Covenant Church was able to purchase and build its new campus debt free. Pastor Kent made missions, whether International, National, State, or Local, a large part of New Covenant’s mandate. He was beloved for his passion in teaching the Word of God, his giant hugs, his firm handshakes, and his father’s heart for the people of the Church. For 34 years, Pastor Kent and Sybil laid a strong foundation of God’s Word. They led with courage, wisdom, strength, and passion, touching thousands along the way.

Pastor Kent and Sybil Yarbrough retired in July 2023. On July 2, 2023, Trent and Hillary Grantham were appointed by Pastor Marc Limbaugh and Pastor Kent Yarbrough as the new Senior Pastors of New Covenant Church. Pastor Trent and Hillary continue to build upon the solid foundation provided from the beginning, and they are honored and excited to be part of such an awesome story that has been written by God. From starting a Bible Study in 1977, to the founding of a Church in September 1979, New Covenant Church has seen God confirm His Word and His vision of ministering hope, restoration and grace to a world that needs Jesus. We are excited to continue being a part of this Move of God and look forward to seeing what God accomplishes in the years to come.