Chesapeake Pastor Needs Volunteers for 100-Year-Old Church

Pastor Todd Hodges has spent a quarter century bringing joy to his Chesapeake congregation, but now the 100-year-old building where he preaches needs some joy of its own.

The Bethel Assembly of God Church on Decatur Street is showing its age. Leaking ceilings, broken HVAC systems, and electrical issues have turned the historic sanctuary into a repair challenge that prayer alone won't fix.

Hodges has never had a pristine building to work with during his 25 years of leadership. But a few months ago, something shifted in his heart, and he felt called to finally tackle the restoration.

So he did what any modern pastor would do: he posted on Facebook asking for help. He's seeking roofers, plumbers, electricians, and handymen willing to donate their skills to breathe new life into the church first built in 1926.

The timing feels meaningful to Hodges. His call for volunteers coincides with Holy Week, the Christian observation of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. The parallel between spiritual restoration and physical restoration isn't lost on him.

Why This Inspires

Hodges has seen faith work before in practical ways. A couple years ago when he needed a car, someone felt moved to simply buy him one. That experience taught him that community generosity can answer real needs.

Now he's trusting that same spirit will bring the right people to his church. He's not asking for perfection, just people willing to use their gifts to preserve a building that's served its community for a century.

The church is accepting both volunteers and monetary donations. Anyone who wants to help can reach Pastor Hodges directly through his Facebook page.

His confidence remains unshaken: "It's going to be a 'praise the Lord' moment."