Our History

International Revival Tabernacle of Burlington County is a local evangelical church comprised of believers from various racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Our love for the Lord and each other has knitted us together for the purpose of establishing God’s plan in our community. We are an independent, non-denominational, Holy Spirit filled, Bible believing church. The name of our church tells it all. A church for all people!

We came into existence in early September of 1990 with a handful of people who were committed to the worship of God, and seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ heal broken lives.

Consequently, we began our vision to win, preserve and strengthen families for His kingdom. Therefore, we make serving God and people a priority so that our community, nation, and world will be strong.

When we planted the church, a small group of born again believers began to meet initially Friday nights for prayer meetings at the home of Pastors Ernest and Norma Trueblood. Months later, Friday night home services had to be moved to a larger home. It was in this home one night, where the Holy Spirit anointing fell tremendously. There was no doubt that the Spirit had anointed Reverend Ernest Trueblood as pastor. After the awesome move of the Holy Spirit that night, more families joined us causing again a move to a larger home. It was at this blessed home that many new persons would accept or reconcile with the Lord. Many received new blessings. We continued to pray, continued to fast, and continued to seek the Lord’s guidance.

In early October of 1990, a newly created church board began inquiring about possible locations for our growing church. By October 18, 1990, we held our first Friday night church service at a new location with room to spare.

Each year we experienced additional membership growth. Our membership continues to grow in spite of the trials and tribulations that we encounter at times. In December of 1995, we saw the need to look for a place that we could call home. By June of 1996, we moved into the old Country Lakes Firehouse, where we are now! How long it will be, only God knows. We continue to grow both spiritually and physically. Our programs widely meet the needs of all who enter the doors.

The year of 2010 our pastor was ordained Bishop by York Christian College and Divinity School, College of Bishops. In the year 2016, Bishop Trueblood also became an ordained minister under the Open Bible churches ministry.  His wife Norma is now a certified minister of Open Bible Churches. Together with other churches we share a fellowship of oneness in the Spirit, joining forces to declare the gospel message worldwide. Our mission is, “Goals for Souls.”

IRT of Burlington County has become an igniting fire of spiritual growth, to lead joined churches and ministries to a season of Revival and blessings. We celebrate this year commemorating a new season of dynamic change! With the help of joined forces of the International Revival Tabernacle Ministries and York Christian College and Divinity School, and Open Bible Churches, we will thrive towards teaching and preparing men and women to meet their calling for the kingdom of God.

The original vision of our late founding bishop, Dr. Ernest E. Trueblood, Sr., “Goals for Souls,”Goals for Souls,” will continue to grow through the committed ministry we bring. The Legacy that he has passed down to his son Ernest Jr. is a true testament of the mantle being passed.

The message we declare is, “Jesus is Lord and in order for one to receive eternal life, a personal relationship with Him MUST be developed. Embracing, the gospel is far more than a religious experience. When one asks Jesus to come into his heart and be Lord of his life, everything changes…¦purposes, attitudes, relationships, and one’s outlook on life. Honestly, we believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY answer to man’s problems.”