1700 James Street & Stadium Road, Lynchburg VA

Embarking on the journey to explore every Christian church in our city brought me to the heartwarming embrace of Calvary Cross Baptist Church, my 22nd stop in this spiritual quest.

Nestled right by the City Stadium, Pastor Wayne describes it as “a little country church in the middle of the city,” and let me tell you, it’s a wonderful church that I pray you get the chance to visit.

Arriving a tad early to capture the essence of this sacred space, I was greeted by Tony Austin at the door.

With a membership spanning 30 years, Tony radiated warmth and friendliness, emphasizing how the hugs and the genuine warmth of the people make this church special for him.

His sentiment resonated with me — here, it’s about the people.

This Church Is On A Mission To Love Their Neighbors!

While chatting with Tony, Edith, a congregant, pulled up in her car. Witnessing Tony’s helping hand and warm assistance was a testament to the sense of community here.

Before we headed inside, we captured a moment with a photo, marking the beginning of what turned out to be a truly special visit.

This Is A Church That Celebrates God’s Miracles!

Stepping into the church, the atmosphere exuded a celebration of God’s miracles, a tradition upheld for an impressive 54 years, as proudly displayed by a banner in the sanctuary.

Laughter, hugs, and fellowship filled the air as congregants gathered before the service.

Pastor Wayne Hudson’s warm welcome and a brief pre-service chat set the tone.

This is a church where prayer is not just a ritual; it marks the opening and closing of hearts.

Pastor Wayne’s personal introduction of me to the congregation made me feel like an integral part of the church family…even as a first time visitor.

The musical interlude by The Eppersons was a spiritual journey in itself, starting with a toe-tapping rendition of “Keep On The Sunny Side” and progressing to heartfelt hymns like “He Touched Me.”

Their praise and worship music was nothing short of “mighty fine pickin’,” as we say back in my childhood hometown.

On this particular Sunday, aptly named “Old Fashioned Sunday,” everyone donned attire reminiscent of a bygone era, complete with bib overalls and bonnets.

It was an absolute joy to worship here this morning!

Beyond the aesthetics, this church extends its hands to the community, offering a food pantry and transportation to those in need.

The tight-knit, close family vibe was palpable.

Faces like Al Billingsley and his wife Lisa, familiar from years of encouragement, added a touch of familiarity to this new experience.

The church bulletin, housing a personal message from Pastor Wayne, revealed a commitment to making everyone feel welcomed, ensuring the Holy Spirit’s presence is felt.

Pastor Wayne’s powerful sermon on Jeremiah 6:10-19 was a call to introspection. What does our walk with the Lord look like? Are we on the right path? The importance of a genuine relationship with the Author of eternal salvation and walking in obedience resonated deeply.

As prayers filled the air, the heartfelt plea for Israel touched many, evident in the background sniffles of tears and murmurs.

The Pastor, masterfully blending humor and relatable anecdotes, made the message accessible. Personal prayers for my journey added a special touch, making it more than just a service; it was a shared spiritual experience.

As I was invited to the front to take a photo of the entire congregation, I felt a sense of unity and love.

The warmth extended beyond the service to a shared meal. Tracey and her family welcomed me to their table, and the spread of home-cooked delights, especially the famous crockpot mac and cheese, was a feast for the senses.

To every member of Calvary Cross Baptist Church, thank you for your love, care, and for making me feel not just welcomed but valued.

I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this Spirit-filled country church in the heart of our city. May your experience be as rich in love and warmth as mine was.

You can find out more information about Calvary Cross Baptist Church by visiting their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064842093935

With a spirit renewed, I am eager, more than ever, to continue this expedition, to discover the unique stories each church holds and to embrace the diverse expressions of faith that enrich our community.

The anticipation of the revelations, blessings, and connections that await at each stop fuels my commitment to embrace this calling from the Holy Spirit.