2009 Park Avenue, Lynchburg VA

Embarking on my spiritual journey to visit every church in my city, a mission inspired and gently guided by the Holy Spirit, I found myself at the doors of Peaceful Baptist Church.

This visit, a significant milestone as the 56th church on my sacred journey, led me to a haven of love, healing, and hope nestled in the heart of our community.

From the moment I stepped onto the church grounds, a sense of profound compassion and kindness enveloped me, instantly making me feel welcomed and cherished.

Upon entering the sanctuary, I was warmly greeted by many of the congregation with smiles, hugs, and friendly hellos.

The sanctuary itself radiated a sense of history and reverence, echoing the church’s long-standing dedication to God’s service.

Richard Buster, a native of Natalie, VA, and a prayer band of worshipers were the catalysts for Peaceful Mission, originally located at 14th & Polk Street. Reverend Johnson later initiated a merger of Salem Street Prayer Band with Peaceful Mission, transforming it into Peaceful Baptist Church, Inc., with Reverend Sandy A. Garland as its Spiritual Leader in June 1912. The church’s legacy includes the leadership of Reverends Tynes, A. F. Brown, W. H. James, Dr. F. P. Lewis, James E. Cobbins, and, since April 2000, Pastor Mark Anthony Everhart.

With over 111 years of glorifying, believing, and serving the Lord, Peaceful Baptist Church stands as a testament to enduring faith and commitment.

As I settled into my seat, I was struck by the intimate and loving atmosphere of this small yet powerful body of Christ.

The Pastor and his wife took the time to speak with me before the service, despite being busy preparing certificates and Bibles for those recently baptized.

They not only encouraged and prayed for me but also took a moment to pray for my sister, who was recently diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer and unable to attend church with me.

This gesture of compassion and support deeply moved me and exemplified the church’s mission: by the glory of Christ, to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all the commandments of Christ, knowing that He is with us as we go.

The worship team was wonderful and full of joy, leading the congregation in beautiful praise songs such as “Let It Rise,” “Holy Spirit-Rain Down,” and “There Is No Greater Love.”

The entire congregation was shouting and singing loudly for the Lord, giving their best to God and thanking Him with all their hearts.

One particularly moving moment was when the entire congregation held their Bibles up in prayer before the sermon, a powerful display of unity and faith.

Pastor Mark delivered a powerful message on the importance of confession and repentance, as part of a spiritual warfare series the church has been discussing.

Drawing from Psalm 32, he emphasized that payback and retribution are God’s business. He reminded us that God is preparing us not just for this life but for Heaven, and that we need to keep hope in our hearts, knowing Jesus prayed for us.

Pastor Mark’s sermon was both insightful and relatable, filled with clever analogies that made the biblical teachings easy to understand.

He spoke about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions, reminding us that we do not belong to ourselves and cannot live according to our own standards.

His way of preaching from the Bible was deeply impactful, especially when he talked about how the word “Selah” is a musical rest note, encouraging us to stop and reflect on the previous text.

His message on not trying to cover our mess but confess it was particularly powerful.

One of my favorite moments was witnessing the big smile of Genesis as he received his certificate for his baptism, and seeing a lady come to know Jesus as she was saved during the service.

The joy and love in the congregation- just incredible, creating an atmosphere of genuine spiritual connection and community.

Peaceful Baptist Church also has a strong commitment to serving the community, with food and clothing ministries available for those in need.

When I arrived, I saw Pastor Mark in the parking lot, talking with a group of people before the service, engaging with them to hear their needs. It was truly beautiful to witness this hands-on approach to ministry.

I asked several members what makes this church special, and they all gave the same answer: the Pastor and his wife treat everyone with love and compassion, and the Pastor preaches the word in a way that is easy to understand.

This consistent feedback reflected the profound impact of their leadership and the loving spirit of the congregation.

This church is so special, and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit and experience the love and fellowship it offers.

You can learn more about this church by visiting their website at: https://www.peacefulbc.com/

The sense of community, the powerful worship, and the compassionate ministry make Peaceful Baptist Church such a special place of hope and faith in our city.

I am grateful for the connections I made and the spiritual insights I gained today, and I look forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead me next on this incredible journey.