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    Second Baptist Church

    5.0 (1 review)

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    Recommended Reviews - Second Baptist Church

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    1 year ago

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    Colonial Heights Baptist Church - See Jesus anywhere?

    Colonial Heights Baptist Church

    4.0(4 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    It's a classic seeker church: therapeutic music, inward‑focused prayers, and a vibe aimed at…read morefeelings rather than reverence. The people at this church are kind, though the congregation is noticeably aging. After attending for more than seven years, we eventually realized that the focus of worship wasn't truly on Jesus. The attention seemed centered instead on the Lead Pastor, Randy, and the praise team with its emotionally driven music. The entire service has a distinctly feminine, therapeutic tone--prayers aimed inward ("What can I get from this?") rather than upward ("What can I offer to God?"). The service itself feels like a high‑tech, fragmented Bible study blended with a contemporary Christian concert. At times it becomes downright cringeworthy--think Righteous Gemstones--with random rhythmic dancers or sudden solos and duets that feel completely disconnected from genuine worship. The overall atmosphere encourages people to come seeking an emotional, social, or spiritual experience, rather than coming to offer worship to the Lord. That's likely why it never felt like real worship to us. Doctrinally, nearly everything is treated as symbolic--baptism, communion, even sin. That perspective becomes more understandable once you realize their pastor has no apostolic authority and therefore cannot offer sacramental grace in any historic Christian sense. There were also moments of dishonesty. After returning from Jerusalem, Randy once claimed he had visited Christ's tomb. I was initially impressed, but later discovered he had gone to the "Garden Tomb," a site widely recognized by archaeologists as a 19th‑century Protestant invention with no historical credibility. The historically attested tomb is located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, maintained by Orthodox and Catholic Christians. It seems he avoided acknowledging that because of its Catholic association. The church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, a denomination that originally formed because slave‑owning ministers insisted on retaining both slavery and ordination. Though the SBC has issued apologies, it has never formally rejected the theological arguments its founders used to justify slavery. Our concerns extended to the children's ministry as well. After years of attendance, my oldest child couldn't identify which books of the Bible contain the Gospels. The youth ministry's impact seemed minimal. The children's ministry amounted to a large playroom and a simple craft. Essentially, childcare. Meanwhile, parents happily dropped their kids off and went to service alone. But Jesus preached to families, not segregated age groups. Reverence is also lacking. Men routinely wear baseball caps during prayer and worship, despite the clear teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:4-7. This seems less like rebellion and more like biblical illiteracy or laziness. It's Randy's job to clean this up, but he doesn't care. Even the visitor pitch at the end--cookies and a mug--feels tired and superficial. If someone needs a snack and a souvenir to come to Jesus, they're simply a lost person asking another lost person for directions. Most younger families seem to attend because peers at Fort Lee recommend it. It's convenient childcare, and the music is enjoyable, but it's hard to see how any of this reflects what Jesus intended His Church to be. In a time when many--especially young people--are searching for tradition, stability, and a faith rooted in something deeper than trends, they won't find it here. Increasing numbers of young adults are turning to high Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy for precisely those reasons. Southern Baptist churches like this one feel stuck in the 2000s and unaware of the spiritual hunger of the post‑COVID millennial and Gen Z generations. God bless you on your spiritual journey.

    I truly enjoy being a member of this church. Being a follower of Christ has helped me weather the…read morestorm in many deep valleys. The sermon series has helped me navigate the bible. There is a excellent youth and children ministry. If you are looking for a church home, you have come to the right place.

    Photos
    Colonial Heights Baptist Church - See Jesus anywhere? Notice the red bag in the lower left? That's Randy's bag of cookies and a mug, lol.

    See Jesus anywhere? Notice the red bag in the lower left? That's Randy's bag of cookies and a mug, lol.

    Colonial Heights Baptist Church - See Jesus anywhere?

    See Jesus anywhere?

    Colonial Heights Baptist Church - See Jesus anywhere? (BTW: No where in the bible does it say drink grape fruit juice instead of wine).

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    See Jesus anywhere? (BTW: No where in the bible does it say drink grape fruit juice instead of wine).

    First Baptist Church - First Baptist Church, one of the nation's oldest African American congregations (1774).

    First Baptist Church

    5.0(2 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    This historic church caught my attention because close family members were born and raised in…read morePetersburg, so I've always felt a connection to the area. I actually remember passing by this church many times with my parents as a child, but I didn't think much of it then. It's amazing how your interests shift as you become an adult. I was excited to discover that First Baptist is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the country--founded in 1774. Unfortunately, I arrived after visitor hours, so I could only take photos of the exterior. Even from the outside, the building on Harrison Street has a powerful presence that makes you pause and reflect on the deep history it holds. The front door is absolutely stunning--it captures your attention whether you're walking by or driving past because of the amazing detail and craftsmanship. The church sits in the heart of Petersburg, in a neighborhood currently undergoing significant revitalization (or, as some might say, gentrification). It's was impressive to see this historic landmark standing strong amid so much change. I did a little reading and learned that the church was part of the largest free Black community in the South before the Civil War. During the Civil Rights Movement, the congregation was actively involved, and today, they continue to serve through a strong community outreach program. I definitely plan to return when I'm back visiting my family. If you're exploring this evolving neighborhood or have an interest in African American history, this is absolutely a place worth seeing. The building is well preserved, and I'm glad to know it's on the historic registry. I also discovered that the Free Masons were involved in the church's mission and community work--another fascinating layer to its legacy. Faithful love of family and community is so very vital in today's world, and it's clear that this church has long stood as a symbol of both. The church has a very welcoming website with great resources. I recommend checking it out and contacting the church office directly for up-to-date information on services and classes. Tip: Be sure to verify visitor hours before you go, it will save you some time in the long run.

    Not a large congregation, which isn't a bad thing because it allows the members to be very…read morewelcoming and friendly to guest.

    Photos
    First Baptist Church - That magnificent doorway I mentioned in my review - still welcoming worshippers after nearly 250 years.

    That magnificent doorway I mentioned in my review - still welcoming worshippers after nearly 250 years.

    First Baptist Church - First Baptist Church of Petersburg, standing proud since 1774. A testament to faith, resilience, and community.

    First Baptist Church of Petersburg, standing proud since 1774. A testament to faith, resilience, and community.

    First Baptist Church - The Prince Hall Masons and their historic ties to First Baptist Church. African American history runs deep in Petersburg.

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    The Prince Hall Masons and their historic ties to First Baptist Church. African American history runs deep in Petersburg.

    Second Baptist Church - churches - Updated May 2026

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