Elizabeth Baptist Church

Just The Facts
Elizabeth Baptist Church
4245 Cascade Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30331 
404-691-3146
http://www.elizabethbaptist.org
Pastor Craig L. Oliver, Sr.

Location
Southwest Atlanta – Cascade Road

Sunday Service Times
7:30 am – 8:45 am
9:30 am - 11 am
12 pm – 1:30 pm
*Elizabeth Baptist Church also has a Saturday night service at 6 pm.

Church Type
Denomination – Baptist
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Large

From the church website…
EBC Mission Statement:“To lovingly lead the lost into a relationship with Jesus Christ and to develop mature believers.”

My Impressions
scale of 1 – 3; 1=below average; 2=average; 3=above average)
Sermon Style (preaching/teaching) – 3
Music Ministry – 3
Friendliness (of members to me) – 3
Happiness Quotient (feeling of people receiving the spirit) – 2
Children/Youth Activities – 3

Unique Observations-
OK, I must admit, being a Southwest Atlanta resident, I have been to Elizabeth Baptist Church several times since my move to Atlanta, so this blog will be slightly different than the others in that I will provide my high level review and not necessarily a specific church visit. Things that I absolutely LOVE about Elizabeth Bpatist Church include: the service times (can’t beat a 9:30 am service – extremely convenient – or a 12 pm service for the late risers), the satelitte parking (very convenient compared with the parking lot), the baby cry room (conveniently located in back of the church that still allows you to see the church service live instead over a video where you can still see inside the church), the community involvement activities (Elizabeth is definately connected to the community in a myriad of ways and offers several avenues for members to get involved).

The congregation of Elizabeth Baptist Church is cross-section of the Cascade area. It provides a balanced mixture in terms of age, families/singles and income levels. Pastor Oliver, leads his flock with a wit and a direct connection that says “he’s been there and done that”. His sermon style is “teaching” while still being deeply rooted in the word. Musically, Elizabeth Baptist Church has a number of choirs and a praise team that leans toward the progressive side.

All in all, Elizabeth Baptist Church should be on anyone’s must visit list of churches in Atlanta. Pastor Oliver has a vision for the church that will allow it to continue to grow and serve. While Eliabeth is not a “mega” church, please understand, it is a church with an extremely large congregation – so take advantage of the various service times (Saturday night service is also a very nice option and the same sermon is preached on Sunday morning) and plan accordingly for parking. In the event you do join Elizabeth, be sure to sign up for one of their many activities/organization so that you can feel a part of a smaller group within such a large church.

 

Cascade United Methodist Church

Just The Facts
 Cascade United Methodist Church
3144 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30311
404.691.5770
http://www.cascadeumc.org
Senior Pastor Marvin Moss

Location
Southwest Atlanta - Cascade Road & 285

Sunday Service Times
- 8 am
- 11 am

Church Type
Denomination – United Methodist Church
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Medium

From the church website…
“What we believe…Our best chosen words can never adequately express the fullness of who we are as God’s people. Somehow, mental analysis cannot lend itself to full expressions of our hearts nor the heart of God. However, we acknowledge that we are God’s people and heirs with Christ.We have been blessed with a solid biblical foundation and deep theological roots which serve as our impetus for engaging ministry at Cascade and in the world. We have been given an abundance of spiritual blessings. We assume accountability and responsibility for sharing, in manifold ways, the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

My Impressions
scale of 1 – 3; 1=below average; 2=average; 3=above average)
Sermon Style (preaching/teaching) – N/A
Music Ministry – 2
Friendliness (of members to me) – 2
Happiness Quotient (feeling of people receiving the spirit) – 2
Children/Youth Activities – 3
Service Time – 11 am – 1:15 pm

Unique Observations-
Given the 2008 political season, I recently was researching my state officials and discovered that both my State Senator and State Congressman attended the same church! When I found out that the church was the same Cascade United Methodist Church that I pass regularly on Cascade Road, I decided to add it to my list of churches to visit. I must admit I had never attended a United Methodist church before, however having been raised in a Catholic Church and attended many other Christian denominations including African Methodist Episcopal church I felt I was open enough to be receptive to their teachings and format. My first impression of this church is put on your Sunday Best! While I had on a skirt, blouse and pumps – I felt underdressed as most of the people around me had on jackets and skirts.  Attire aside,  Sydney and I found our way to the front of the church prior to service beginning. Of course with a 1 1/2 daughter, most people immediately warm to you, so she made a few friends, while I was left still feeling a little like an outsider.  

If a United Methodist service is anything like a Catholic service,  I was expecting a pretty structured format…and structure was the rule of the service. As soon as service begin, I was impressed with the number of female Associate Pastors – truly making Cascade United Methodist a standout in this area. During the service the Men’s choir injected soulful sounds into the traditional hymnals and we were treated to a dynamic dramatic Harriet Tubman performance in honor of Black History Month. Pastor Marvin Moss was away visiting another church, but Reverend Bernice Williams Kirkland did a good job delivering her sermon. I appreciated her content and the thought she had placed in creating her message.  Since Pastor Moss was away, I will have to plan a return trip to hear him and update this review at that time.

Overall, I would say that Cascade United Methodist Church is a traditional United Methodist Church with roots in the African-American experience. If you are looking for a reserved and upstanding church with impressive community outreach/impact and a roster of youth activities, add Cascade United Methodist Church to your list, just don’t forget your Sunday Best! 

World Changers Church International

Just The Facts
World Changers Church International
2500 Burdett Road
College Park, Georgia 30349
(866) 477-7683
http://www.worldchangers.org/
Pastor – Dr. Creflo A. Dollar 

Location
College Park

Sunday Service Times
- 7:30 am
- 11 am

Church Type
Denomination – Non-Denominational
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Mega

From the church website…
Vision Statement – “As we proclaim Jesus, the Christ, as head of the church and the manifested Word of God, our goal is to teach the Word of God with simplicity and understanding so that it may be applied to our everyday lives in a practical and effective manner; thereby being transformed into World Changers ­ changing our immediate world and all those with whom we come into contact, ultimately making a mark that cannot be erased.” Motto - “The scripture that the ministry has adopted as its motto is Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV), “… in all your getting, get understanding.”

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church

Just The Facts
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
2340 Clifton Springs Road
Decatur, GA 30034
404-241-3307
http://www.beulahbaptist.org
Pastor – Jerry D. Black

Location
Decatur

Sunday Service Times
- 7:30 am
- 10:45 am

Church Type
Denomination – Missionary Baptist
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Large

From the church website…
“Helping you get where God wants you to be.”

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.

New Beginnings Full Gospel Baptist Ministry

Just The Facts
New Beginnings Full Gospel Baptist Ministry
923 Valleybrook Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
404-508-1400
http://www.newbeginningfgbc.com
Pastor – Bishop James H. Morton

Location
Decatur

Sunday Service Times
- 7:30 am
- 10:45 am

Church Type
Denomination – Full Gospel Baptist
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Large

From the church website…
“We are committed to the building of the kingdom of God on earth through EXALTING the Savior, Jesus Christ, EVANGELIZING the sinner, and EQUIPPING the saints. “

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.

Shaw Temple AME Zion Church

Just The Facts
Shaw Temple AME Zion Church
775 Hurt Road
Smyrna, Georgia 30082 
770-801-8185
http://www.shawtemple.org
Dr. George D. Crenshaw, Sr. Pastor

Location
Smyrna – East West Connector - near Wal-Mart

Sunday Service Times
1st Sundays
- 11 am and 6 pm
All Other Sundays
- 8 am
- 11 am

Church Type
Denomination – AME Zion
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Medium

From the church website…
“Our motto “Seeing, Speaking, and Serving the Same Vision,” expresses who we are.  We are commanded by Christ to go teach and make disciples.  The transformation and spiritual growth of individuals is an outgrowth of the work we do at Shaw.  We work diligently to bring people to Christ, to demonstrate the glory of God through worship, to show the love of Christ through fellowshipping together, and to disciple those who are within the body of Christ. 

Please join us You’ll be inspired by our dynamic music ministry and transformed by the vibrant preached and taught Word.  Working together to glorify God, we diligently seek to impact the lives of members and non-members.  Shaw Temple Church is committed to reaching the world for Christ.”

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.

Big Bethel AME Church

Just The Facts
Big Bethel AME Church
220 Auburn Avenue, Northeast
Atlanta, Georgia 30303 
404-827-9707
http://www.bigbethelame.org
Gregory V. Eason, Sr., Senior Pastor

Location
Atlanta, GA (Downtown)

Sunday Service Times
7:45 am & 11 am

Church Type
Denomination – AMR
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Large

From the church website…
“Big Bethel A. M. E. Church was founded in 1847, and is the oldest predominantly African American congregation in the Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia area. Vision Statement – A spirit filled fellowship engaging in fervent worship, bible based teaching and preaching, and compassionate missions driven to be the miracle in downtown Atlanta. Mission Statement
The mission of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to communicate to the world through preaching, teaching, evangelizing, worshipping, and stewardship, that Jesus Saves.”

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.

Salem Bible Church

Just The Facts
Salem Bible Church – 2 Locations

Salem West
2283 Baker Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 792.0303

Salem East
5460 Hillandale Drive
Lithonia, GA 30058
(770) 981.2160 Phone http://www.salembiblechurch.org
Pastor Joseph L. Williams
Senior Pastor Jasper W. Williams, Jr.

Location
Salem East – Southwest Atlanta
Salem West - Lithonia, GA

Sunday Service Times
Salem Bible Mass    8:30 a.m. -  9:30 a.m.
Sunday School      9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Worship Service     11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Church Type
Denomination – Non-denominational
Size  (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Mega

From the church website…
“The Vision – Salem Bible Church is a God First ministry with a calling to demonstrate God’s power and love through preaching, teaching, equipping and serving others to prepare us for the coming harvest and the return of our King the Lord Jesus Christ. The Mission – Preaching, practicing and producing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the spiritually and economically poor and brokenhearted; to those who have been emotionally wounded and bruised by life’s battles. “

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.

Jackson Memorial Baptist Church

Just The Facts
Jackson Memorial Baptist Church
534 Fairburn Road N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30331
 404.691.4238
http://www.jacksonmemorialbaptist.com
Rev. Dr. Gregory A. Sutton

Location
Atlanta, GA (Southwest Atlanta)

Sunday Service Times
7:45 am & 10:30 am

Church Type
Denomination – Baptist
Size (Small, Medium, Large, Mega) – Medium

From the church website…
“Our Church has something to offer for every one who wishes to receive.  At Jackson there is a ministry for you.  There are loving, and caring followers of Christ just waiting to take you wrap their arms around you in Christian Love. If you’re looking for a church home, we offer Jackson Memorial to you.  We look forward to seeing you soon. “

My Impressions
Unreviewed at this time.