Director of Ministries at Galilee Baptist Church

The Galilee Baptist Church Story

First Union Baptist Church, located in the 400 block of 3rd Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., was organized on December 1st, 1954 by nine sisters and brothers of the church. Those dedicated members sought guidance from God and elected the late Reverend Luther N. Gause as the Pastor. Under Pastor Gause’s leadership, First Union Baptist Church relocated to a much larger facility located at 200 11th Street, N.E., Washington, DC. After the purchase of the new facility, Reverend Gause and the congregation unanimously voted to change the church name from “First Union Baptist Church,” to “Galilee Baptist Mission.”

Due to failing health, Rev. Gause asked Reverend William H. Bennett, Sr., a son of Israel Baptist Church, to minister to the members. On April 21st, 1956, Reverend Gause resigned as the Pastor of Galilee Baptist Mission and, after the members agreed by voting in May 1956, Reverend William H. Bennett, Sr. became the new Pastor of Galilee Baptist Mission.

Reverend Bennett was installed as the Pastor on May 13th, 1956. In March 1957, the Recognition Council held a meeting and the name was again changed to Galilee Baptist Church. Reverend Bennett served as pastor of the Galilee Baptist Church for 22 years and nine months. With so many souls coming to Christ, and space being limited, a new church site was purchased at 2252 Minnesota Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC. The membership began to worship at the new site in December 1977, and a cornerstone was laid in July 1978 for a new building.

Reverend Bennett retired as the Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in January 1979. A church meeting was held in February 1979, and Reverend Dr. Eugene Weathers was elected the Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church. Reverend Weathers preached his first sermon as Pastor on March 4th, 1979. In 1979, a building expansion project began at the Minnesota Avenue location and was completed approximately one year later. With the tremendous increase in the membership, an early morning service was added at 7:30 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. services were moved to Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. to accommodate the “multitude” of worshippers.

Following the vision that God had given him, Reverend Weathers, along with the leadership of the church, purchased eight and a half acres at 2101 Shadyside Avenue, Suitland, Maryland in early 1990. The building was renovated to include a sanctuary, administrative offices, and classrooms. The official move into this new facility was in October of that same year. This blessed expansion produced two sites for one church: Galilee Baptist Church at 2252 Minnesota Avenue, Washington, DC, and 2101 Shadyside Avenue, Suitland, Maryland. Reverend Weathers served as Pastor of Galilee for 18 years and 11 months. Reverend Weathers resigned as the Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church on February 24th, 1998.

Vision and Mission

VISION: Building by Faith, Expanding for the Future through Prayer, Purpose, and Provision
MISSION: Determined to Grow for Christ through Worship, Evangelism, and Discipleship

Core Values

• Believe in God
• Build the Kingdom
• Bless the People

Job Summary

The Director of Ministries will oversee and coordinate the various ministries within the church or religious organization, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values. He/she will provide strategic leadership, guidance, and support to ministry leaders, empowering them to carry out their respective roles effectively and efficiently. The Director of Ministries will play a key role in fostering collaboration, communication, and spiritual growth among ministry teams, working towards the common goal of serving and ministering to the needs of the congregation and community.

Personal Profile

• Goal driven
• Adaptable
• Problem solver
• Decisive
• Strong leader
• Effective conflict manager
• Persuasive
• Someone who pursues continued learning
• Adept at self-management

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the holistic development and operation of ministry activities.
• Ensure that all ministry activities are aligned with the organization's mission, values, and priorities in serving and ministering to the spiritual and practical needs of the community.

Candidate Competencies

• Leadership: The ability to provide visionary leadership and direction to various ministry teams, guiding them toward the common goals and mission of the organization.
• Communication: Strong communication skills are essential to effectively convey vision, expectations, and feedback to ministry leaders, volunteers, and the congregation.
• Organization: Being well-organized is crucial for managing multiple ministries, events, activities, and resources efficiently.
• Team-building: The Director of Ministries should have the ability to build and nurture effective teams, fostering collaboration, unity, and a sense of purpose among ministry leaders and volunteers.
• Spiritual Maturity: Deep faith, spiritual discernment, and a commitment to prayer are essential for providing spiritual guidance and support to ministry teams and the congregation.
• Flexibility: The capacity to adapt to changing needs, circumstances, and priorities within the ministries, while remaining focused on the overall mission of the organization.
• Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrating empathy, understanding, and compassion towards ministry leaders, volunteers, and individuals in need is essential for effective ministry work.
• Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills are valuable for addressing challenges, conflicts, and obstacles that may arise within ministries, and finding creative solutions to overcome them.
• Relationship-building: Cultivating positive relationships with ministry leaders, volunteers, and congregation members is key to creating a supportive and inclusive ministry environment.
• Commitment to Service: A genuine passion for serving others, ministering to the needs of the community, and advancing the Kingdom of God through impactful and meaningful ministry work.

Suitland, Maryland

Nestled in the heart of Prince George's County, Suitland, Maryland, is a community rich in history and diversity. One particular story that captivates the residents of Suitland is that of the revitalization of the Suitland Town Center which had fallen into disrepair. Buildings stood vacant, storefronts were boarded up, and the once-vibrant atmosphere had faded away. However, a group of determined residents, business owners, and local leaders came together with a vision to breathe new life into the Suitland Town Center. They saw the potential for revitalization and believed in the power of community collaboration. Through grassroots efforts, fundraising campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses and government agencies, they embarked on a journey to restore the Town Center to its former glory. Over the course of several years, the Suitland community worked tirelessly to renovate buildings, attract new businesses, and create vibrant public spaces that would once again draw residents and visitors to the town center. They organized community events, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals to showcase the diverse talents and traditions of Suitland's residents. As the revitalization efforts gained momentum, the Suitland Town Center began to transform before the eyes of its residents. New businesses opened their doors, offering unique products and services that catered to the needs of the community. Families gathered in the newly renovated public square, enjoying live music, food vendors, and outdoor movie nights. The once-abandoned buildings now housed thriving businesses, art galleries, and community centers that provided resources and support to residents of all ages. The sense of pride and unity in the Suitland community was palpable as people came together to celebrate the rebirth of their town center. Today, the Suitland Town Center stands as a testament to the power of community resilience and collaboration. It serves as a gathering place for residents to connect, celebrate, and support one another, embodying the spirit of hope and renewal that defines the town of Suitland, Maryland.