Before you stands Greater Exodus Baptist Church. This church began with humble roots and a vision for a greater future. Greater Exodus Baptist Church started from the New Thankful Baptist Church. It was located on Columbia Avenue. Now it is known as Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
Greater Exodus Baptist Church officially organized on November 21 1971. It began with 92 members. Soon after, the church moved. Its current location is 704-714 North Broad Street. The Greater Exodus Baptist Church owes much to Reverend Dr. Jack Kelly. He had the vision to move the church to Broad Street. For the first ten years, Reverend Dr. Kelly served as pastor. He was known as a powerful preacher.
Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk II became pastor in 1982. He was a former Philadelphia Eagles Running Back. Under his leadership, Greater Exodus Baptist Church grew. The church underwent extensive renovations. These renovations totaled over $2.5 million. The physical space was transformed.
Greater Exodus Baptist Church has also experienced financial growth. Once the church had a deficit of $500000. Now it boasts over $17 million in assets. This is due to the dedication of the church community. The spiritual growth has also been impressive. The church has grown from a small group to a thriving community. Thousands are united in faith.
Since 1989, Greater Exodus has had a big impact on Philadelphia. Reverend Lusk II implemented a comprehensive ministry. Through People for People, Inc. or PFP, the church provides resources. These resources include food clothing education and job training. PFP has grown into a multi-million dollar agency. It addresses the socio-economic needs of the community.
PFP includes Project D.A.D. and the PFP Charter School. There is also the PFP Early Childhood Development Center. The HOPE Pregnancy Center is another initiative. They also support children of incarcerated parents. They assist fathers re-entering society and offer youth enrichment. The PFP Charter School educates students. It serves from kindergarten through 11th grade. 12th grade was added later.
In 2014, Greater Exodus celebrated the grand opening of JBJ Soul Homes. PFP Project H.O.M.E. and Jon Bon Jovi partnered on this project. This $16 million building covers an entire city block. It offers 55 units of transitional housing. This is for low-income individuals. The building includes 12000 square feet of retail space. It brings new entrepreneurial vitality to the neighborhoods.
Greater Exodus also oversees the Frederick Douglass Christian School in Chester PA. It provides academic and spiritual education. It serves students from Pre-K to 4th grade. The school plans to add a grade each year.
Greater Exodus Baptist Church welcomes diverse individuals. Together they entrust their faith in Jesus. They believe He empowers them to embrace forgiveness change and growth. The Greater Exodus Baptist Church invites you to experience their principles firsthand.
Even during the coronavirus pandemic Greater Exodus Baptist Church remained open. Pastor Herb H. Lusk II made adjustments. He ensured the church was deep-cleaned. Sermons were shorter. Elderly members were asked to stay home. The church offered drive-through communion.
Greater Exodus Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of hope. It serves the community and Jesus Christ. They believe in living a life without compromising their faith. There is no Plan B for their commitment to Christ. They come together to worship grow and make a difference.