What To Expect
Pulaski Heights Baptist Church is a dynamic faith community located in the eclectic Hillcrest neighborhood. We are committed to nurturing the faith of our members and seeking the welfare of our neighbors, attending to the needs of their souls as well as the needs arising from their material conditions.
In an age characterized by acceleration, isolation, and self-interest, we seek a better way of being human together. Instead of rushing ahead to the “next big thing,” we try to slow down and be present to each other.
Instead of cultivating competition and treating people like human capital, we affirm the sacredness of every individual and the goodness of deep communal bonds. Instead of seeking benefits only for our kith and kin, we empty ourselves for the sake of others and make space for strangers.
To put it differently, our church is a small manifestation of God’s revolution—a revolution that began with the crucifixion and resurrection of a Jewish peasant named Jesus, whose mission is to “bring good news to the poor… to proclaim release to
the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the years of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). As participants in his rule and reign, this is our mission, too.
If you cross the threshold here at PHBC, you will embark on an adventure. You won’t find a religious club with lots of gimmicks and programs; instead, you will be launched into a splendidly risky adventure that puts you on the path of reconciliation, justice, and wholeness found in Jesus Christ. We hope you’ll join us!
FAQs
What is a typical Sunday like?
We gather for worship at 10:45am in the main sanctuary. Most people enter through the main doors facing Kavanaugh Blvd., but you can also enter the sanctuary through the side entrances near the front office or near Hyde Parlor. Our music draws from the deep storehouse of hymnody, but we also get creative and mix things up. Our worship services facilitate a divine-human dialogue that engages all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, encouraging active participation rather than passive consumption. And don’t be surprised if you recognize elements of worship you’ve experienced in non-Baptist settings. We mine the riches of the broader Christian tradition with joy and gratitude!
Where should I park?
Our main parking lot is in the back of the building on Cedar Hill Road. A smaller lot is available in the front of the building at the intersection of Kavanaugh Blvd. and N. Cedar Street. Our building is centrally located in the Hillcrest neighborhood; so if you’re a nearby resident, we’re just a short stroll away!
Are wheelchair ramps available?
Yes, we have a ramp on the front side of the building (facing Kavanaugh Blvd.) to the left of the steeple, and we have a ramp on the N. Cedar St. side of the building leading to the sanctuary and front office. If you enter the back side of the building, an inside ramp will lead to an elevator.
What should I wear?
We believe that God isn’t too concerned about our outer appearance, so please dress as casually or as formally as you’re comfortable. Some of our members wear suits and skirts. Others wear t-shirts and basketball shorts. Our pastor wears a goofy bowtie. Please don’t worry about what you wear to worship.
Are you part of a denomination?
We are part of a larger network of churches called the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, but we exercise freedom to govern our local congregation as the Holy Spirit leads us.
I’m not a member. Can I still participate?
Of course! We encourage members and non-members alike to participate in Sunday school, attend our worship services, and offer their gifts to various ministries in our church.
I have lots of doubts and religious baggage. Is that ok?
Totally! As one author puts it, “Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep it awake and moving.” Dogmatic certainty, not doubt, is the opposite of faith. At PHBC, you’ll be encouraged to engage your doubts with intellectual rigor and spiritual audacity—not because doubts are bad, but because doubts can strengthen your faith. As for religious baggage—we get it. Seriously, we do. The Christian faith is sometimes wielded as a weapon, and we acknowledge the trauma that inflicts on people. We hope that PHBC can be a place of healing and recovery for your wounds. This is a safe place.
How do I join?
Becoming a member of Christ’s body requires profession of faith and baptism. If this is your first time considering full membership in a local church, click here. If you have already been baptized, you may join our congregation by transfer of letter (if coming from another Baptist church), or by statement of faith (if coming from another Christian tradition—we do not ask you to be rebaptized).
