Bible Way Baptist Church - Preparing Disciples to Make an Impact for the Kingdom of God

Home

About Us

Ministries

Media

Calendar

Resources

Gallery

Salvation

Prayer

Giving

ABOUT US

Our Pastor

Our First Lady

Administrative Staff

Church History

What We Believe

Times and Location

Our Pastor

Our Senior Pastor: Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr.

Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr., is the youngest of three children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Boykin Jones of West Philadelphia. Dr. Jones is a deeply devoted husband having been united to his very lovely wife Melissa in October of 1991. They are the very proud parents of four wonderful children: Aleah, Damone, Jr., Alyssa and Dominic. Dr. Jones received Christ as Savior and Lord at the young age of sixteen years old. Being led by the Holy Spirit, he answered the call to the Gospel Ministry at eighteen years of age. On November 5, 1986, Dr. Jones was licensed to preach the Gospel by his beloved father in the ministry, the late Dr. Hiawatha Coleman, the former Pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Dr. Jones graduated from the Lamberton High School in June of 1984 and the RETS Electronic School in May of 1986. Dr. Jones early theological training includes Manna Bible Institute and The Center for Urban Theological Studies. Dr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jones also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Having a tremendous burden for at-risk youth, Dr. Jones served at the Philadelphia Youth (Detention) Center as Coordinating Chaplain. Dr. Jones also served as a panelist for the District Attorneys Youth Aid Panel and as President of the Police Clergy Program in the 19th Police District. Dr. Jones also served his community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Carroll Park Community Council. In 2001, Dr. Jones was appointed by Mayor John F. Street to the City of Philadelphia Board of Ethics and in 2006 appointed my Mayor Street to a Blue Ribbon Commission on Childrens Behavioral Health in the City of Philadelphia. In 2008, Dr. Jones was appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter to the Advisory Board of the Mayors Office of Community Services and appointed again by Mayor Nutter to the Philadelphia Board of Ethics in 2009. Dr. Jones was appointed in 2010 by Mayor Michael Nutter to the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Prison System. Deeply concerned for the reduction of crime in the community, Dr. Jones was the first President of the Organized Anti-Crime Community Network, which brought the first National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community to Philadelphia. Dr. Jones spends significant time collaborating with the Police and the District Attorney advocating for young people in court. As a trusted community leader, Dr. Jones has assisted and accompanied four homicide fugitives in turning themselves in to the authorities. Under Dr. Jones leadership, Bible Way Baptist Church became an approved Community Service Site for the Philadelphia Departments of Adult and Juvenile Probation. Dr. Jones has worked diligently to bring educational resources to the community by serving on the boards of Carson Valley School, Raising Horizons Quest Charter School, The West Philadelphia Regional Branch of Community College of Philadelphia and The Christian Academy in Brookhaven, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jones currently serves as Adjunct Professor at the Center for Urban Theological Studies (C.U.T.S) of Geneva College.After obediently heeding Gods call to the Pastorate of the Bible Way Baptist Church in West Philadelphia, Dr. Jones was ordained on November 5, 1993 at the Mount Zion Baptist Church. Dr. Jones is a much sought after preacher, lecturer and teacher. Dr. Jones has trained Deacons at a number of local churches and done numerous workshops and seminars in the areas of Mens Ministries, Youth Ministries, and his personal favorite: How to Connect with At-Risk Youth. Dr. Jones has guest lectured at Eastern University, Temple University, Philadelphia Biblical University and Palmer Theological Seminary. Dr. Jones is a member of The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., The Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention; The Black Clergy of Philadelphia; and he is currently the Vice Moderator-at-Large of the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association.The Bible Way Baptist Church membership has more than tripled under Dr. Jones leadership and more than forty-one active ministries have been implemented to serve the diverse needs of the church and community and the church continues on a steady path of substantive growth. Dr. Jones is also very proud of his seven spiritual sons in the ministry who began pastoring their own churches under his leadership.

Preaching Schedule 1

Pastor's Preaching/Engagement Schedule

Preaching Schedule 2
2012 Preaching/Engagment ScheduleMarch11 - (Sun) St. Paul AME Church (Pastor's Aide Anniv.)8398 Lindbergh Blvd. Phila, PA.3:30PMApril26 - (Thu) Zion Baptist Church(30th Church Anniv.) 14 North StreetAmbler, PA. 19002 - 7:30PMMay16-18 (Wed-Fri) Miller Memorial Baptist Church (Church Revival) 1518 N 22nd St Phila., PA 7:30PM nightlyJune1-(Fri) Bethany Baptist Church (8th Pastoral Anniv.) 1121 Tilghman St. Chester, PA - 7:00PM24 (Sun) Calvary Christian Church(4rd Pastoral Anniv.) 6000 E Roosevelt Blvd Phila., PA - 3:30PMSeptember9 - (Fri) - Holy Cross Baptist Church (Pastoral Anniv.) 63rd & Malvern St. - 7:30pm26-28- (Wed-Fri) New Beginnings Christian Life Fellowship Church 1015 Windsor St Reading, PA - 8:00PMOctober 14 - (Sun) - Second Antioch Baptist Church (Pastoral Anniv.)- 912-18 N 41st St. Phila., Pa - 3:00PM November28 - (Wed-Fri) North Penn Baptist Church27th & York Phila., PA - 7:30PM Nightly

Go Back

Our First Lady

Our First Lady: Mrs. Melissa Jones, M.S.

Lady Melissa Jones is a native of Baltimore, Maryland born to Samson Wise and Mildred Peters. On October 5, 1991, Melissa was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr. They are the proud parents of four beautiful children, Aleah Melise, Damone, Jr., Alyssa Mariah, and Dominic Samuel. In September of 1993, her husband was called to the Pastorate of the Bible Way Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. As "“First Lady",” Melissa serves faithfully alongside her husband in whatever ways she can best serve him. Lady Melissa graduated from the Franklin Learning Center High School in June of 1986. She accepted Christ into her heart at the ripe age of 18 under the Pastorate of Bishop Keith W. Reed, Sr. at the Sharon Baptist Church. Being led by the Holy Spirit and desiring to help others in crisis, Melissa began her counseling training at Christian Research and Development, where she was awarded a Certificate in Counseling in September of 1992. Lady Melissa diligently pursued higher education at the Center for Urban Theological Studies (Geneva College) and graduated Cum Laude in June of 1996 with her Bachelors of Science in Urban Ministry Management. In May 2005, she received her Masters of Science degree in Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University. In 2006, she received an Advanced Certification from Philadelphia Biblical University, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling. Most recently in May of 2009, she received an additional Advanced Certification from Philadelphia Biblical University specializing in Professional Counseling, in which she has become the first person in the history of this University’'s program to receive both Advanced Certifications. Lady Melissa’'s Ministerial experience includes teaching Biblical Counseling I & II at Christian Research and Development, in 1994. Most recently served as a Co-Professor at Philadelphia Biblical University to Masters’' Degree Students in the area “"Helping Relationships Lab”." She diligently serves on the Advisory Board of the “"First Lady’s Conference," hosted by Dr. Lois Evans, The Urban Alternative of Dallas, Texas and the National Ministry of Pastor's Wives. She helped organize and wrote a portion of the Resource Guide for Pastor’s Wives posted on the First Lady Conference website. Lady Melissa had such a burden for the women of Bible Way and beyond that she organized and implemented the Women of Excellence Ministry in 1995. Along with that burden for women to experience more intimacy in Christ she organized a small group discipleship program that began in September 1997. She has also led five successful Women’'s Retreats, as well as establishing in 2001, Bible Way'’s first Women'’s Revival. In February 2003, she organized and implemented Bible Way'’s “"First Children’s Church”". As Lady Melissa continues to use her spiritual gifts by counseling, participating in conferences, leading groups, workshops and seminars her goal in life is to disciple the hearts of God’s people back to Him. Her life verses of scripture can be found in Isaiah 43.

Schedule Counseling Sessions with Lady Melissa

Administrative Staff Simple

Administrative Staff

Pastor J Clifford Jackson
Deacon Jerome Bell Sr
MaryLouise Waldo
Christine Vanish
Patricia L Edwards

Pastor J Clifford Jackson Simple

Pastor J. Clifford Jackson

Personal Assistant to the Senior Pastor

As the Personal Assistant to the Senior Pastor, I am required to assist him according to his needs. This includes, but is not limited to the following: preaching and teaching as assigned, attending meetings with, or as his proxy for both intra and extra church activities. It involves assisting the Senior Pastor during all Bible Way events including Worship Services, Revivals, Retreats, Community meetings and all venues at the church, especially when the Senior Pastor is ministering. Furthermore, it is a position that requires travel with and assistance to the Senior Pastor on trips, as needed and assisgned, I must interface with office staff to ensure that the Senior Pastor is staffed adequately at all times.

Additionally, it is my duty to manage all funerals and issues of member care, as well as to teach the Sunday morning New Discipleship Hour of Empowerment class.

(215) 477-0778 ext. 13

Deacon Jerome Bell Sr

Deacon Jerome Bell, Sr.

Church Business Manager

As the Church Business Manager my primary job is to assist the Senior Pastor and to serve the church by providing overall direction to the property, legal, financial and business affairs of the church. I assist in the development and preparation of the church budget and I also coordinate and monitor the purchasing of church equipment, furniture, supplies, and other items. The supervision of the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds also falls within my responsibility.

(215) 477-0778 ext. 14

MaryLouise Waldo

Church Financial Officer

As the Church Financial Officer I oversee the execution and maintenance of all matters pertaining to church finances. I am support staff to the Church Treasurer and Trustee Chairmain. I also serve as the church liaison with vendors. I am reponsible for the organization and maintenance of all church membership records. I am a consultant to church ministries (leaders) in regards to expense reports and purchase requests. I provide staff support to the Human Resource Ministry.

(215) 477-0778 ext. 11

Christine Vanish

Christine E. Vanish

Senior Pastor's Administrative Assistant

As the Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor I am responsible for providing professional, personal, and administrative support for the Senior Pastor and First Lady. I am also responsible for details pertaining to Senior Pastor’'s personal and public calendars, scheduling and coordination appointments. I answer and make telephone calls, manage the flow of mail/emails, and correspondence, as directed. I assist in planning and coordinating special events, meetings, workshops, and worship services. I also provide staff support on Sundays and Wednesdays, and all special events. I am also responsible for consultation and coordination of weddings and baby dedications.

(215) 477-0778 ext. 10

Patricia L Edwards

Patricia Lynn Edwards

Assistant Church Sexton

As the Assistant Church Sexton, my responsibility is to help ensure that church buildings and properties are properly maintained. I help clean buildings, stock supplies, and properly maintain the grounds. I also assist with set-ups for all events.

Church History

Bible Way Baptist Church History

During the later part of 1949 the Lord touched the heart one of his servants, Dr. McKinley Gaither. Approximately three years later, after much prayer and careful deliberation, Dr. Gaither answered the call and submitted himself to the sovereign will of God to organize a Christian Church. February 12, 1952, Dr. Gaither organized a missionary Baptist church in his home at 625 North 48th Street in Philadelphia. After following proper organizational procedures, it was suggested and accepted that the newborn church would be named “BIBLE WAY BAPTIST CHURCH,” and that Dr. McKinley Gaither would be named Pastor. The original members of the Bible Way Baptist Church were Pastor & Mrs. Gaither, Bro. & Sis. Walter Davis, Bro. & Sis. Thomas Lewis, Bro. John Browner, Sis. Linnie Gaither. The church later moved to 4034 Westminister Avenue. Pastor Gaither paid the first months rent at this location. God continued to bless this small yet faithful congregation and Pastor Gaither’s money was repaid. After that, the church always had enough money to meet the rent. Worship services continued at this location until 1956 when the property located at 3931 Lancaster Avenue was purchased for the sum of $12,000.00. In 1959 the mortgage loan papers were burned but Bible Way was growing so rapidly that it became necessary to seek larger quarters. In 1961, by the power of God, Dr. Gaither and the congregation were able to purchase the property located at 52nd & Kershaw Streets. This property was valued in excess of $100, 000.00. The ministry of Bible Way began to expand by reaching into and fulfilling the needs of the surrounding community never losing sight of our primary charge to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to perishing sinners everywhere. During these joyous years over 200 hundred souls were added to the church with a large portion of that number representing candidates for Baptism and Sunday School enrollment began approaching 200 persons as well. The mortgage on this property was liquidated in 1968 as planned. It was at this time that “Stewardship Studies” were undertaken having a profound and lasting impact on the membership even to this day. On the night of February 14, 1971, (Pastor Gaither’s Birthday), the Bible Way Baptist Church was completely destroyed by fire. Pastor Gaither and a handful of members stood helplessly as the church burned and was gutted by fire. Dr. Gaither stood like a soldier in an army and continued to trust God and think positive. He was far from being defeated and was quoted as having said, “We must have hit the devil too hard!” From the night of that tragic fire and through our stay at the Thompson Street Edifice (now Little Rock Tabernacle Baptist Church), Pastor Gaither and the church officers worked diligently towards rebuilding the church. The faith and vision of Dr. Gaither was apparent as he scheduled a Ground Breaking Ceremony for Sunday, November 7, 1971 without a financial commitment from the First Pennsylvania Bank. The sun was shining brightly on Sunday, June 24, 1973 as if God Himself was smiling upon Bible Way. On that long awaited morning, the congregation led by Pastor Gaither marched to the new edifice erected on the old Kershaw Street site singing “We’ve Come This Far By Faith.” God continued to bless the ministry of the Bible Way Baptist Church and on Tuesday, June 25, 1985, the final payment was made to First Pennsylvania Bank with three years remaining on the note. Throughout the 1980’s Bible Way joyfully praised the Lord for our many blessings and God continued to bless the church with many new members. As the congregation adjusted to the new facilities, the congregation also continued to grow spiritually while embracing the mission and vision of God for the church. The 1990’s brought transition to Bible Way. It was during these years that Pastor Gaither decided to retire from the Pastorate. After having founded this wonderful local church and serving as her first pastor for forty-two years, a “Victory Celebration” was held on December 4, 1993. We were not only honoring Dr. Gaither’s lifetime of faithful, committed service but we were also celebrating a man who’s life modeled his obedience to serving God and the church. Dr. Gaither made the decision to pass the baton to someone who could lead Bible Way into the next century. The Lord called Dr. Gaither from labor to reward on January 6, 1999. Our dear Founder’s wife, Sis. Scotia Gaither followed her husband home to be with the Lord on… Prior to Dr. Gaither’s passing, Pastor Damone B. Jones, Sr., was called to be the second Pastor of the Bible Way Baptist Church in September of 1993. Installation Services were held for Pastor & Mrs. Jones on Sunday, January 31, 1994. Pastor Jones’ theme was: “The Runners Change But The Race Remains the Same!” We praise God for sending Pastor & Sis. Jones to lead us. Pastor Jones is a man of God who has proven faithful and is a great organizer. In a short amount of time, Pastor Jones has mastered the art of pastoring. In his first year, 235 souls were added virtually every year after that no less than 200 souls were added. Over forty-one ministries operate from the Bible Way Baptist Church, all designed to meet the diverse needs of the church and community. Under Pastor Jones’ leadership, the Outreach Kitchen, Bible Institute, Computer Ministry, A.C.T.S. Incorporated, Prison Ministry, Community Service Program a 7:30am Worship Service and periodic Wednesday Evening “Jamb for the Lamb” Praise and Worship Services were added to name a few of those ministries. Pastor Jones is also very proud of his seven spiritual sons in the ministry who began pastoring their own churches during his tenure. (Pastor Clarence Washington, Millennium Baptist Church; Pastor Willie Singletary; City of Refuge Church; Pastor Raymond Harris, Jr., Christ Tabernacle Baptist Church; Pastor Robert J. Fontell, Jr., The Calvary Christian Church; Pastor John C. Gblah, Agape International Baptist Church; Pastor Gregory A. Johnson; Greater St. Matthew’s Independent Church; and Pastor William Davis who serves as the Assistant Pastor of the Service Baptist Church) Lady Melissa Jones has been a major contributor to the ministry of the Bible Way Baptist Church as she serves along side her husband. “Lady M” as he is affectionately called, designed and implemented a Women’s Discipleship Ministry, organized our first Women’s Retreat, our first Women’s Revival and Children’s Church just to name a few of her accomplishments. In May of 2005, Lady Melissa made academic history when she graduated from the Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, PA, becoming the ‘only’ person ever to complete a Master’s of Science in Christian Counseling and two professional certifications in the history of the university. Lady Melissa also serves the Bible Way Family by providing professional counseling services. In May of 2010, Pastor Jones completed his formal studies and graduated from the Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, PA (formerly Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary) with a Doctor of Ministry Degree in The Renewal of the Church for Mission.

What We Believe

Our Purpose

“ Preparing Disciples to Make an Impact for the Kingdom of God Everywhere!”

Matthew 28:19-20

Our Core Values
• We value the Holy Scriptures as the complete, inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God in all we are to be and in all we undertake. (II Tim. 3:16-17)• We value the Supreme Lordship of Jesus Christ our Savior and therefore realize that our sufficiency is only in Him. (Col. 1:15-23)• We value strong, effective pastoral leadership committed to the spiritual development of the Body of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-16)• We value faithful and gifted preaching and teaching of God’s Word in a way that is relevant, biblically sound and theologically correct. (II Tim. 4:1-2)• We value the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only way sinners can be saved and therefore are committed to being intentional regarding our outreach efforts. (Matt. 28:18-20)• We value the un-churched and lost souls and endeavor to go out of our way to foster a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. (James 2:1-13)• We value the community in which God has sovereignly placed us and commit to making a positive impact for Christ in our neighborhood. (Acts 1:8)• We value the biblical mandate of spiritual growth and maturity and therefore we are committed to providing multiple options for on-going, life-changing transformation in our congregants (disciples) through the discipleship process. (Acts 2:42-47)• We value the diverse spiritual giftedness of our congregants (disciples) therefore we are committed to the continual establishment of multiple ministries designed for the purposes of evangelism and discipleship within our congregation and our community thereby preventing anyone from bearing the burden of ministry alone. (Eph. 4:7-16)• We value worship experiences that are blended, dynamic, biblically correct & culturally relevant that bring the worshipper into a life-changing experience with the living God. (John 4:23-24)

Times and Location

Service Times & Location

1323 N. 52nd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19131

Sunday Morning Worship

7:30AM and 11:00AM

Wednesday Bible Study

10:30AM and 7:00PM

Prayer Service

Wednesday Evenings

8:00PM

Hour of Empowerment

Every Sunday Morning

9:30AM

Outreach Kitchen

Tuesday Morning

11:00AM

Youtube|Facebook

"Preparing Disciples to Make an Impact for the Kingdom of God Everywhere"

© Bible Way Baptist Church 2011. All Rights Reserved.

Web Design: Kingdom Exposure, Ltd.- www.kingdomexposure.com
Enter Site Home Ministries Media Calendar Resources Contact Us Salvation Prayer Giving Gallery