'Dynamic' Mainland Baptist Church Offers a Lot to Community

Perhaps the word "dynamic" should be added to the name of Mainland Baptist Church because the church’s active ministry is reaching the community on many levels throughout the region.

Founded in Pleasantville in 1948, the church moved to its present location in 1982.

Dennis Powers, Mainland Baptist's outreach director and spokesman, has been a member of the church for six years. He had a great deal to say about the church and its programs.

“Mainland is an independent New Testament Baptist church,” Powers said. “That means we’re a stand alone church, but we do have relationships with other independent churches throughout the nation. We have many ministries that we’re involved in, including a bus ministry that goes into Atlantic City, Egg Harbor City, Pleasantville and Galloway to bring adults and young people to our services and programs.”

Pastor Dean Bult and his wife Patty came to the church when it moved to Galloway in 1982. They have three children, and their son Michael, who is the head basketball coach at Absegami High School, also serves as youth pastor at the church.

The various ministries and outreach programs available through the church make a long list of services.

“As part of our bus ministry, we send a bus to bring wheelchair-bound folks from Absecon Manor nursing home to our services on Sundays,” Powers said. “We also conduct a service there once a month."

Mainland Baptist has separate Sunday school programs at 9:30 a.m. for kids and adults, and its English-speaking worship service is at 10:40 a.m. Additionally, the Rev. Xavier Vega conducts a Spanish language service at the church at the same time on Sunday mornings.

They also have a Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. Child care and free bus transportation allows people to get to the church and enjoy the services.

A large part of Mainland Baptist Church’s effort to build a better community is Champion Baptist Academy.

“The school serves children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade,” Powers said. “One of the teachers, Jose Gonzalez, is the leader of our deaf ministry. A number of deaf people attend our worship services and this makes it possible for them to participate in the services.”

There is also the Keenagers outreach ministry for adults 55 and older. This program plans trips and various activities for senior adults throughout the year.

On Wednesday nights at 7 p.m., there are prayer and praise Bible studies for adults in English and Spanish, as well as programs for kids.

Another important program is Reformers Unanimous. This is a faith-based program that addresses addictions, stubborn habits and destructive behavior including alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling, pornography, eating disorders, anger management and more.

“This is a Christ-centered, faith-based addictions program that meets at the church Friday nights at 7 p.m.,” Powers said. “We also take this program to the Atlantic County jail and minister there in an ongoing effort to help people.”

The goal of the program is to direct people back to the local church.

“The founder of Reformers Unanimous, Dr. Paul Kingsbury, is coming from Rockford, IL to be our featured speaker for a major event called Encourage the Discouraged,” Powers said.

That event takes place over three nights: March 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. at the church.

“He is a dynamic speaker, and we invite everyone who needs to be uplifted to attend,” Powers said.

For more information on Mainland Baptist Church, call 609-652-7507 or check out their website at mainlandbc.com.