Pilgrim's Way Bible Baptist Church

A Synopsis of the Pilgrim’s Way Bible Baptist Church

It has been 17 years since the Lord began the ministry of the Pilgrim’s Way Bible Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Raymond L. Thornton, Sr. The first worship service was held on February 6, 1994 at the League at 1100 E. Cold Spring Lane, in Baltimore, Maryland with eight charter members and a large number of guests and visiting friends.

The Lord has blessed the Church to have in place many ministries, organizations and committees that meet the needs of a growing, changing, and challenging congregation. In 2010, several ministries were added: the Word of Life Youth Ministry, the Home Bible Study Ministry and the exercise ministry.

The youth ministry continues to be successful and under the guidance of Minister Manson and Deacon John Winder. Many activities are planned for the youth throughout the year which include a sports camp for basketball, soccer, cheerleading, etc. Youth are encouraged to participate in Outreach Ministries and have accompanied the Outreach Team to homeless shelters and have assisted in feeding the homeless. In addition to encouraging the homeless and shelter residents, the Pilgrim’s Way’s youth have been profoundly impacted by this experience. One young person was moved to tears by the things that she observed while participating in an outreach mission. Annually, the Pilgrim’s Way Youth Choir are the host of an Agape Praise Night Service which consists of song, dance and praises to the Lord. The spiritual growth of the youth is of paramount importance, but other needs are also met through tutoring and counseling ministries for youth who are experiencing problems. This service is provided free of charge and usually begins after the first progress report. Many youth have improved their grades dramatically. Pastor Thornton encourages all youth to do well in school and to improve academically.
Pilgrim's Way supports Word Alive Missions (Rev. Charles Nyane) in the West African Village of Esiama. On several occasions, Assistant Pastor Cedric Manson has led mission trips to Ghana West Africa. In August of 2010 the mission team weathered long miles, sporadic electricity and vehicle breakdowns to be able to minister to the people of West Ghana. Minister Manson spent several evenings teaching and encouraging the pastors who had gathered to meet him. The team ministered to the church in Takoradi where Minister Manson preached and the ladies taught Sunday School. He also taught at the 5th Annual Regional Word Alive Youth Conference where 25 gave their lives to Christ on the first day. The missionaries who accompanied him taught Sunday School to several age groups of the youth. The team spent a few afternoons with the youth at the orphanage, singing songs, face painting and playing games. Three evening crusades were held in the village of Ayinasi and on the last day of the visit to the village, Minister Manson preached a spirit filled message. At the end of Minister Manson’s sermon, the chief of the village gave many encouraging words to the team and to the members of the church.
Pastor Thornton remains enthusiastic about his work for the Lord. Though facing some health challenges, he has remained faithful to his responsibilities as pastor. He has a passion for souls and encourages the Pilgrim’s Way Family to witness to unsaved people in every avenue of life. Pastor Thornton loves each and every member of the Pilgrim’s Way Family and demonstrates it in so many ways. He is worthy of his calling as Pastor. God has surrounded Pastor Thornton with men of prayer and personal integrity. Assistant Pastor Cedric Manson, Minister Daryl Booth and Minister Keith Henry work quietly, diligently and effectively in their respective areas in the Church. Each seek to do the will of God and are gifted to teach, to serve, and to proclaim the Word of God.

We thank God for 17 years of service! It’s all because of Him! What a
Mighty, magnificent God we serve!