OUR LEADERSHIP
LIBERTY'S HISTORY
In 1969 Dr. & Mrs. J. L. Lowe arrived in
St. Petersburg
with the vision of starting a "Loving, Caring, Soul-winning, Bible Believing Church."
In February 1970 that vision began with Dr. & Mrs. Lowe and 19 people at Northeast High School. In the fall of that same year the Church purchased our first piece of property that would eventually lead to what we have today. What you see when you attend Liberty is the results of God's people giving to the furtherance of His work. Under Dr. Lowe's leadership Liberty Christian School was launched in 1979 and has educated thousands of children over the years. Our church and school work hand in hand to minister to the families of our community. We are a missions minded, Bible believing, and teaching church.
WE BELIEVE
1
We believe
the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God; the complete final revelation of the will of God to man, the basis of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tested.
2
We believe
in one living and true God, Creator, and Sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality.
3
We believe
that Jesus was manifest in human flesh, the God-man, having been conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary, He lived a sinless life, teaching and performing miracles; that He was the Messiah promised by Old Testament prophets; and He voluntarily died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins. Further, He arose bodily from the grave, later ascending to the right hand of the Father to become our High Priest and Advocate.
4
We believe
that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and to convince and regenerate the sinner; also to indwell, guide, instruct, seal, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
5
We believe
that humans were created in the image of God but fell into sin; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners and under condemnation.
6
We believe
that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for those who believe; and such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Spirit and become children of God.
7
We believe
a true believer in Jesus Christ is the recipient of eternal life, that his salvation cannot be forfeited, but that sin may interrupt the joy of his fellowship with God and necessitate the loving discipline of His Heavenly Father.
8
We believe
that the church is a congregation of baptized believers, the purpose of which is found in the Great Commission: First, to make disciples; Second to baptize them, and Third, to teach and instruct them as Jesus commanded.
9
We believe
Baptism, the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the church during this present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of grace (necessary for salvation).
10
We believe
that Jesus Christ is the head of the church and that every local church has the right, under its Head, to decide and govern its own affairs.
11
We believe
in the personal, premillennial, and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal conduct and service of the believer.
12
We believe
in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting punishment.
LIBERTY STAFF DIRECTORY
Dr. J.L. Lowe and Mrs. Shirley Lowe, Founding Pastor and Wife
Dr. J.L. Lowe, our senior Pastor, began his Pastoral Ministry in Athens, Georgia where he founded the Temple Baptist Church with 16 people. He then established and helped to build three other Churches before he and Mrs. Lowe came to St. Petersburg in 1970 and founded Liberty Baptist Church and in 1979, Liberty Christian School.
Mrs. Shirley Lowe is a graduate of Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. She is also a graduate of Tomlinson School of Nursing. Shirley serves as Team Leader of early child development and nursery for infants and young children, and as coordinator for Women's Ministries.
Dr. Ralph Wilson, Executive Pastor
Pastor Wilson came on staff February 1993 after serving 21 years in the U. S. Coast Guard. Ordination took place in July 1994 here at Liberty Baptist Church. Pastor Wilson received a Doctorate of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary in May 2001. He is the C. F. O. for the Church and Christian School he also facilitates the 30 plus ministry teams here at Liberty.
Robert Megill, Music & Worship Minister
Pastor Megill is the Music & Worship Minister for all our Adult and children's choirs. Robert came from Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in Avon NJ where he served in the music ministry there for 7 years. From 2000 -2005 he taught music for the preschool and elementary children here at Liberty Christian School. From 2000 – 2007 he was the “Liberty's Little Lambs” (Children's Ministry) Pastor. Pastor Megill received an Associate's degree in Biblical Studies from Andersonville Baptist College in 2001 and a Bachelors degree of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary in 2004. His Ordination by Liberty Baptist Church took place in 2005. Along with using his musical talents for the Lord, since 2006 he also has been the “Wisdom Warrior's” Pastor for all of Liberty's seniors who are 50 years and wiser; planning bi-monthly activities and fellowships. Psalm 34:3 “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”
Ron Hullett, Youth Pastor
Ron is the teacher and Director of our Varsity (senior high) ministry and oversees Junior Varsity (junior high) ministry. Ron graduated in 1984 from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. He served 8 years as Youth Pastor of Arlington Baptist Temple in Arlington, TX. Served 12 years as Youth pastor of High Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo.
Cathy Mills, Director of Children's Ministry
I am rejoicing in the Lord for the opportunity to be a member of Liberty Baptist for over 40 years. My husband and I were married in this church and raised our three children and are now seeing our grandchild come to know and love the Lord through various ministries of Liberty. After having taught preschool and kindergarten for many years the Lord opened the door to become the Director of Children's ministry.
Ralph Wilson Jr., Young Adult Pastor
Graduated from Word of life Bible Institute in 1998. Has a Bachelors in Education, and a Master's in Christian Ed. from Andersonville Theological Seminary. Young Adult pastor and ministries assistant.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
At Liberty Baptist Church, each member has opportunities be a shareholder and involved, not a spectator. This allows every individual to grow, and to have your purpose fulfilled in the Lord. We can provide all training necessary for any particular ministry. Below are some of the ministries we have here in at Liberty.