Our Story

Southwest Baptist Church began in 1999 when Pastor Steve Fleck planted New Southwest Baptist Church with a vision to establish a faithful gospel witness in Southwest Baltimore. For the next 25 years, Steve and his wife, Kerri, faithfully loved, served, and shepherded the congregation, investing their lives in both the church and the surrounding community.

In 2024, Pastor Steve stepped away from pastoral ministry to care for family, bringing a significant chapter in the church's history to a close. Rather than seeing this as an ending, God was preparing the church for a new season of ministry.

Over the following year, a committed core of members continued gathering to pray, worship, and seek the Lord's direction. During this season of revitalization, Pastor Akin Omisanmi joined the work, helping the church clarify its mission, cast a renewed vision, strengthen its leadership, and raise the resources needed to renovate its facilities in preparation for a new chapter.

On June 1, 2025, Pastor Akin was officially installed as pastor, and the church joyfully reopened its doors as Southwest Baptist Church. The new name reflected more than a fresh identity—it marked a renewed commitment to making disciples and proclaiming the gospel throughout Southwest Baltimore.

Today, by God's grace, Southwest Baptist Church is a growing church family committed to treasuring Jesus, making fully devoted followers of Christ, and loving our neighbors well. We believe God has placed us in Southwest Baltimore for such a time as this, and we are excited to see what He will continue to do through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.

Our story is ultimately not about a building, a pastor, or a name. It is about the faithfulness of God to build His church.

We'd love for you to become part of the story.