Welcome to Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. We are glad you want to know more about the Nineteenth Street experience. If you are thinking of joining us for a worship service, program or meeting, please see answers to frequently asked questions listed below.
Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic—Join Us Online
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is committed to your safety and well-being. To help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, in-person services and activities have been suspended until further notice. However, the doors to our virtual church are still open.
Join us live each Sunday at 10 a.m. for a dynamic virtual worship service on YouTube and Facebook Live . Click here for information about other virtual services and programs for all ages.
Where is the church located?
4606 16th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20011
Although our church is named Nineteenth Street, where it was founded, we have been on 16th Street NW for nearly 50 years. We are a few blocks south of the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, between Crittenden and Buchanan streets.
How can I contact the church?
Phone: 202-829-2773
Email: office@19thstreetbc.org
Fax: 202-291-6877
Do you have parking?
There is parking in the church lot located at the rear and side of the church, but space is limited. The parking lot may be entered from 16th Street NW, 17th Street NW, and Crittenden Street NW. It includes three wheelchair accessible spaces. There is also ample street parking around the church.
Is the church near a bus stop or Metro station?
Yes, the church is easily accessible by Metrobus. There is a bus stop just a few steps from the church on 16th Street at Buchanan Street, serviced by the S2 and S4 bus lines. The closest Metrorail station is Petworth, 1.3 miles away. Takoma Station and Silver Spring Station are, respectively, 2.5 and 3.4 miles away.
Is the church accessible?
Yes, the sanctuary is accessible by wheelchair from the Crittenden Street side of the church–look for the wheelchair access signs.
What time should I arrive for worship service?
Sunday worship service begins at 10 a.m., but you may want to arrive at 9:50 a.m. for devotion and praise and worship. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed at the door by an usher or greeter who will give a church bulletin to you and direct you to a seat. Ushers and greeters are also available to answer questions.
How long is the worship service?
Worship service lasts about 90 minutes, sometimes a little longer.
What should I wear?
Wear what makes you feel comfortable in church. Attire for worship varies from person to person. Some people will be in suits, with and without ties. Some in jeans and T-shirts. Some will wear dresses; others will wear pantsuits or skirts and tops.
What happens during devotion and praise and worship?
During devotion, a deacon will read a scripture and say a prayer. The choir will follow with praise and worship song selections. Those in the sanctuary will be invited to join in the singing.
What happens during the worship service?
At Nineteenth Street, we joyfully worship God through song, prayer, and praise. Each Sunday the senior pastor or a speaker delivers a powerful message to connect and strengthen our community of believers and non-believers who seek God’s love.
To follow the service, look for the “Order of Worship” page in the church bulletin. Usually, there’s a congregational hymn, choir selections from both contemporary and traditional musical styles, a collection to finance church programs, a sermon, and an altar call for prayer.
Before the service ends, “the doors of the church” will be opened to receive anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior and wishes to become a member of our church by baptism, by Christian experience, or under watch care. Click here for more information on becoming a member.
Will I have to introduce myself during the service?
No. However, during our “Words of Welcome” period, we ask first-time visitors to stand to be acknowledged and to receive a welcome packet from one of our ushers. The welcome portion includes a brief meet-and-greet period when members of the church family will greet you.
Please complete the visitor information card in your packet and hand it to an usher or place it in an offering plate before you leave. You also may complete the card online during or after your visit.
Do you have a nursery?
Yes, our nursery is open during church service, beginning at 9:50 a.m., for children ages five and under. All nursery staff and volunteers are trained in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. An usher can direct you to the nursery room.
Do you have a youth church?
Yes, Youth Church begins at 10 a.m. There are two youth services divided into age groups. Elementary and middle-school students meet in the Sisterhood Room, while high school students meet in the Chapel. An usher can direct you to the Youth Church rooms.
Do you offer classes in the Bible?
Yes, we have Sunday School before worship service. It begins each Sunday with a devotion at 8:30 a.m. Classes are in session from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. There are classes for pre-K to adult. We serve morning refreshments for 15 minutes after classes end. We also have Church School classes, Bible Study sessions and Christian education programs on other days. Click here for more information.
Is there anything else I should know about visiting the church?
Yes. Our worship services are livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook Live. In addition, a photographer may take photographs during services and events. Our policy regarding photographs and videos is posted on signs in the church entrance and includes instructions if you don’t want to be on camera.
Where can I learn about the church’s work in the community?
Nineteenth Street ministers to a multigenerational congregation and is involved in the community, at home and abroad, through varied ministries. For example, we offer ministries for youth and seniors, as well as ministries focused on social justice and homelessness. Click here for information on our ministries and organizations. You also can learn more by reading issues of our monthly newsletter, The Epistle, by clicking here to sign up for our weekly eblast and The Epistle, and by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Don’t see your question or need more information? Contact us by phone at 202-829-2773 or by email at office@19thstreetbc.org. Someone from our church will be happy to assist you.