Maranatha Baptist Church

Maranatha Baptist Church
Name	Maranatha Baptist Church
Denomination	Baptist
Founded	1965
Location	Plains, Georgia
Pastor	Jeremy Shoulta
Website	https://www.maranathabaptistplains.com/

Maranatha Baptist Church is a Baptist congregation located in Plains, Georgia. Founded in 1965, the church gained international prominence due to its longtime association with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The church is known for its traditional Sunday School and worship services, which President Carter frequently taught and attended both during and after his presidency, drawing visitors from around the world.

History

The congregation was established in 1965 by a group of local believers. Its early years were spent in a modest building before constructing its current sanctuary. The church's profile rose significantly following the 1976 election of its most famous member, Jimmy Carter, to the White House. Throughout his single term from 1977 to 1981, President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, maintained their membership and often returned to teach. Following his defeat in the 1980 election, Carter resumed regular teaching of a popular Bible study class, transforming the small church into a major tourist destination. The church has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, and BBC News, particularly highlighting Carter's post-presidential role.

Beliefs and practices

The church holds to traditional Southern Baptist theology, affirming the Baptist Faith and Message as a general statement of belief. Core doctrines include the Trinity, the inerrancy of the Bible, salvation by grace through faith, and believer's baptism by immersion. Worship services are characterized by congregational singing of classic hymns, accompanied by a piano or organ, expository preaching, and weekly observance of the Lord's Supper. The church maintains a strong emphasis on missions, supporting organizations like the Cooperative Program and the International Mission Board.

Notable members

The most prominent member was Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who taught Sunday School for decades and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, was also a devoted member and advocate for mental health through the Carter Center. Other notable individuals associated with the church include former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and journalist Judy Woodruff, who visited to report on Carter's classes. The presence of these figures brought global attention to the congregation and the town of Plains, Georgia.

Architecture and facilities

The church building is a simple, single-story brick structure with a traditional steeple, reflecting utilitarian mid-20th century design common for rural Baptist churches. The sanctuary features pews, a central pulpit, and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. Adjacent facilities include Sunday School classrooms, a fellowship hall, and administrative offices. Due to the influx of visitors, the church constructed a separate welcome center to manage security and logistics, a necessity following the September 11 attacks and directives from the United States Secret Service.

Community involvement

The congregation is actively engaged in local and global outreach, operating a food pantry and participating in community service projects throughout Sumter County, Georgia. It supports international relief efforts through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, an organization famously championed by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. The church also hosts annual events that draw tourists to Plains, Georgia, benefiting local businesses. Its members volunteer with organizations addressing poverty and social justice, reflecting the ethical teachings emphasized in Carter's lessons.

Leadership and organization

The church operates under a congregational polity, with major decisions voted on by the membership. The senior pastor provides spiritual leadership and preaching, while deacons assist with pastoral care and administrative duties. A board of trustees oversees property and financial matters. For many years, the church was led by Pastor Bruce Edwards and later by Pastor Tony Lowden, who also served as a spiritual advisor to the Carter family. The current pastor is Jeremy Shoulta. The church's unique position required close coordination with the United States Secret Service, the Georgia State Patrol, and local Plains police for security during presidential visits.

Category:Baptist churches in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Churches in Sumter County, Georgia Category:Buildings and structures in Plains, Georgia Category:1965 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)