THE STORY OF PARKWAY
Parkway Ministries has a unique story of how God brought us to where we are today.
AUGUST 2003
In August 2003, two local churches here in Lakeland prayed about merging their congregations together as a step of faith and a practical move toward health. Under the leadership of Pastor John Richardson, Liberty Baptist Church agreed to move from the west side of Lakeland to merge here on the current campus with Temple Baptist Church. The merger provided leadership in a pastor and a unified congregation striving to make an impact in the community. This also brought the need for a new name and a new identity. The church and school were renamed to Highlands Baptist Church and Christian Academy.
OCTOBER 2012
In October 2012, Highlands Baptist Church called Peter and Natalie Grant to come from Macon, Georgia, and partner with the Highlands Ministries leadership team.
SEPTEMBER 2013
In September 2013, the church unanimously called Peter as co-pastor with John Richardson. The plans began to take place for the future retirement of Pastor Richardson, who had shepherded and labored at the ministry with Liberty Baptist and now Highlands Baptist for almost 40 years.
JULY 2015
In July 2015, John Richardson officially retired. He truly was a servant of the Lord who had not only given himself in every aspect of ministry but who had remained faithful to his calling. As Peter Grant, the new Lead Pastor, began to cast a fresh vision for the future, he remained true to the biblical foundations that had been set here at this ministry for over six decades.
APRIL 2018
In April 2018, Pastor Peter Grant led the ministry to a rebranding project to be better identified in the community. The new name, Parkway Baptist Church and Christian Academy has quickly become known as Parkway Ministries. Parkway remains a lighthouse in the community with a passion for living out the two greatest commandments: love God and love people. The story of Parkway is rich with godly heritage, lives impacted by the gospel, and a vision that continues to move the ministry forward today. The leadership and congregation join together with a unified heart to take the name of Jesus to our community through outreach efforts and globally through our missions ministry. Great days are still ahead for Parkway Ministries, and it is exciting to see week after week the gospel impact that is made in the lives and souls of people, both young and old.
WHERE WE ARE HEADED
More than ever, Parkway Baptist Church is committed to fostering a family built around God's Word. Because of this, we have hope for the future. A vision for better. Expectations of progress. Excitement about Who Jesus is and what He can do. And as we move forward as a church family, inclusion and belonging remain at the center of who we are as followers of Christ. We're excited to continue making an impact in the community for the glory of God!
WHAT’S THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
Most importantly, you're always welcome at Parkway Baptist Church. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be accepted as part of the Parkway family. Beyond that, if you're ready to plan your first visit, click here. If you want to learn more about our beliefs as a church, click here.
