Senior Pastor

Wise Baptist Church, located in the beautiful mountains of Wise, Virginia, is a friendly, Bible-believing congregation dedicated to worshiping God, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and serving our local community through ministries that reflect God’s love and truth.

As a church grounded in the authority of Scripture and committed to the Great Commission, we seek to grow in faith, unity, and service under the leadership of a pastor who will shepherd us with humility, wisdom, and compassion. The job entails, preaching, teaching and pastoral leadership in the Church. The Pastor is expected to preach expository, Christ-centered sermons with practical application on Sundays. Teach the whole counsel of God faithfully, verse by verse and in context. Administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Provide biblical counseling and visitation for members and families. Lead worship services with reverence, clarity, and theological depth. Encourage and equip members to serve and grow as disciples of Christ. Guide the congregation in evangelism, missions, and outreach. Work collaboratively with deacons, committees, and ministry teams to advance the church’s mission.

Wise Baptist Church Mission Statement

Adhering to the Great Commission, Wise Baptist Church exists to provide a welcoming place for worship, study, and fellowship, grounded in the Scripture and the love of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, reaching out to others in a unified spirit of Christ-like love, caring, compassion, comfort, and acceptance.

Wise Baptist Church was founded in 1899. The first pastor of the church was Judge George W. Kilgore. The first building was erected in 1902 but was lost to a fire in 1910. A new facility was built in 1912 and it underwent renovations and additions over the years. In the early 2000's the church recognized it had outgrown the 1912 buildings and the congregation began planning for a new facility across the street. In December 2003 we took occupancy of our new facility. With much thought, prayer, and commitment we were able to complete the upper floor of the educational space much earlier than we had expected. As an expression of appreciation for our heritage and history, the stained glass windows and the lighting fixtures were relocated to the new sanctuary. The old fellowship hall was converted into the youth building and it also serves as a place for small gatherings such as showers and small group Bible studies.

Reverend Mike Winters became the 19th Pastor of Wise Baptist Church in October 2011. He and his wife, Terry, served at Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Verona, VA for 15 years.

Dr. Ray Jones, Jr., retired in April 2009 after 27 years of faithful service to our church, our community and our Lord. Pastor Ray received the honor of Pastor Emeritus by the congregation.

Wise Baptist Church is affiliated with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board as well as the Southern Baptist Convention. We are also active members of the Wise Baptist Association and we support the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at the University of Virginia's College at Wise.