About our church

Greater Exodus Baptist Church consists of ordinary individuals who boldly entrust their faith in Jesus, trusting Him to perform extraordinary miracles in their lives and the lives of others.

The G.E. Story

Transforming Lives Through Christ

The inception of the Greater Exodus Baptist Church originated from the New Thankful Baptist Church situated at 1800 Columbia Avenue (Cecil B. Moore Avenue) in Philadelphia, PA.

The Greater Exodus Baptist Church was established on November 21, 1971, boasting an initial congregation of 92 members. Soon after its establishment, the church transitioned to its present address at 215-235-1394 North Broad Street.

The Greater Exodus Baptist Church owes a debt of gratitude to Reverend Dr. Jack Kelly for his visionary leadership in relocating the Church to Broad Street. Serving as Pastor during the formative first decade of the church’s existence, the esteemed Reverend Dr. Kelly was renowned as one of the most influential and compelling preachers of his era.

Hailing from South Carolina, Reverend Dr. Kelly completed his studies at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, Stork Seminary, and Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He was married to Vienna and a devoted father to his two sons, Jack Kelly, Jr. and Carroll A. Kelly. Reverend Dr. Kelly tendered his resignation in 1981.

PASTOR LUSK, II ARRIVES

In 1982, Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk II, a former Philadelphia Eagles Running Back, answered the divine call to lead the Greater Exodus Baptist Church as its pastor. Over the years, the church has undergone extensive renovations totaling well over $2.5 million, transforming its physical space into a beacon of faith and community. Not only has the church building been revitalized, but Reverend Dr. Lusk's leadership has also helped the financial health of the congregation flourish.

What was once a deficit of $500,000 has now been replaced by over $17 million in assets, a testament to the dedication and stewardship of the church community. In addition to the remarkable financial growth, the spiritual growth of the congregation has been equally impressive. Under Reverend Dr. Lusk's guidance, the church has experienced a remarkable influx of new members, evolving from a small group of devoted individuals to a thriving community of thousands united in faith and fellowship.

Under the guidance of Reverend Lusk, II, Greater Exodus has implemented a comprehensive ministry that has positively impacted thousands of individuals in the Philadelphia community since 1989. Through People for People, Inc. (PFP), a thriving non-profit organization, individuals have been provided with essential resources such as food, clothing, education, and job training. PFP has grown into a multi-million dollar agency that actively addresses the socio-economic needs of both church members and the broader community.

Notable initiatives under PFP’s umbrella include Project D.A.D., the PFP Charter School, the PFP Early Childhood Development Center, the HOPE Pregnancy Center, Stand for Africa, and various programs designed to support children of incarcerated parents, assist fathers re-entering society with parenting skills, and offer youth enrichment opportunities. The PFP Charter School offers education from kindergarten through 11th grade, with the addition of 12th grade in the 215-235-1394 academic year.

In 2014, the grand opening of JBJ Soul Homes was celebrated by Greater Exodus, PFP, Project H.O.M.E., and partner Jon Bon Jovi. This $16 million multi-story building spans an entire city block at Ridge, Fairmount, and Broad Streets, offering 55 units of transitional housing for low-income individuals. Additionally, the building includes 12,000 square feet of retail space, injecting new entrepreneurial vitality into the Fairmount and Francisville neighborhoods.

Moreover, Greater Exodus oversees the Frederick Douglass Christian School in Chester, PA, providing academic and spiritual education for students from Pre-K to 4th grade. The school plans to add a grade each year until it reaches 8th grade.