A Church with a Heart Full of Love on Fort Foote Road
Fort Foote Baptist Church has stood along Fort Foote Road in Fort Washington, Maryland, for seven decades, serving the Prince George's County community as a Christ-centered congregation committed to spiritual growth, education, and outreach. Known affectionately as "the Fort," the church has baptized over a thousand believers, provided more than two hundred thousand meals through its missions work, and helped thousands of students pursue higher education through its scholarships.
The story begins in 1955, when Congress Heights Baptist Church of Southeast Washington conducted a survey and determined the Fort Washington area needed a new church. A mission was soon established, and the Fort Foote Baptist Chapel held its very first worship service on Easter Sunday in 1956, gathering inside a converted fruit storage facility with the Reverend R. Carol Bruce presiding. As the congregation grew, the name was changed to Fort Foote Baptist Church, a sanctuary was constructed, and the body steadily expanded its ministries across the surrounding neighborhoods.
Seven pastors have served the Fort over the years. The seventh and current shepherd is Reverend Dr. Joseph W. Lyles, called to the church on April 8, 1990. Together with his wife, First Lady Sheila Marie Lyles, Dr. Lyles has led the congregation for more than thirty years. The church's stated vision is to be a Christ-centered church that shapes the spiritual, academic, economic, and technological development of God's people, and its mission is to fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the Gospel through Worship, Walk, and Work.
Sunday Mornings at the Fort
Worship at Fort Foote Baptist happens twice each Sunday morning. The first service begins at 7:30 a.m., and the second follows at 11:00 a.m. Both gatherings take place in the sanctuary at 8310 Fort Foote Road and include congregational singing, scripture reading, prayer, preaching, and special music from choirs and ensembles. Between the two services, at 9:15 a.m., the church hosts a diverse range of Sunday School classes for every age and stage of life.
For those who cannot attend in person, services are livestreamed, allowing worshipers to participate from anywhere. Sermon recordings and additional content are shared through the church's YouTube channel, and announcements move throughout the week across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The tagline that greets visitors, "A Church with a Heart Full of Love," drawn from John 3:16-17, captures the spirit the church seeks to extend to newcomers. Members describe the Fort as a place where everyone from the youngest to the most senior can find a place to belong, and the congregation reflects the diversity of the surrounding Fort Washington community.
Sunday School for Every Stage of Life
Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. is one of the most active parts of the Fort's weekly rhythm, with classes designed to meet the spiritual needs of every generation. Each gathering meets either in a classroom on the church campus or online via Zoom, and several offer both options so members can choose what works best for them.
- Berean - A class dedicated to diligently searching the scriptures for truth, growing in understanding through serious study.
- Faith - A class that connects biblical principles to the realities of modern life, helping believers apply Scripture to daily challenges.
- Couples - A marriage-focused class that strengthens marital bonds through biblically centered teaching and mutual support.
- Mixed Adults - A diverse class that embraces unity across ages and backgrounds, exploring a wide range of topics for personal and collective growth.
- Youth and Children - Age-appropriate lessons, creative activities, and the love of God nurture the youngest hearts in the faith.
- Kingdom Women - A gathering of women committed to deepening their faith, strengthening one another, and seeking God's Kingdom through the study of His Word.
- Prime Timers - A supportive community of older adults who celebrate wisdom and life experience, finding encouragement in their spiritual journey together.
The Marriage Ministry Sunday School class is led by Reverend Waverly Goode and his wife Vernell Goode, who walk couples through biblically rooted teaching designed to strengthen both marriage and faith.
Bible Study and Discipleship Through the Week
For those hungry to go deeper into Scripture, the Fort offers Bible Study twice on Wednesdays. A midday study begins at 12:00 p.m., and an evening study follows at 7:00 p.m. Both sessions meet via Zoom, with dial-in numbers available for those who prefer to call in. The studies walk through books of the Bible and provide an interactive environment for questions, discussion, and prayer.
Beyond the main Wednesday studies, the church runs several other regular discipleship opportunities:
- Mighty Men of God Bible Study meets on Zoom every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. All men are invited to join the brotherhood for fellowship, transparent discussion, and the study of God's Word. The current year's theme is "Kingdom Seeing / First Things First," drawn from Matthew 6:10. Reverend Waverly Goode leads the study.
- BRIDGE Ministry Bible Study brings young adults together for an engaging study on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The BRIDGE Ministry fosters meaningful relationships and ignites a passion for God across generations.
- Kingdom Women's Weekly Bible Study meets every Thursday at 7:15 p.m., with a dial-in option for those unable to join online.
- Veterans Ministry Monthly Meeting gathers on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Classroom 27, with Deacon Raymond Mason providing leadership.
The church's weekly devotional thought often centers on Philippians 4:6-8, which reminds believers that God's peace, unlike the world's peace, comes from prayer and trust rather than from the absence of conflict.
The Pastor and His Heart for the Flock
Dr. Lyles' journey to the pulpit of Fort Foote Baptist began long before his call in 1990. Born in the District of Columbia and educated in Waldorf, Maryland, he received Christ as his personal Savior at the age of sixteen during a religious camp meeting in Damascus, Maryland. He has been a devout servant of the Lord ever since.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia, and went on to receive both his Master's and Doctorate of Divinity from Howard University in Washington, D.C. His favorite scripture, Philippians 3:13-14, captures the spirit that defines his ministry: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
One of the questions he often poses to his congregation reflects his deep concern for authentic Christian living: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"
Ministries that Span Generations
Beyond Sunday worship and Bible study, Fort Foote Baptist operates a network of ministries designed to meet the spiritual, social, and practical needs of its members and neighbors.
Kingdom Women Ministry empowers women to serve with noble hearts, fervently seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness. Through prayer, fellowship, and community outreach, the ministry builds a strong network of support, helping women grow spiritually and make a positive impact on the world around them. The group gathers for its weekly Bible study on Thursdays, hosts monthly leadership meetings, and organizes an annual Women's Prayer Breakfast.
Mighty Men of God equips men to embrace their God-given calling with strength and integrity. Through intentional engagement and transparent discussion, the ministry builds a brotherhood of support. The Tuesday night Bible study is the main weekly gathering, but the men also come together for special Men's Day events each year, including a worship service, a conference, and a concert.
Young Adult BRIDGE Ministry is a community where different generations come together to foster meaningful relationships, share wisdom, and ignite a passion for God. Through engaging activities and collaborative initiatives, BRIDGE bridges generational gaps while fueling the passion of young adults. The ministry hosts a Bible study on the first and third Thursdays of each month, occasional game nights, and its own quarterly worship service.
Marriage Ministry, led by Reverend Waverly and Vernell Goode, supports and strengthens couples through biblically centered teaching. The Marriage Sunday School class meets weekly, and the ministry hosts fellowships and special events throughout the year.
Veterans Ministry provides a space for those who have served in the armed forces to connect and support one another. Deacon Raymond Mason leads the group, which meets on the second Thursday of each month in Classroom 27 at 7 p.m.
Prime Timers celebrates the wisdom and life experiences of older adults in a supportive community. The group meets monthly in the Fellowship Hall for fellowship, encouragement, and shared spiritual journey.
Dance Ministry brings movement and liturgical dance into the worship life of the church. Sister Penny Brown leads rehearsals throughout the week, with locations rotating between the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall based on availability.
Praise Ensemble and the Men's Day Choir, directed by David Sturdivant, lead worship through music and song, preparing special music for services throughout the year.
Sports Ministry is a dynamic and faith-based program that combines the passion for sports with the principles of Christian discipleship. The ministry aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can participate in various sports activities, competitions, and events.
The Diaconate is comprised of men and women ordained by God to serve Him and His people. Members of this ministry embody servant leadership, encouraging a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and fostering personal and spiritual growth among the church body.
Reaching Out: The Food Ministry and Beyond
The Missions Ministry at Fort Foote Baptist is dedicated to spreading hope and meeting the practical needs of the community. Inspired by the love of Christ, the ministry organizes a monthly free food distribution at the church, providing groceries to neighbors facing hardship. Reverend Joseph Brown leads the ministry and welcomes volunteers who want to serve.
The church's reach extends beyond Fort Washington. The Missions Ministry partners with a network of local, regional, and global outreach efforts, modeling the Great Commission's call to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Members also stay active through Spiritualcize, a virtual exercise class that meets on Zoom every Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. The class combines physical activity with spiritual encouragement, providing a wellness outlet for members across the region.
Investing in the Next Generation
Education has long been a priority at Fort Foote Baptist. The Scholarship Committee works year-round to identify and support eligible students pursuing higher education. The David C. Alston Scholarship is open to eligible members of the church and offers a supportive opportunity to further their education.
The committee also shares information about outside scholarship opportunities, including the Prince George's County Council Scholarship Program (in partnership with Joan's House, Inc.), Delegate Veronica Turner's Scholarship through the Maryland House of Delegates, the Prince George's County Innovation Scholarship Program for STEM students, and full-tuition scholarship opportunities through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Beyond the scholarships themselves, the committee runs the Stay-in-Touch (SIT) Initiative, a formalized nurturing connection between the congregation and scholarship recipients. Members of the SIT program reach out periodically to students to offer encouragement, send care packages, and help them maintain a continual relationship with God and the church while they are away at school.
Black History Month and Cultural Celebration
Each February, the Fort Foote Baptist Church Black History Committee organizes a month-long celebration honoring the rich history, heritage, and contributions of the African diaspora. The congregation participates by wearing themed attire on each Sunday of the month, with African dress, HBCU gear, Greek letters, and football jerseys all making appearances. The celebration brings the church together in unity, culture, and pride.
A Long History, a Living Mission
From its first Easter Sunday gathering in a converted fruit storage facility to its present role as a thriving multi-generational congregation, Fort Foote Baptist Church has stayed faithful to its founding calling: to fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the Gospel to all nations, obeying the Word of God, and modeling the love of Jesus through Worship, Walk, and Work. Whether members arrive at 7:30 a.m. for the early service, join a Sunday School class at 9:15, gather for a Wednesday Bible study, or volunteer at the monthly food distribution, they take part in a story that began in 1955 and continues to grow - one believer, one family, one neighbor at a time.