As the First Baptist Church of Swedesboro, located at 700 Auburn Avenue, celebrates the first pastoral anniversary of Pastor Marvin and Sister Danette Parker, it’s a moment to reflect on their remarkable journey, accomplishments, and the lasting impact they’ve made on the church and the broader community within 365 days.
Pastor Marvin’s journey at First Baptist Church began as a young child. His family, including his mother, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, all grew up in the Swedesboro area.
Although he lived in Pennsauken, he would come to Swedesboro to spend his summers as a child. “During that time, I would go to First Baptist Church or even Mount Calvary Baptist Church over in Mullica Hill,” Pastor Marvin recalls.
As he grew older, Pastor Marvin took on various jobs and served in the United States military. After his time in the military, life guided Pastor Marvin back to the First Baptist Church during his young adulthood.
When he returned to First Baptist Church, it was under the leadership of Pastor Frank Jones, Jr. Pastor Marvin then went through marriage counseling got married to Sister Danette, and dedicated his life to Christ. Pastor Marvin’s commitment to the church saw him progress from an usher, choir singer, and walking deacon to a licensed minister, and now the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Swedesboro.
Reflecting on the past year, Pastor Marvin describes it as a rebuilding process. “Our previous pastor went home to be with the Lord, and after COVID, everyone was used to the Zoom life. Just getting people to come back to the church was a challenge,” he explains.
Despite these challenges, the church has seen significant growth. “We went from 20 to 30 attendees to nearly 100 people attending live services every Sunday. Many young people and adults have joined us, with adults going through the right hand of fellowship to become part of The First Baptist Church.”
He makes a note to add, “This growth is not something I take credit for; it’s all God’s work.”
Under Pastor Marvin and Sister Danette Parker’s leadership, First Baptist Church has been actively involved in community outreach through various events and programs. These include the Harvest Fest and Car Show, vacation bible school, Wednesday bible study, Thursday prayer line, Sunday morning service, and community service initiatives. Vacation bible school invites local children to the church to enjoy and engage in bible study, crafts, and worship.
First Baptist Church also emphasizes educating the next generation and empowering women within the church. Their involvement in the Desperate for Jesus Women’s Conference allows women of all ages and backgrounds to connect and support one another. Through these efforts, the church nurtures a strong, inclusive community rooted in faith and service.
Through its different community service initiatives, First Baptist Church of Swedesboro has acted as a beacon of hope for the homeless community and those in financial anguish. The church actively engages in feeding and clothing the homeless and others in need.
Their efforts include different clothing drives, an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive that provides meals to those in need, and a Back to School Bash that supplies children with backpacks and school supplies. These initiatives not only address immediate needs, but also foster a sense of solitude and community amongst the local homeless population.
As he reminisces on the past year, Pastor Marvin also peers forward at the years to come at the First Baptist Church of Swedesboro with his primary goals being for the church continuing to assist the community and serve as a house of refuge. “We want to be a place where young teenagers with different situations can come and find support, where they have someone to talk to,” he shares.
The church offers counseling and support services, aiming to let their light shine in Swedesboro, Woolwich, and Logan. “We want to be a place where people can come to worship and feel the love of Christ,” Pastor Marvin adds.
Pastor Marvin Parker shares that he lives by Joshua 1:8, a verse that deeply reflects the attributes of his dedication to serving the community. His heartfelt message to all is to put God first in all aspects of life. These beliefs shine through in the church’s selfless efforts to support and uplift the members of the community, creating a nurturing and loving space for all who seek guidance and solace.
In Swedesboro, the church has long been a center of faith and fellowship, and under its leadership, it continues to thrive and expand under Pastor Marvin and Sister Danette Parker’s mission to prepare people to reach and empower others locally and globally to spread the word of God and express God’s love.
Pastor Marvin emphasizes that he is not on this journey alone. “I am not on this journey by myself, I have a helpmate in my wife, Danette Parker. We share this ministry together with the other members of the congregation and people in the Swedesboro area,” he acknowledges. Their partnership and dedication to the church and community have been instrumental in the progress and growth witnessed over the past year.
As the First Baptist Church of Swedesboro marks this special anniversary, under the leadership of Pastor Marvin and Sister Danette Parker, along with Pastor Garry Warren, Pastor Steven Meritt, and Reverend Mark Clarke, the church is destined for a future filled with hope, growth, and immense impact. This first year of new leadership has set a strong foundation, and the journey ahead promises to be even more inspiring and transformative.
Pastor Marvin Parker and the First Baptist community work tirelessly to extend their mission of love and service, making a vital difference in the lives of many in the Swedesboro, Woolwich, and Logan areas.
Looking to the future, the First Baptist Church of Swedesboro is set to continue its mission of love, service, and unwavering faith. Their journey ahead is sure to be marked by even greater acts of compassion and community building, as they remain committed to their vision of “to make Jesus our priority, the gospel our mission, and discipleship our purpose. Matthew 28:16-20 while continuing to impact the community in profound and lasting ways.
By Asiya Robinson
