Following the Call

Pastor Abby Thornton has been shattering stereotypes in the Broadneck community since she came to be pastor of Broadneck Baptist Church in Cape St. Claire six months ago.

Thornton had been an Associate Pastor at a congregation in Virginia when she felt called to Pastor a congregation herself. Broadneck Baptist had been searching for a pastor for three years. They were being served by an interim Pastor during that time. 

"There aren't many Baptist churches searching for women pastors," said Thornton with a smile, "but things just came together beautifully."

Thornton says that Broadneck Baptist is not like any other congregation she has ever been a part of.  She loves the diversity that she finds here. 

"There is a huge spectrum of people," she said. "They are very intentional about community and focused on children."

Thornton has a heart for the Broadneck community. She refers to the passage in 2 Corinthians, Verse 5 that speaks of the ministry of reconciliation. "My heart hopes that Broadneck moves into that role of being ministers of reconciliation," said Thornton. "Reconciliation is at the core of what I believe." she said.

One of the things Thornton enjoys the most about her congregation is their authentic worship. 

"I just love worshipping with them every week," she said.  "They bring their whole selves into it and it is a rare and beautiful thing."

Thornton says that Broadneck Baptist is very intentional in ministry to children. 

"We have a Wednesday night program called Wonderful Wednesdays where our children are learning songs, hearing lessons on faith and being encouraged in their own creativity. They are learning about their faith and what it means to them," she explained.

Broadneck also sponsors a one-week Music and Arts camp in the summer. Children learn and produce a musical that is presented at the end of the week.

For now, Thornton is working hard to respond to what she believes is her calling. "I know without a doubt that this is where God wants me to be. This is where I am to serve him and the people of the Broadneck community," she said.

Broadneck Baptist meets each Sunday for worship at 10 a.m.  The congregation is active in the following community ministries: DC Baptist Convention, Good News Prison Ministries, My Brother's Pantry and the Severna Park Assistance Network.