In 1979, Myers Park Baptist Church found itself standing at a crossroads where conviction met consequence. It was a year marked not by quiet assent, but by faithful risk—risk taken in worship, in leadership, and in the church’s understanding of call and community. From the pulpit to global partnerships, from pastoral leadership to people in the pews, the congregation leaned into its belief that the gospel, when lived honestly, asks something of us. What emerged was a clearer expression of the church’s identity: a community shaped by courage, grounded in grace, and willing to trust God’s continuing work among us.

When Welcome Was a Witness: Worship with Rev. Carter Heyward
In a moment that tested the congregation’s commitment to openness and justice, Myers Park Baptist Church welcomed Rev. Carter Heyward to preach before a packed congregation of more than 900 people. Rev. Heyward, a Charlotte native and nationally known Episcopal priest, had sparked significant controversy months earlier when she publicly named herself as homosexual. Although she had been invited to speak prior to that announcement, some church leaders urged that the invitation be withdrawn. Rev. Dr. Gene Owens chose instead to honor the invitation, setting the stage for a defining moment in the church’s life and drawing the attention of news organizations like the Charlotte Observer.

On the morning of her visit, the tension that had surrounded the event gave way to a spirit of worship and expectation. Dr. Owens publicly affirmed Rev. Heyward, naming her commitment to resisting oppression and expressing a hope that love would be stronger than disagreement. In humility and expectation, he welcomed her warmly, saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I welcome you, sister. We have waited for you—expectantly, divisively, painfully, joyfully… Preach the gospel to us.” Which she did.

Rev. Heyward’s sermon offered a bold theological claim: that people often search for God in distant, abstract places, while Jesus points instead to God’s presence and power at work in the world. To follow Christ, she proclaimed, is to participate in God’s justice-making love—risky, transformative work that demands solidarity across divisions and care for the vulnerable.

The congregation responded with attentiveness and, ultimately, warmth—greeting her with appreciation and affirmation following the service. The service concluded not in division, but in gratitude and affirmation, standing as a lived testimony to a congregation willing to practice hospitality even when it carried a cost. Reflecting afterward, Dr. Owens noted that the service had been deeply moving and suggested that when given the space, grace and truth could speak more powerfully than fear or division. The moment stood as a lived expression of the church’s identity: a community willing to wrestle with difficult questions while choosing hospitality, courage, and the inclusive love of Christ. 

Faith Beyond Borders: Exploring Mission Partnership in Haiti
In 1979, the church also looked outward with intentionality, celebrating the sending of Vikki Yeghoyan to Haiti for a two‑month mission experience in partnership with the American Baptist Mission. Building on prior relationships, her work emphasized sustainable ministry—supporting local artisans and fostering a deeper understanding of culturally rooted mission practices.

With deep personal ties to Haiti and fluency in language and culture, Vikki’s presence reflected the church’s growing commitment to mutuality rather than mission at a distance. Her experience became an important lens through which the congregation discerned its future engagement in global mission—anchored in learning, trust, and long‑term partnership.

Growing the Team: New Leaders for a Changing Church
Responding to the evolving needs of the congregation, Myers Park Baptist Church welcomed new staff members to expand and strengthen its ministries. Rev. Richard D. Sutton joined the church as Minister of Education, bringing significant pastoral experience and training in family ministry, counseling, and group work. His leadership supported the church’s commitment to spiritual formation across the lifespan.

Following long‑range planning during the 1978 Church Planning Retreat, the congregation also identified the need for focused leadership in youth ministry and missions. Dale Mullennix was called to fill this role, bringing a newly earned Master of Divinity degree along with experience as an Ecumenical Minister and youth center director. His energy and vision enriched the church’s engagement with young people and outreach efforts.

Forming Tomorrow’s Ministers: The Graduate Intern Program
Through a generous endowment gift, the church welcomed Joan Jennings Hope as a graduate “theologian‑in‑residence” student intern. With strong theological training and diverse ministry experience, she contributed meaningfully to the life of the congregation while continuing her vocational journey. Her presence embodied the church’s long‑standing dedication to nurturing and mentoring emerging leaders and investing in the future of ministry.

Called and Still Calling: A Statement of Faith on Ordination
In 1979, the congregation articulated a clear and thoughtful statement of faith regarding ordination. Grounded in a rich and diverse Christian heritage, the church affirmed that God continues to call individuals into ministry and that ordination is fundamentally a communal act of discernment—recognizing gifts for leadership and service in the life of the church. 

This evolving understanding reflected a deeper theological conviction: that God is still creating, still calling, and still inviting the church to participate in that holy work.

A Shared Song: Community Life and Celebration
The church’s life together was enriched by moments of joy and celebration. A special hymn festival led by Dr. Erik Routley brought together Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian communities for shared worship and learning, strengthening ecumenical bonds.

The congregation also honored longtime member Anita Stroud on the occasion of her 80th birthday, celebrating her faithful service.

In Marney, church member Mary Kratt brought the congregation’s memory to life through a 96‑page collection of stories from congregants, children, news sources, friends, and foes, enriched with Marney’s own words. The book stands as a tribute to the enduring influence of Myers Park Baptist Church’s second senior minister and a gift of remembrance for future generations.

Faith at Work: Educating Children in the Community
Living out its commitment to service, volunteers from Myers Park Baptist Church continued their annual involvement in the Chantilly School Tutoring Program, sponsored by the Board of Missions. Serving children in grades one through six, the program embodied the church’s belief that education, care, and presence are vital expressions of Christian witness.

Taken together, the events of 1979 tell the story of a church willing to trust the Spirit’s leading, even when the path forward was uncertain. Through courageous worship, thoughtful leadership, global engagement, and faithful service, Myers Park Baptist Church continued to define itself not by fear or familiarity, but by faithfulness to the gospel’s call. It was a year that affirmed an enduring truth: when a congregation chooses courage shaped by love, it becomes a place where grace is not only preached—but practiced.