He is passionate about ministry, expressive of the Word of God, a beloved Pastor, visionary, pioneer and shepherd, the Rev. Dr. Larry B. West is one of the emerging voices in ministry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.

 

A native of Albany, Georgia, Dr. West experienced Christian nurturing and baptism at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.  In 1981, he was ordained as a Deacon at the St. Paul Baptist Churchin La Grange, Georgia, and ordained as a Minister in 1993 under the leadership of his pastor, the late Rev. John Lewis Wright of the First Baptist Church of Guilford located in Columbia, Maryland.  In May 2002, Dr. West accepted the call to the Mount Airy Baptist Church after having served as pastor of the New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., for nine years.

 

Dr. West holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management from the University of Georgia, a Master’s Degree in Theology from United Baptist College and Seminary and a Doctorate in Religious Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. 

 

Upon coming to Mount Airy Baptist Church, Dr. West envisioned that the Lord is challenging the congregation to do greater and more wonderful works!  In addition to the already existing Friday night Bible study, Dr. West developed a Tuesday night Bible study.  A Wednesday morning Bible study was also developed to accommodate many who cannot attend at night.  He initiated a Children's Church and made provisions for increased activities to involve the children and youth.  He formed a monthly Solemn Assembly to bring all ministries together in an effort to share information and plans.  The development of the Family Life Ministry by Dr. West provides personal and spiritual attention to every member, potential members, and especially the sick, elderly and home bound persons of the church.

 

Dr. West has a heart for God and is faithful to the calling God has placed upon his life. His love and passion toward the people of God compels him to get in the trenches and stand side by side with those in need.  He is personable and professional, caring and concerned, progressive and proactive, innovative and industrious and possesses a willing mind and a willing spirit. His inspired preaching and teaching touch the lives of those who witness his ministry and have compelled many to live a life in Christ.

 

Dr. West is Chair, of the Board of Directors, of the National Baptist Convention, USA.  He serves on the Executive Committee of the Missionary Baptist Ministers’ Conference, and chairs the membership committee. He is affiliated with the Wednesday Morning Clergy Fellowship, and is the immediate former President of the National Capital Baptist Convention of Washington, DC and Vicinity.

 

Dr. West is very active in the Northwest One community and serves on the advisory board of the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.  He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

 

Dr. West is married to his college sweetheart, Gwen. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law and three adorable grandchildren.