Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Lovell.
Hi Anita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born to Christian parents who served in the very church that I now pastor. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior at the age of 13 and was baptized according to His commandment. After Baptism, I went on to serve in multiple capacities within the church. The call for which I was born came in the year 2003 when God called me into the preaching ministry. I was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 2006 and ordained in 2011. I became the Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Canonsburg, PA in 2014 shortly after graduating from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in divinity. I am also a registered nurse with 37 years of experience at a major university hospital. Although I am now retired from the nursing profession, the skills that were developed in me as a nurse have worked well for me in the pastorate. My greatest joy is to teach and preach the Word of God while serving my congregation and our community.
I have pastored Mt. Olive for the last 11 years. In that time, we have had some difficult seasons, but we are now growing exponentially both spiritually and numerically. We are a small church, but we currently have 25 ministries and are very active in our community. Our core values include the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples, building community and serving others. We have gotten to where we are today by trusting God, following His instructions and allowing Him to bind us together as a family of believers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was a parishioner at Mt. Olive before I became her Pastor. Initially it was very difficult for the people to see me as their Pastor rather than their peer. Over time, that resolved and we now have a great Pastor/congregation relationship.
I am also the first female Pastor of the church. This caused some people to leave the church once I was installed as many were taught that women should not be permitted to serve in this capacity. Although people left during that season, God drew many more people to the church, and the fruit that He has produced over the years is extraordinary.
There were financial difficulties early on which resolved over time with teaching and prayer. I have learned that with God, indeed all things are possible!
Finally, our building is quite old and has come with significant challenges given its age. Thus far, God has provided and we have been able to cover all expenses related to needed repairs. It continues to be a beautiful church with amazing architecture.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Pastor, I am responsible for the spiritual leadership and welfare of the church. This takes on many forms from preaching God’s word every Sunday, administering the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, teaching Bible studies, participating in prayer meetings to ministering to the flock, providing counseling sessions, conducting funerals/memorial services and weddings.
I also provide administrative leadership to effectively guide the church in the attainment of its mission which is to seek the lost, disciple the saved and equip the body of Christ for ministry.
Finally, I have established relationships with leaders, both faith based and non-faith based, in our community. This allows Mt. Olive to partner with a number of entities that we might know the needs of the community and collaborate in an effort to meet those needs.
I am incredibly proud of the people at Mt. Olive Baptist Church because they have a heart for God and a love for everyone that they encounter. People matter to them! They will serve anyone that they can, and this is what sets them apart from all others in my opinion.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have many wonderful childhood memories related to the church and in my personal life. My favorite memories revolve around my relationship with my parents, especially my father. I was the baby of the family for 12 years. My father always played games with me and my older siblings. He repeatedly chose me to be on his team regardless of the game. He cheated every single time and because of that we won every game. It was thrilling to have him prop me up on his shoulders at the end of the game as though I was a true champion….good times!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mobccbg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mobccan?igsh=eWJ4MmsyM3phbnc3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKJoKm4i5/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mt.olivebaptistchurchccanon6903?si=wiDRxeSIPh0xe7sH
