A CHURCH WHERE YOU ARE VALUED & CARED FOR
Welcoming Believers to Our Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA
Starting April 7th, 2024
Our Sunday morning worship will begin at
10:00 am
and Sunday School will begin at
9:00 am
For Wednesday Night Bible Study, it always starts at 6:45 PM
Are You Ready to Connect with Us?
I'M A NEW MEMBER
We are so pleased that you have chosen us as your spiritual home and church family. Find out about the latest at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church by visiting this website. Have questions? Give us a call!
I'M INTERESTED IN JOINING
Are you new to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and interested in receiving more information? We're more than happy to help. Get started on your spiritual journey and reach out to us today!
I WANT TO GET INVOLVED
Stay connected within our church community and become involved in planning our outreach, missions, and church events. To learn more about becoming involved, reach out to us today!
MEET OUR PASTOR
Dr. Melvin Cotton Jr. serves as pastor of THE Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA. Dr. Cotton is a native of Portsmouth, VA. He is the son of the late Myra A. Cotton and Melvin Cotton Sr. He is a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School located in Portsmouth, VA. As a liberation preacher, Dr. Cotton believes that education is liberation.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion from Liberty University. Dr. Cotton continued his education at Virginia Union University’s, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity degree, a Master of Arts in Christian Education degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Preaching and Social Concern. His dissertation was titled “Preaching Through Black Pain: Prescriptive Proclamation in Relation to Mass Incarceration”, which argues that the awareness of mass incarceration is the first action to the healing of this particular black pain. Dr. Cotton was licensed and ordained during his tenure at Grove Baptist Church Vision of Truth Ministries while under the tutelage of Pastor Dr. Melvin O. Marriner.
While at Grove Baptist Church he was a member of the “Keepers of the Flame” ministerial team and served in numerous church ministries. Dr. Cotton has a passion for the youth, and he frequently speaks at various schools and youth programs across Hampton Roads. He is the 2014 recipient of the “Miles Jerome Jones Preaching Award”, an elected School Board Member (Portsmouth), served as the 2nd vice-president of the MLK Leadership steering committee, a volunteer chaplain at Sentara Obici Hospital and is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Cotton started his pastoral journey at the New Genesis Baptist Church Virginia Beach on September 1, 2013. Under his leadership the ministry continued to prosper and thrive.
After ten years and three months of faithful service, Dr. Cotton followed God’s voice and was called to serve as pastor of THE Mount Carmel Baptist Church in his hometown city Portsmouth, VA. On December 10, 2023, the congregants of THE Mount Carmel Baptist Church under God’s authority called Dr. Cotton to serve and lead them as their pastor. Since his start date of January 1, 2024, God is using him to build a full proof ministry that truly understands God as a liberator. Although Dr. Cotton has many accomplishments and accolades, they are not his main concern. His heart’s desire is to preach and teach the unadulterated Word of God with the hope of transforming lives. He stands firmly on Galatians 1:11-12, “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ”.
Dr. Cotton looks at himself not as a product of his environment, but a survivor of his environment. His mission is to speak life to and reach out to those considered to be unreachable. Dr. Cotton is the husband of Rev. Lakeesha M. Cotton. They have four children Yazmine, Melvin, Keyana and Caleb. The Cotton family currently reside in Portsmouth, VA
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP: 9:45 AM, Communion (1st Sunday)
VIRTUAL WORSHIP: Join Sunday Morning Worship from anywhere!
Live from Mt. Carmel: Sunday Morning Worship Service
Join us for our live-streamed Sunday Worship Service at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Feel the community's warmth from anywhere, as our live stream brings you close to our praise, sermons, and music.
Available wherever you are – at home or on the go. Our digital doors are always open, inviting you to connect and be part of our extended family. Embrace faith and fellowship with us every Sunday, live.
Live from Mt. Carmel: Wednesday Night Bible Study
Experience the spiritual journey of Wednesday Night Bible Study with us at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Delve into scripture, connect with fellow believers, and deepen your faith through our engaging live-streamed sessions.
Whether you're at home or on the move, our virtual doors are wide open, welcoming you to join our vibrant community of seekers. Come, be a part of our Wednesday night gatherings, where faith comes alive and hearts are transformed.
Helping You Grow in Your Faith
Our Church Offers a Beacon of Hope
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church is one of the oldest places of worship in Portsmouth, Virginia. Prominently located in the Historic Truxton community. Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church was founded on January 14, 1921, by nine individuals and is a beacon of hope for individuals from all walks of life. The mission of Mt. Carmel is to Reach, Teach, and Minister to anyone Ready, Willing, or Able to commence and grow a relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our Doctrinal Statement
The Scriptures:
We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired word of God and is inerrant in the original writings. The Bible being the revealed word of God is the ground and foundation from which all claims of truth shall be substantiated. The word of God is alive and quick! Through God's sovereign hand, the scriptures have been preserved and are the supreme and final authority.

God:
We believe that there is only one true and living God existing in three persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is a distinct person, but all of one essence and all having the same nature, perfections, and attributes, and each is worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience.
Jesus Christ:
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, shed his blood on Calvary in our place, was buried, rose again, and ascended to the Father according to the scripture.
Learn About Our Ministries:
AWANA MINISTRY
A worldwide youth and children's ministry centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, AWANA helps churches and parents raise children to know, love and serve our Lord, Jesus Christ.
AWANA is one of the nation’s fastest-growing children and youth organizations. Our program is centered on a weekly (every Sunday at 5:00 PM, September – May) club night, which includes:
Game Time: (packed with exciting activities that include both team and individual competitions).
Large and Small Group Time: (a learning time focused on the importance of God’s Word for daily living).
Council Time: (includes group Bible study, as well as awards and recognitions for individual and group achievements).
Snack Time: (water and lots of goodies for kids and adults).
AWANA stands for Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). Contact our church office for an application and more information.
FOOD MINISTRY
They will neither hunger nor thirst nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. (Isaiah 49:10)
Mt. Carmel's Food Ministry is committed to excellence in service, products, and operation. We treat all people with respect, dignity, and courtesy. We are honest and fair in our dealings with others. We use the resources wisely and with accountability to the public and the environment. This ministry assists the elderly, single parents, disaster victims, short-term unemployed, and individuals in need of emergency food. We serve the members and community monthly by giving a box of canned and dry food items on the second Wednesday.
MT. CARMEL MUSIC MINISTRY
The Music Ministry at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church is led by church elder, Michael E. Gray, Senior Minister of Music.
Mission/Vision Statement:
To exalt God by utilizing our musical gift to sing His praises and tell of His salvation, goodness, and love through songs.
Interested in Joining Us?
We would LOVE to have you join our ministry family! Our basic prerequisites include the completion of Mt. Carmel New Member classes, attendance at rehearsals, and regular participation in worship services and midweek services.
Why Give to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church?
Thank you in advance for your generous gifts! When you worship God through giving, it’s a sign of obedience to his Word, but it’s also a response to the blessings he’s given you. You’re investing in your future. When you give, it’s your faith in action… you believe God’s promise that he will continue to meet your needs and give you bountiful blessings. Because of givers like you, Mt. Carmel has the resources to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our members and our community. Your donations help to support:
• Operational needs of the church
• Outreach Ministries
• Educational material
There are several ways you can give. Drop your gift in an offering basket at a Sunday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night service, or mail your gift to:
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
3310 Deep Creek Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23702
You can also click the link below to give online.
Embracing the Transition
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church is actively seeking a pastor. Our former pastor retired this past summer (June 2022) after being the longest-tenured pastor in the church’s 101-year history. For information about the status of our search, please contact the pastoral search committee by calling or emailing us today.
Calendar of Church Events
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
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