Who Are We?

We are a community of faith which embraces and reflects the rich diversity of culture, language, race, ethnicity, and nationality that characterize our city and our world. We believe these differences should not divide, but rather enrich our common humanity and experience.

We are a community of hope and acceptance which embraces the future, while recognizing both the lessons and the reality of pain and failure that are part of the past. We value forgiveness and healing, as well as the courage, creativity and imagination to discover the possibilities of a future based on the promises of God.

We are a community of love, valuing each individual and responding with compassion to the needs of the world. We are a place where people are encouraged to grow and empowered to serve – in practical ways that make a difference in others' lives and our larger community. We are committed to the importance of relationships, and believe authentic friendship creates a family of faith where all are at home.

We hold to the historic Christian faith which remains not only viable but vibrant in the twenty-first century! We believe that the love, purpose, and salvation of God are fully revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that the Bible is the inspired Word of God; and that the Holy Spirit continues to transform lives today, empowering us to love and serve God and others throughout our journey in life.

Affiliations 

DC Baptist Convention
Founded in 1801, the District of Columbia Baptist Convention (DCBC) consists of 150 churches in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

Our churches vary in size, worship styles and ministry activities but each one is committed to building God’s kingdom in our community, nation and world.

DCBC is committed to strengthening our member churches to advance God’s kingdom. We strive to support our member churches by providing ministry resources and opportunities for networking, fellowship and training, and by undergirding their programs and activities. To access the DCBC site, click here.

Our Staff

Andreiev Kalupniek,   Worship Minister

Andreiev brings a great blend of passion, experience, and talent to his role of leading worship, both as a singer and from the piano and keyboard. He has 16 years experience as a music director, working with worship bands, choirs and instrumental groups. He also has worked as a music producer and engineer in professional recording and live sound systems, has a strong background in Information Technology, and cross-cultural communications and management experience.

Andreiev's education and work experience includes both Brazil and the United States, where he has a music degree from Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. He has served both English and Portuguese-speaking congregations in the United States (Massachusetts, California, Maryland, DC) and in Brazil. Andreiev and his wife Eliza, and daughters Julia and Isabella, have been at WABC since 2008, with Eliza also taking a leadership role on our worship team.

Barry Tillman,    Church Administrator

Barry comes from a rich and varied professional background. He was the Office Manager for Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council before accepting the combined role of WABC Church Administrator and City Gate Office Manager in March 2007. His duties encompass the day to day operations of the church and supervision of our facilities staff.

Having been affiliated with many church organizations and non-profit programs benefiting the community, Barry is excited about working with a church that is committed not only to its own membership but to serving the larger community. He also is a musician, and a founding member of Psalm 150, a small, independent choral ensemble whose passion is magnifying the name of the Lord through singing – using the medium of anthems, spirituals, hymns, as well as traditional gospel. He enjoys singing in the Senior Choir of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he is a member.

At WABC, Barry often steps out of his office role to assist with special musical programming, and feels blessed to be able to do God's work in a wonderful environment, and to be a part of such a loving church family.