Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church — Attraction in Atlanta

Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church is unique in the truest and best sense of the word...it is a one-of-a-kind, delightful oasis for those looking for top-quality, traditional, inspiring, creative worship experiences. The church also provides a wide variety of opportunities for people of all ages to study the Bible in small groups and to discover and use their individual spiritual gifts to meet the needs of others--within the church and throughout the community--all in an atmosphere of authentic, caring, Christian fellowship. I should also add that the superb music ministry is second to none and consistently provides outstanding inspiration for everyone.

Having recently retired from serving as a pastor for over 50 years, you would not be surprised to learn that my wife and I have specific and high expectations of a congregation that in our retirement years we could call "home." For months, we have searched all over Atlanta for a church that offers the characteristics that I noted above...and we have found them all in Second-Ponce. Therefore, a couple of months ago, we became members the church, driving 64 miles roundtrip so that we may regularly participate in the life of the church.

For us, the "icing on the cake" at Second-Ponce are the exceptional sermons shared by the senior pastor, Dr. Dock Hollingsworth, and the associate pastor, Dr. David Hull...both of them carefully and expertly prepare their biblically-based and life-oriented sermons and deliver them with warmth and in engaging, interesting ways so that all of us worshipers are motivated and equipped to live out the teachings of God's Word in the challenging world in which we find ourselves. They are among the very best preachers that we have every heard!

I am grateful that we have the opportunity of being a part of this unique... one-of-a-kind...wonderful congregation! ...

Great community support based on their commitment to their faith.

Second-Ponce has been rooted as more traditional Baptist Church belonging to both the southern baptist and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The 11:00 is a more traditional service with a great music program. They also have a more relaxed service with a band on Sunday afternoon. They have a live stream for those who want to "tele-worship."

They have a number of community outreach programs but I am particular impressed with their efforts to help others that are not of their faith like the hungry, homeless and underprivileged.

They do great work with youth. Like many churches, they have a preschool and kids programs around worship. They also reach out to the youth of other communities. They are very supportive of Garden Hills elementary by supplying people and equipment for things like the school festival as well as helping to upgrade the playground. They have a mission program that makes a real difference in the community of underprivileged children in Miami.

I applaud them for being clear that their actions aren't just about being "good people" but are a reflection of a commitment to knowing Christ and...

I give the choir and orchestra 5 stars and the preacher 1 star. It's a shame because it's a beautiful sanctuary and it should be "sold out" on Sundays, but it's not because Dr. Hollingsworth is a total snoozer! He needs to join Toastmasters and learn how to put some enthusiasm into his sermons, learn how to make people think, learn how to move people emotionally! It’s never too late to learn and grow! Hello?!? Here's one example of how clueless he is...

One Sunday, the choir and orchestra did this amazing song, and as I was listening, I was thinking, "This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard." When Dr. Hollingsworth stepped up to the podium, he could have turned to the choir and said something about how beautiful the song was and what a wonderful choir and orchestra the church has, and then started an applause - it would have been a special heart felt moment that went along with the music. Instead, he stepped up to the podium and went into another one of his boring sermons and totally killed the buzz I had from the song. I love the choir and orchestra, but I can't stand boring good ol' boy southern preachers - so...