Oak Level Baptist Church

About Us

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day

1 Corinthians 15: 3-4

We are a church that proclaims, in the words of Paul,
Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected.

Oak Level Baptist Church was founded in July 1879, starting with nine charter members. We give "God all praise and honor for the accomplishments made" within these walls, our community, and abroad. (1976; Service of Dedication Bulletin; Historical Highlights)

Oak Level Baptist did not make its home originally in it's present location until 1923, at which time it received its name due to the multitude of oak trees in this location.

We are surrounded by a growing community and are actively seeking to encourage each person we come into contact with to have a closer relationship with Christ. We hope you come and join us in Worship, Praise, Ministry, and Fellowship!

Our Pastor

Dr. Ricky Downing

Pastor@oaklevel.org

Dr. Downing was born in Lexington, NC, and is married to the former Ginger Batchelor Matthews. He has Four children and 9 grandchildren and 1 Great grandchild. He has resided in North Carolina most of his life. He attended North Davidson High School, and joined the United States Army in 1972, where he served over six years as a Communications Chief and a Chaplain's Assistant.

Dr. Downing accepted the call to the ministry in 1975, and began preaching and was licensed in 1976, at Magnolia Baptist Church in Stedman, NC. In 1979 after being honorably discharged from the Army, Dr. Downing began studies at Campbell University where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Religion. Dr. Downing attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Luther Rice Seminary, and graduated from South Atlantic Seminary with a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry.

Dr. Downing has served numerous churches throughout North and South Carolina, as well as teaching New Testament, Old Testament, Prophecy, and Apologetics at South Atlantic Seminary. He is also the president and evangelist for Reconciliation Ministries, Inc. founded in 1986.

Planning to visit us this Sunday?

We look forward to meeting you! Feel free to park anywhere when you arrive. Most people in our congregation dress in business casual. There is childcare for infants through 5th grade. If you have any additional questions, feel free to call or email our church office.