Who We Are

Pastor Jim Gerlt and his wife Judy.

Our Pastor

Jim Gerlt, a retired pastor who served in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri for 46 years, came to Olivet as an interim pastor in late 2023. His willingness to come and lead us forward has been a blessing that has encouraged, challenged, and changed us. Jim’s wife, Judy, has served with an equal commitment, leading Bible Study, and women’s fellowship. Their unity in service and love for the Lord has blessed us beyond measure.

The Gerlts have enthusiastically led us in developing a vision for ministry to a diverse community. As an inner-city church, the needs are often challenging but, with their leadership and love for missions, we have come to see God’s design for us in this place and this time.

While serving in his last position as Executive Pastor of Bacon Heights Baptist Church, he was elected to the City Council of Lubbock, Texas and served as Mayor Pro Tem. As we grow forward, Jim has used this experience, along with his many years of pastoring, to guide us in preparing for our next chapter.

When the Gerlts came to Olivet, Jim immediately claimed “It’s a New Day at Olivet!” That “new day” is laying the foundation for the next 115 years of Olivet’s members serving God and being a light in our community.

Olivet Baptist Church is a traditional, nonreformed church that believes that Christ died for the sins of the world and desires that all will have the gift of salvation and the promise of heaven. We believe that the responsibility of the Church is to share the gospel with everyone – the Good News of God’s love, as proven through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus who was sinless, yet crucified for the sins of the world. This Good News brings forgiveness, salvation, restoration, guidance, hope, and the daily presence of a loving Father.

We worship in a historic place with a rich history of preaching God’s Word, worship through music, and a commitment to local, state, national, and international mission efforts. The history of Olivet has created a foundation on which we continue to build.

We are committed to sharing the love of Christ and fostering the spiritual growth of those who seek to know the Lord on a personal basis. As an inner-city church, we seek to develop awareness of the needs of those in our community; identify and create opportunities to minister and witness in this, our unique mission field; and live as examples of the immeasurable, unconditional, and unwavering love of Christ.