
Quick Facts
Founded
1862
Denomination
Alliance of Baptists / CBF / ABC-USA
Service Times
Sunday mornings (see website)
Men's Ministry
No
Kids Ministry
Yes
Pastor Credentials
MDiv

10-Point Theological Scorecard
Christology
Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)
Nominally Trinitarian.
Caution
Scripture
Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?
Alliance of Baptists — the most progressive Baptist body; fully affirming.
WARNING!
Men's Discipleship
Intentional formation for men?
None.
WARNING!
Soteriology
Faith alone? How is salvation presented?
Progressive.
Caution
Gender / Biblical Design
Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?
Female married couple as co-pastors.

Married lesbian couple co-pastoring.
Disqualifier
Leadership Structure
Male elders/pastors? Accountability?
Married lesbian couple co-pastoring — first openly same-sex clergy couple to lead a historic Baptist church.
WARNING!
Preaching Style
Expository or topical/therapeutic?
Progressive-justice.
WARNING!
Mission Clarity
Great Commission central?
Activism.
Caution
Cultural Alignment
DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?
Flagship progressive-Baptist congregation; publicly celebrated their calling of a same-sex clergy couple in 2017.
Disqualifier
Accountability Structure
Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?
Alliance of Baptists / CBF / ABC-USA.
Disqualifier

Assessment
Calvary Baptist DC made national news in 2017 when it called Maria Swearingen and Sally Sarratt — a married lesbian couple — as co-senior pastors. The church is affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and ABC-USA, all of which permit or affirm LGBTQ clergy. The most direct disqualification possible.
#calvary-dc#alliance-of-baptists#cbf#abc-usa#lesbian-co-pastors#affirming#egalitarian

Last reviewed:
2026-05-16
— Annual review recommended