Business Details
50+ Years
experience
El Vista Baptist Church - Worship, Education & Community in Peoria
El Vista Baptist Church has served the Lord in Peoria since 1949, offering worship services, Sunday School, and community outreach programs. Our mission focuses on biblical preservation, evangelism, and spiritual growth through traditional King James Bible teachings. With multiple weekly services, a Spanish ministry, and youth programs, we prioritize Bible-based education and global missions. Our experienced pastoral team, including Pastor Joey Watt with over 35 years of service, leads a diverse congregation in worship, prayer, and outreach.We maintain a strong commitment to conservative Christian values, operating a Christian academy since 1981 and providing transportation and hearing-impaired accommodations. Through regular missionary conferences and global partnerships, we actively support evangelism efforts worldwide while maintaining local community engagement through soul-winning initiatives and bus ministry programs.
Services
Sunday Worship
Sunday School
Spanish Ministry
Youth Programs
Missionary Outreach
Christian Academy
Prayer Meetings
Bible Study
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- Serving Peoria since 1949 with proven community impact
- Offering Spanish-language services since 2009 with weekly programs
- Maintaining a Christian academy with Abeka and ACE curricula
- Providing hearing-impaired accommodations and transportation services
- Supporting global missions through annual Faith Promise Conference
What people say
Traditional hymns
Welcoming community
Strong youth programs
Biblical teaching
Spanish ministry
Services
Sunday Worship
Traditional Christian worship services held weekly with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and main service at 10:30 a.m. Features include choir-led music, scripture readings, and expository sermons based on the King James Bible. Services emphasize biblical preservation and evangelism through structured programs for all age groups.
Spanish Ministry
Spanish-language services and Sunday School since 2009 under Pastor Jorge Montoya. Includes weekly worship at 10:30 a.m. and evening service at 6 p.m. Features live streaming on Facebook and community outreach programs. Ministry has grown to average 30 attendees per service with bilingual resources and cultural engagement.
Christian Academy
K-9 Christian day school operating since 1981 using Abeka and ACE curricula. Combines academic instruction with biblical teachings following Deuteronomy 6:4 principles. Offers tuition discounts for multiple children and maintains focus on scriptural foundation alongside standard educational requirements.
Missionary Outreach
Annual Faith Promise Conference supports global missionaries through donations and prayer. Programs include Bible Tracts ministry, Jewish Evangelism, and church planting initiatives. Features missionary speakers, educational resources, and supply drives for field workers. Maintains partnerships with international ministries like BIMI and CCA.
Youth Programs
Comprehensive youth development with Sunday School, Power Hour, and Wednesday night activities. Includes Patch the Pirate Club for grades 1-6 and teen soul-winning initiatives. Led by Pastor Phil Lancaster with structured programs for spiritual growth, community service, and Christian fellowship.
People
Pastor Joey Watt
Senior Pastor
Serving since 1986, Pastor Watt grew up at El Vista and graduated from Tennessee Temple College. He previously pastored in Indiana before returning to lead El Vista's ministry. With over 35 years of service, he focuses on biblical preservation and community outreach while maintaining traditional worship practices.
Pastor Phil Lancaster
Music & Teen Director
Music and Teen Director since 1982, Pastor Lancaster oversees musical ministry and youth programs. A graduate of Tennessee Temple College, he leads the choir and orchestra while directing teen activities including Power Hour and Wednesday night programs with his wife Randi.
Pastor Jorge Montoya
Spanish Pastor
Spanish Pastor since 2009, Pastor Montoya established the church's Spanish ministry with weekly services and Sunday School. His outreach includes live streaming on Facebook and community engagement programs. The ministry has grown to average 30 attendees per service while maintaining traditional worship practices.
Mrs. Randi Lancaster
K4-1st Grade Teacher
Teaching at El Vista Baptist Academy for 25 years, Mrs. Lancaster uses Abeka curriculum for early education. She also leads the Patch the Pirate Club and supports youth ministry activities with her husband Phil. Graduated from Tennessee Temple University.
Mrs. Diane Lynn
Learning Center Supervisor
Supervisor of the ACE curriculum center, Mrs. Lynn graduated from Hyles-Anderson College. She coordinates educational programs while supporting her husband's ministry at First Baptist Church, Creve Coeur. Focuses on maintaining academic standards with biblical principles.
Questions
What are your Sunday service times?
Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by morning service at 10:30 a.m. Evening services begin at 6 p.m.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes, we have Spanish Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jorge Montoya.
What youth programs are available?
We offer Sunday School, Power Hour, and Wednesday night activities for teens, plus Patch the Pirate Club for grades 1-6.
How can I donate to the church?
Donate through Givelify app, cash, or checks during services. We also accept online contributions via our website.
Is there a Christian school available?
Yes, El Vista Baptist Academy provides K-9 education using Abeka and ACE curricula since 1981.
Do you have hearing-impaired accommodations?
Yes, we provide interpreted services and special activities for the hearing impaired.
