Reverend Pernell E. Baker is an Associate Minister. He serves as worship leader, preacher, disciple, and gospel singer at Olive Branch. Formally trained in theology and Christianity, he skillfully uses the captivating art of storytelling to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. A servant called by God and a true disciple of Jesus Christ, Reverend Baker is changing lives in the congregation and community through dedication, prayer, storytelling, praise, instruction and outreach.

Reverend Baker has served as retreat director for the DC Baptist Convention, and he has served in various workshops in ministry for the 2nd National Ketoctan Baptist Association, an organization of churches in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland that seeks to nurture spiritual growth and maturity.

A native of Coalwood, West Virginia, raised in Buffalo, New York, Reverend Baker is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran (2nd Class Petty Officer). He is married to the former Gloria J. Colson-Valdes, who serves as Chair of Olive Branch’s Music Ministry. The Bakers reside in Silver Spring, Maryland; they have four children and ten grandchildren.