Senior Pastor
Rev. Julian A. Thompson
Pilgrim's fifth pastor, installed October 5, 2025. Formerly senior pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Blair, South Carolina.
Meet Pastor Thompson
Our Story (85 Years of Ministry)
About Our Church
In God's divine plan, a mustard seed was planted on the corner of Senate Avenue and St. Clair Street in 1939. Today it stands as a mighty tree — five pastors, three sanctuaries, and one faithful congregation still serving Indianapolis.
The Full Story
A legacy of faith, fellowship, and service.
From 37 charter members gathered in a rented tabernacle to a congregation worshipping in a sanctuary they built and paid off together, Pilgrim's history is a testimony to God's provision. Follow our journey through the ministry of the five pastors who have shepherded this flock.
At A Glance
Leadership & Weekly Life
Ministerial Staff
Associate Ministers
- Rev. Gerald Butler
- Rev. Warren Belton
- Rev. Joe Bailey
Sunday Worship
Church Services
- Sunday School9:30 AM
- Worship Service11:00 AM
Midweek
Bible Study
Wednesdays · 6:30 PM
In-person in the sanctuary and streamed online. All ages welcome.
Music Ministry
Choir Rehearsal
Thursdays · 7:00 PM
Singers and musicians are invited to lift their voices with the Pilgrim music family.
For the Kids
Children's Church
Held during 11:00 AM worship on the 3rd Sunday of each month — an age-appropriate service where children learn, sing, and grow in God's Word.
1939 – 1967
Chapter 1
Our Beginnings
Rev. Forrest Jefferson
On February 27, 1939, Rev. Forrest Jefferson led 37 charter members in organizing Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church at the Union Tabernacle Building on Senate Avenue and St. Clair Street. Rev. S. S. Reed of St. John Missionary Baptist Church presided over the founding. Under Rev. Jefferson's fervent preaching, the congregation moved to 19th and Boulevard Place in December 1948, then to 30th and Clifton Street in May 1957. He served faithfully until God called him home on March 25, 1967. Rev. John Browder served as interim pastor until December 1968.
1968 – 2004
Chapter 2
Rebuilding and Rising
Rev. Dr. Stacy R. Shields
In December 1968, Rev. Stacy R. Shields accepted the call from First Baptist Church of Campbellsville, Kentucky. When fire destroyed the church building in May 1970, Rev. Shields led the congregation in rebuilding — completing construction in April 1971 at 3001–3003 Clifton Street, later adding a balcony and educational wing. Pilgrim became a nationally recognized leader in Christian Education. In 2003, ground was broken for a new sanctuary at 1060 West 30th Street. Though Rev. Shields was called to rest in March 2004, Pilgrim entered the new facility that May.
2005 – 2022
Chapter 3
Vision and Expansion
Rev. Dr. LeRoy Wadlington
During the pastoral transition, Rev. Benjamin Mitchell III served as interim pastor. On November 5, 2005, Pilgrim called Rev. Dr. LeRoy Wadlington from Second Baptist Church of Oxford, Mississippi. He expanded ministries, launched a multimedia lab, and partnered with Gleaners Food Bank. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Pilgrim adapted with livestreamed worship and online giving. A capital campaign replaced the church roof. After sixteen years, Dr. Wadlington retired in February 2022 as Pastor Emeritus and was called home in November 2022.
2022 – 2024
Chapter 4
Renewal
Rev. Jeffrey A. Johnson II
In October 2022, Pilgrim welcomed Rev. Jeffrey A. Johnson II, associate pastor of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, as senior pastor. He began his service on November 15, 2022, guiding the congregation through grief and renewal. The Connect Team, Children's Church, and Community Outreach Team were launched or revitalized. In February 2025, the congregation celebrated the burning of the church mortgage — a milestone of God's provision. In November 2024, Pastor Johnson was called to return to Eastern Star Church as lead pastor.
2025 – Present
Chapter 5
A New Chapter
Rev. Julian A. Thompson
On August 23, 2025, Pilgrim called Rev. Julian A. Thompson, senior pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Blair, South Carolina, to serve as the congregation's fifth pastor. He began his ministry with Pilgrim on October 5, 2025, ushering in an exciting new chapter in the life of the church.
Read More →Get Involved
Our Ministries
There is a place for you to worship, grow, and serve at Pilgrim. Explore our ministries below and reach out through the Join page when you're ready to plug in.
Bible Study & Christian Education
From midweek Bible study to Sunday School and Christian Education, we dig into Scripture together — verse by verse — learning to rightly divide the Word of Truth and apply it in daily life.
Serve Areas
Book Scholarship Committee
Each year, the Book Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to Pilgrim students pursuing higher education — celebrating academic achievement and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Bus Ministry
The Bus Ministry provides transportation to Sunday worship and church events for members and neighbors who need a ride — because getting to God's house should never be a barrier.
Choir & Music
Our adult choir, under the direction of our Minister of Music, leads the congregation into the presence of God through gospel, hymns, and anthems each Sunday and at special services throughout the year.
Community Outreach
Our Outreach team serves the Near Northwest side of Indianapolis through food distribution, back-to-school drives, holiday assistance, and partnerships with local organizations like Gleaners Food Bank.
Deacons & Trustees
Our Deacons and Trustees — appointed by the Pastor — serve the spiritual and stewardship needs of the church: caring for members, supporting the ordinances, and overseeing the resources God has entrusted to Pilgrim.
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Ministry uses movement, drama, and creative expression to glorify God — ministering to the congregation during worship, holidays, and special services throughout the year.
Serve Areas
Hospitality — Ushers & Connect Team
Our Ushers and Connect Team greet guests, seat the congregation, and follow up with visitors and members alike — making sure everyone who enters Pilgrim feels seen, welcomed, and at home.
Serve Areas
I.M.P.A.C.T. Media Ministry
The I.M.P.A.C.T. Media Ministry uses creative and technical gifts to extend the reach of the Gospel — capturing worship, producing content, and stewarding Pilgrim's presence in the digital space. There is a place to serve for every skill set.
Serve Areas
Lazarus Generation
Lazarus Generation is a ministry dedicated to raising up young men — calling them out of the tomb and into the fullness of life Christ died to give. Through mentorship, brotherhood, and discipleship, we pour into the next generation of Kingdom men.
Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry equips men to be godly husbands, fathers, and leaders in their homes, workplaces, and community. Through Bible study, fellowship, mentorship, and service projects, we sharpen one another and grow together in Christ.
Missionary Ministry
The Missionary Ministry carries the love of Christ beyond our walls — visiting the sick and shut-in, praying for the community, and leading mission efforts that meet spiritual and practical needs.
Pantry & Kitchen Committee
The Pantry serves families in need throughout the community, while the Kitchen Committee oversees repasts, Thanksgiving meals, and fellowship gatherings that keep the Pilgrim family well-fed and well-loved.
Pilgrim Youth Academy
Pilgrim Youth Academy pours into our children and teens — building faith, character, and leadership for the next generation through worship, teaching, and creative arts.
Serve Areas
Security Ministry
The Security Ministry provides a safe, welcoming environment for worship, ministry gatherings, and community events at Pilgrim.
Women's Ministry
The Women's Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of women through Bible study, fellowship, conferences, and outreach — supporting one another in every season as daughters, wives, mothers, professionals, and servants of Christ.
Serve Areas
Looking Ahead
The next chapter is being written.
We give thanks to God for His abundant blessings throughout our journey. As we continue to grow in grace, we remain committed to doing what is pleasing in His sight — serving our community, nurturing faith, and glorifying His name.