We're Baptist -
just not like you expect.
A joyful, justice-minded church in the heart of Midtown Manhattan,
Madison Avenue Baptist Church is a family where all are welcome and valued—
no matter your background, identity, questions, or story.
We believe faith should widen the table, not shrink it.
Jesus showed us what radical love and inclusive hospitality look like
and, in our human way, we try to follow.
Join us on the journey!
REV. SUSAN SPARKS, SENIOR PASTOR & REV. ASHLEY BAIR, PASTORAL FELLOW Our Pastors Aren’t What You Expect
Senior Pastor Susan Sparks is a trial lawyer turned Baptist minister and standup comedian whose path to ministry has taken her from courtrooms to comedy clubs to Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta. A nationally touring preacher, speaker, and comic, she also performs with a rabbi and a Muslim comic in the Laugh in Peace Tour—bringing humor, compassion, and unexpected honesty to conversations about faith.
Pastoral Fellow Ashley Bair (not a standup comedian) is a Presbyterian minister, made in the Midwest and currently living in Brooklyn, NY. You’ll likely find her making messy art, reading lengthy fiction, curating lots of playlists, traveling toward water, collecting (and using) the hottest hot sauces, and sitting in the back row of a movie theater for every horror film.
Learn More About Our Staff(this link opens in new window)Get Involved with Madison Ave Baptist Church
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Volunteer with us
Whether you volunteer with us every week, or make it a special occasion, your help makes a difference to our community
See Opportunities -
Donate
MABC is a nonprofit church that relies on generous supporters like you to keep it going.
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Membership
Become a member of the MABC community! We have opportunities for both our NYC-based community and virtual community.
Join Us
Music at MABC Music is part of our DNA here at MABC
Our music program has historically served as a focal point of our worship. In fact, we hosted the first performance of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971. Today, the Madison Avenue Baptist Church hosts a sextet of Broadway and off-Broadway singers led by our Minister of Music Aza Sydykov. Our music ranges from plainchant and classical to gospel and Bruce Springsteen.
More About Our Music Program
Family Friendly Services Children's Church – for the little ones while you worship
Children’s Church at MABC is led by a professional child educator who leads the kids in a separate program during the main Sunday service each week. The program includes a Bible story, interactive activities, and a craft.
Learn MoreUpcoming Events at MABC
See Events Calendar-
Nov 11th Wednesday | 2026Learn MoreEXTERNAL EVENT: “Caring & Sharing Fall Benefit” at Metro Baptist Church
This is an external event outside of MABC. For questions, please contact Metro Baptist Church directly. TASTE, TALK, AND TOAST ALL EVENING! Join us for an evening of mingling, light bites, drinks, and entertainment...
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Nov 11th Wednesday | 2026Learn MoreVirtual Film Screening: Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities
Lights, Camera, Action! Join us for 6 lunchtime screenings of the film series: “Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities” Wednesdays from September 2nd through October 7th 2:00 pm- 2:45 pm EST/ 11:00 am-11:45 am...
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Nov 12th Thursday | 2026Learn MoreBeer and Bible: “When Does a Journey become Spiritual?”
Beer & Bible is back! The MABC community has a long tradition of informal gatherings where friends dine and discuss the Bible. After a hiatus, we're reintroducing B&B, this time hosted by our member, Gayle Stahlhuth. The...
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