Our Story
Lighthouse Baptist Church, located in Waldorf, Maryland, was founded on September 1, 1996, by Reverend Calvin Johnson, with the steadfast support of his wife Burnell and Deacon Frank Boone. What began with a small group worshiping in his garage has grown into a vibrant, community-centered ministry grounded in faith, service, and resilience.
After becoming incorporated in 1997 and obtaining 501(c)(3) status in 1999, the church set out to build a permanent home in the Westlake community. The journey to construct its facility at 3150 Middletown Road was marked by a series of profound trials and tribulations—so intense that they felt like the “Job Effect,” where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. The church faced neighbor opposition, a legal battle with an architect, construction delays from one of the worst snowstorms on record, a project manager walking off the job, costly code requirements, and unexpected financial burdens. These compounded issues brought delays and frustration but never diminished the church’s faith or determination. Pastor Johnson, along with his faithful team, pressed forward through every hardship, often making personal sacrifices to keep the vision alive.
In November 2004, their perseverance bore fruit as Lighthouse held its first worship service in its newly completed facility. From this foundation, the church continued to grow—supporting missions in Mexico, Africa, and Puerto Rico; planting churches; expanding youth and children’s ministries; embracing technology with online services; and investing in local outreach and education.
Marking its 25th anniversary in 2021 and celebrating 28 years of ministry in 2024, Lighthouse Baptist Church stands today as a living testimony to the power of faith, unity, and endurance. Through trials and triumphs, it continues to be a beacon of light in Waldorf and beyond—fulfilling its calling to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
Our Guiding Principles of Faith
Vision
Our vision is to be a lighthouse for our community that guides souls from all races and backgrounds out of the darkness into the light of Christ. Our aim is to create a house of prayer where people frequently encounter the power of God, experiencing deliverance, healing, and miracles. We endeavor to be a church that cultivates and nurtures personal growth and transformation after salvation. Through sound biblical teaching and preaching, we will minister to the spiritual, mental, and physical needs of our community. Finally, our goal is to build and sustain a multi-use Beacon of Light Christian Center that expands our outreach and missions programs and meet the needs of the local and international communities.
Mission
The mission of Lighthouse Baptist Church is to preach and teach the gospel to win souls to the Lord Jesus Christ. Disciplining new believers and mature fruitful Christians to go into the world and spread the good news.
We shall: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Meet Our Leadership Team
Rev. Calvin Johnson
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dale Contee
Assistant Pastor
Deacon Thomas Roberts III
Senior Deacon
Sis. Donna Goode
Church Clerk
Senior Pastor Calvin Johnson
Reverend Calvin Johnson is the founder and current Senior Pastor of the Lighthouse Baptist Church, Waldorf, Maryland.
Rev. Johnson earned his master’s degree in Biblical/Theological studies in 2010. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management. Along with his accomplishments in education, Rev. Johnson has received the Degree of Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Among his many decorations, Rev. Johnson received two Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Air Force Communications Command Program Manager of the Year Award. After retiring from the military, he continued to work for the Air Force and Navy for thirteen years as the Director of Support Services and a Telecommunications Manager. As a Department of Defense employee, he received two Civilian Meritorious Service Awards.
In 1996, while serving as an Associate Minister with another church, Rev. Johnson was led to start a “new work” for the Lord. The Lighthouse Baptist Mission had a humble beginning along with a new founding Pastor, ordaining him as the first Pastor in 1997. Since his calling, Rev. Johnson has ordained and led a large volume of people to Christ and serves as a pillar in the Charles County community.
A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, though his career has allowed him to travel around the world, Rev. Johnson has served the Charles County community for over 20 years. He is married to the Rev. Burnell Johnson; together, they have raised 4 beautiful daughters, and their family grows continually. Rev. Johnson and his wife Burnell currently reside in Waldorf, Maryland. His favorite pastime is studying God’s word, spending time with his family, and fishing.
Assistant Pastor Dale Contee
Reverend Dale Contee is the Assistant Pastor of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Waldorf, Maryland, a position she has proudly held since 2015. Rev. Contee graduated from Calvary Christian College, Waldorf, Maryland in 2008 where she holds a bachelor’s degree of Religious Science, Biblical Studies.
Rev. Contee has served in various ministries. Of all that she has served, her passion is Christian Education. She enjoys studying and teaching the Word of God, particularly to those that are new to Christ.
Rev. Contee not only enjoys teaching God’s Word, but she also enjoys reading the Bible. One of her favorite scriptures is found in John 15:16, which states: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit.”
A native of Charles County, Maryland, Rev. Contee enjoys reading and fishing as her favorite hobbies, especially cooking and preparing meals for her church family. Rev. Contee currently resides in Charles County, Maryland, where she is surrounded by the best fishing areas in Southern Maryland; there she spends her quiet time, relaxing.