About Us.

For over 42 years, Rock City Church has been a Spirit-led family in Baltimore where multiple generations and nations gather under one roof.

We are a Purpose, People, & Presence driven church, equipping every person to know God, discover their purpose, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our desire is to impact lives, cities, & nations together for the Kingdom of God.

Our Story.

In 1983, Bishop Bart and Coralee Pierce came to Baltimore believing the church should be a blessing to its city — and within months, the congregation had outgrown the basement where it met.

Forty years later, Rock City Church is a multinational church family with a reach beyond Baltimore and a heart still anchored in it. The history is rich — but the work has just begun.

WHAT WE BELIEVE.

The truth we build our lives on.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended to the Father, and will return again in power and glory.
(John 1:1, 14; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Revelation 19:11–16)
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity who convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers, empowers holy living, and equips the Church for ministry.
(John 16:8–13; Titus 3:5; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:16–25; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7)
The Trinity
We believe there is one eternal God, revealed in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, and one in essence.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1–3)
The Church
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The local church exists to worship God, make disciples, proclaim the Gospel, administer the ordinances, demonstrate God's Kingdom, and equip believers for ministry. (1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:42–47; Ephesians 1:22–23)
Water Baptism
We believe water baptism by immersion is the biblical testimony of a believer's union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The believer is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3–4; Acts 2:38)
The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Bible is our final authority for faith, doctrine, and Christian living. (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12)
Communion: The Lord's Supper
We also believe the Lord's Supper is a sacred remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a celebration of our fellowship with Him until He returns. (Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
Baptism of The Holy Spirit
We believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct empowering work available to every believer for effective witness and ministry. This promise, first poured out on the Day of Pentecost, remains available to the Church today.
(Acts 1:4–5, 8; Acts 2:1–4; Acts 2:38–39; Acts 10:44–46)
Spiritual Gifts
We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to operate today for the edification of the Church, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the glory of Jesus Christ. Spiritual gifts are to be exercised biblically, in love, and under spiritual accountability. (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Romans 12:6–8)
Humanity & Salvation
We believe all people are created in the image of God, but because of sin, we are separated from Him. Salvation is found only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and is received by grace through faith, not by human works. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are regenerated, justified, adopted into God's family, and progressively sanctified. (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:3–6; Romans 5:1; Galatians 4:4–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Laying on of Hands
We believe the laying on of hands is a biblical practice for blessing, healing, commissioning, impartation, ordination, and prayer, as demonstrated throughout the New Testament. (Acts 6:6; Acts 13:2–3; 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 6:1–2; Mark 16:18)
Divine Healing
We believe healing was provided through the atoning work of Jesus Christ (shedding of blood) and remains a ministry of the Church through faith, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 8:16–17; James 5:14–16; 1 Peter 2:24)
Christian Stewardship
We believe God calls His people to faithfully steward their lives, gifts, finances, and resources for His glory. We practice generosity as an act of worship and partnership in advancing God's Kingdom. (Malachi 3:10; Luke 16:10–11; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8; 1 Peter 4:10)
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
We believe God created humanity as male and female in His image. Marriage is God's covenant between one man and one woman and is the only biblical context for sexual intimacy. We affirm the dignity of every person while calling all people to repentance, holiness, and new life through Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
Resurrection and Eternal Judgment
We believe Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead and that all people will experience a bodily resurrection. Those who have trusted in Christ will enjoy eternal life with Him in Heaven, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God. (John 5:28–29; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23; Revelation 20:11–15; Matthew 25:46)
Women in Ministry
We believe God calls, gifts, and empowers both men and women for ministry according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We affirm that women are called to faithfully serve in every area of ministry according to the gifts and calling God has placed upon their lives. (Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:17–18; Galatians 3:28; Romans 16:1–7)
The Second Coming
We believe Jesus Christ will personally, visibly, and gloriously return to establish His Kingdom and fulfill all things according to Scripture. (Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 22:12)
The Five-Fold Ministry
We believe Christ continues to give apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry: to build up the Church, preserve unity, and advance His Kingdom until the Body of Christ reaches maturity. (Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Corinthians 12:28)

You were made on purpose for a purpose.

- Pastor Jim Kilmartin

OUR LEADERSHIP.

Bishop Bart & Coralee Pierce

Founding Pastors
Bishop Bart and Coralee Pierce planted what would become Rock City Church in 1983 — a house known for compassion, prayer, and the presence of God. More than four decades later, their yes to God still shapes generations, and their heart still beats at the center of this house.

Pastors Jim & Jessica Kilmartin

Senior Pastors
Pastors Jim and Jess Kilmartin have served in ministry for more than 20 years — from launching Joshua House Youth Ministry, to planting Center City Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to transitioning into their current roles as Senior Pastors of Rock City Church on November 3, 2024. Their friendship with Bishop Pierce spans over two decades — and together with their six children, they now call this house home.

COME BE PART OF IT.

The story isn't finished — and there's a place in it for you. Join us for a service, find your ministry, or serve this city alongside us. 

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