Maranatha Baptist Church

This was the most amazing family trip we have ever taken. We did not witness any power trips and we were one of the "latecomers" escorted to the front. Having strong people in charge is not optional when a sitting or former President attends a function. You will definitely see bomb sniffing dogs and plenty of Secret Service. They will look into the windows of your car. They will not allow you to take a bag or backpack inside. Phones and cameras will be inspected by Secret Service agents as well as your wallet. The leaders of the church will tell you what you can and can't do. It's not optional. You will do it. "Latecomers" are seated in the front for a reason. Everything done on the days President Carter is there is done for a reason. Not a whim.

So, with that out of the way, we had an exceptional experience and my son will have this memory to hold onto for the rest of his life. Mrs. Jan, Mrs. Betty, Pastor Brandon and, of course, President Carter were all welcoming and treated us as if they had known us all their lives. It was an almost six hour drive for us and we only spent one night. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! Wonderful service and message. President Carter is amazingly eloquent and shared very insightful stories about his time in office as well as how he views our current political situations. He related those stories to Bible passages that perfectly illustrated his compassion, understanding and acceptance of others. Pastor Brandon did an excellent job in the church service. His message illustrated a deeper understanding of the overall service and message.

We downloaded and listened to "An Hour Before Daylight" by President Carter on the way down. I highly recommend doing the same so you have a deeper understanding of who and where you are visiting.

God Speed to President Carter. I was not a fan of his politics and had I been of age, I’d have never voted for him, but he’s been an exemplary former President, the one by which all others are measured and all come up short. I wish him peace and happiness in the time he has left. Thanks, Jimmy, a life well lived. If there is a Heaven you will surely be there.

Incredible experience with President Carter last week. HIGHLY ADVISE SPENDING THE NIGHT IN THE PARKING LOT if you want to get seats in the sanctuary. We arrived at 3:30 AM and were the last to get in- group number 80. Not much sleep but oh so worth it. Absolutely wonderful congregation, they made everyone feel so welcome. Once in a lifetime chance!

What a wonderful experience me and my daughter had going to see President Carter teach Sunday school. The wonderful members of this church spend so much time and energy in welcoming and directing the 100's of guests who show up. Very kind and giving people.

It was an amazing experience to hear President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday school at this tiny church in Plains last weekend. We drove about three hours to be in the church parking lot by 5:30 a.m. and were still put in the "overflow" room. Which was fine because Mr. Carter visited our room and actually took questions from the visitors with us. There are a lot of rules--no large bags, no liquids, no pictures except at approved times. The church volunteers help people park, explain the rules and work with Secret Service for the hundreds of people who visit their church when the Carters are there. They were genuine, kind and funny people.
Even if you don't agree with Carter politically, or maybe you're not religious at all, it's incredible that at 93 years old a former US president is teaching Sunday school and it's open to the public. Some people who visit have never been to a church before.
The picture doesn't really do it justice, but since everyone is there at sunrise, there is a beautiful view of the pecan groves.

This was a bucket list I was able to check off in my life. Driving 14 hours to this little church in the tiny town of Plains, GA not just to see a former president teach Sunday school. But to see one of the most inspirational humanitarians I know. I have loved Mr Carter since I was a young child and my respect grew 10 fold with his post president advocacy for peace after he left the capital. Cap that experience with the charm and wonderment of a Norman Rockwell style experience with this church. it was incredible moment of my life.

Sunday School with President Carter is a faith affirming experience. Last Sunday, even withering in the heat of the sanctuary, President and Mrs. Carter stayed to have a picture made with everyone who wanted one. They are truly an admirable couple...

Rev. Lowden is a minister with a message, the dancers moved me, and I met members of the Congregational Black Caucus who were visiting.

See you there

I loved seeing the church that Jimmy Carter attends.

Wonderful service former President Carter’s niece taught Sunday school today. Pastor Lowden spoke on the topic “Why me Lord”? He reached down with points that covered each and everyone in the congregation today. The church members are very warm and friendly people. It’s a shame we live so far away. It would be a great congregation to call home. Traveling from New Jersey.

I've had the opportunity to get up close with President & Mrs. Carter on three occasions. Always a humbling experience to be around these very gracious people.

Now, more than ever, with the arrogant, egotistical imbecile we have in the White House, one appreciates what a great man Pres. Carter was (and is).

Wonderful visit. Small, very friendly congregation. Honored to worship with President and Mrs Carter on this Easter Sunday.

Enjoyed Sunday School taught by former President Jimmy Carter. If you haven't heard him teach, you are missing out. He and Mrs. Carter are very kind and caring.

May God bless America's ***President Carter*** and President's Carter whole family. And may God bless the church there he attended.

What a gracious church to allow us to cram in to attend President Carter's Sunday School. Really a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you to Maranatha for the open doors.

Hearing a former US president, and someone who is still very active in world politics and humanitarian pursuits. talk about his (and our) faith was extremely interesting and revealing. The MBC also is extraordinarily well organized in terms of access to the "Sunday school lesson" and afterward for photos with Jimmy and Rosalynn (pronounced ROSE-ah-lɪn, if you care to get it right).

This church is so welcoming. The minister is down to earth and really is a man of God. President Carter's lessons at Sunday school are always relatable

Met President Carter for a Sunday School lesson. The church is spacious with a pleasant staff. An experience I'll always remember.

Always a delight to visit Maranatha Baptist Church to hear President Carter teach Sunday school. The people are always friendly!

Being able to meet Jimmy Carter and here him teach was such a blessing. He spoke on racism which is an extremely timely (unfortunately) topic.

President Carter was very welcoming and friendly . He gave a great sermon and I look forward to going back again